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Jerusalem-Style Stuffed Rolls with Feta and Za'atar

Jerusalem-Style Stuffed Rolls with Feta and Za'atar

Soft, airy rolls stuffed with feta and za'atar, coated in date syrup and sesame.
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 7 large rolls
Course: Breads & Rolls
Cuisine: Middle Eastern

Ingredients
  

Dough
  • About 2¾ cups + 1 tablespoon (400 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup (240 ml) lukewarm milk
  • ⅓ cup (80 ml) lukewarm water
  • 1½ tablespoons (17 g) sugar
  • 1 tablespoon (10 g) instant yeast
  • ½ cup + 1 tablespoon (130 ml) neutral oil, such as canola
  • ¾ teaspoon (4 g) salt
Filling
  • 7 oz (200 g) Bulgarian feta (24% fat), drained and crumbled (any brined feta works)
  • 2–3 tablespoons (40–60 g) cream cheese
  • A little za'atar
Coating
  • 3 tablespoons date syrup (silan), or honey
  • ½ cup (120 ml) water
  • Sesame seeds, for coating

Method
 

  1. In a bowl, mix the lukewarm milk, water, sugar, and yeast until the yeast dissolves. Add the oil and stir.
  2. Add the flour and knead for 10–15 minutes, until the dough is very soft, elastic, and slightly sticky. Oiled hands help. Don't add extra flour.
  3. Add the salt and knead for about 1 more minute.
  4. Cover and let rise for about 1 hour, until doubled.
  5. Meanwhile, make the filling: mash together the feta, cream cheese, and a little za'atar until you have a smooth, firm mixture.
  6. Divide the dough into 7 equal balls. Flatten each ball, place a heaping tablespoon of filling in the center, and seal well.
  7. Turn each roll seam side down and flatten it slightly.
  8. In a bowl, mix the date syrup and water. Dip each ball in the mixture, then coat it in sesame seeds on all sides.
  9. Arrange on a parchment-lined baking sheet with a little space between them. Cover and let rise for 15–20 minutes.
  10. Use your fingers to press four indentations into the center of each roll.
  11. Bake in an oven preheated to 350°F (180°C) for 20–25 minutes, until the rolls are golden, puffed, and soft.

Notes

Tips for soft, airy rolls
  • Keep the dough soft. Oil your hands instead of adding flour.
  • Add the salt at the end of kneading, as written.
  • Seal each roll well so the cheese stays inside while baking.
  • They freeze well and stay soft after thawing.
Substitutions
  • Bulgarian feta → any brined feta. Crumble it well and drain off excess liquid.
  • Date syrup (silan) → honey.
  • Neutral oil → canola, sunflower, or another mild oil.