Cheese Focaccia w/ Green Onions, Za’atar & Sumac

This focaccia is where Italian comfort meets Middle Eastern flavor. The dough bakes up soft and airy, with a slightly crisp, golden crust. Topped with chunks of cheese, fresh green onions, and a fragrant mix of za’atar and sumac, every bite is rich, savory, and just a little earthy — a flavorful upgrade from your usual herbed bread.

It’s simple enough for a weeknight bake, yet bold enough to serve at a gathering. Whether you enjoy it warm from the oven, dipped in olive oil, or as a base for sandwiches or mezze, this focaccia is as versatile as it is satisfying.

Add a sprinkle of sesame or black cumin seeds for a little crunch, and you’ve got a bread that’s anything but ordinary.

Enjoy!

Cheese Focaccia with Green Onions, Za’atar & Sumac

Elena-Greta Apostol

This is a fluffy, golden focaccia recipe infused with za’atar, sumac, melty cheese, and fresh green onions — the perfect fusion of classic Italian bread and bold Middle Eastern flavor.

5 from 1 vote

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Waiting Time 1 hour hr

Total Time 1 hour hr 40 minutes mins

Course Appetizer, Pastry

Cuisine Italian

Servings 8 servings

Ingredients

 

US CustomaryMetric

 

1x2x3x

For the dough:

• 800 g all-purpose flour
• 500 ml warm water
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 tsp salt
• 20 g dry yeast

For the toppings:

• 200 g cheese cut into large chunks (asiago, feta, mozzarella, or halloumi work well)
• 3 tbsp za’atar
• 1 tsp sumac
• 1 bunch green onions chopped

Instructions

 

• In a large bowl, combine the flour, yeast, sugar, salt, olive oil, and warm water. Mix until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms.
• Cover the dough and let it rise until it doubles in size (about 1 hour).
• Lightly oil a large baking sheet or tray. Transfer the dough onto the tray and stretch it out gently using oiled hands.
• Distribute the cheese and chopped green onions evenly over the surface.
  
• In a small bowl, mix the za’atar and sumac with a bit of olive oil (optional, but enhances flavor). Drizzle or brush this mixture over the dough. Press everything in slightly with your fingers.
• Bake at 180°C (350°F) for about 30 minutes, or until the focaccia is golden and cooked through.
• Let it cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Enjoy!

Notes

Tips:

✔ For a fluffier texture, allow a second rise directly in the baking tray (20–30 minutes).

✔ For a more intense flavor, mix the za’atar and sumac with a bit of olive oil before spreading them on the dough.

✔ Sprinkle with sesame or black cumin seeds before baking for a satisfying crunch.

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

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Elena-Greta Apostol

I simply love cooking and talking about food and recipes so much so that I dropped my successful corporate advertising career five years ago to become a full-time food blogger. And I couldn't be happier. What excites me? Sharing flavors that transport me back to my childhood, using the tricks I learned from my mom for preparing treats, and experimenting with new ingredients while exploring the forgotten corners of local (and beyond) gastronomy.