Easy Za’atar Scalloped Potatoes

Elevate your side dish game with Easy Za’atar Scalloped Potatoes! Creamy, cheesy, and infused with zesty Middle Eastern za’atar, this dish is perfect for holiday feasts or cozy dinners.

Craving a cozy, crowd-pleasing side dish with a unique flair? 

Y’all, this Easy Za’atar Scalloped Potatoes elevate the classic creamy potato casserole with the vibrant, Middle Eastern spice blend featuring thyme, sumac, and sesame seeds. 

Perfect for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or weeknight dinners, this dish combines tender, thinly sliced potatoes with a rich, savory sauce and a zesty twist. My favorite way to enjoy comfort! 

What is Za’atar

Za’atar is a vibrant and aromatic Middle Eastern spice blend known for its earthy, tangy, and slightly nutty flavor profile. Comprised mixture of dried thyme oregano, sumac, toasted white sesame seeds and kosher salt. As a spice blend, za’atar is a versatile staple in dishes like flatbreads, dips, roasted vegetables, meats

I’m slightly obsessed with za’atar so if you need a few more recipes to highlight this Middle Eastern spice don’t sleep on these: Air Fryer Za’atar Pickles, Baked Za’atar Fish Sticks, or Za’atar Roasted Chicken and Potatoes.   

Why add Za’atar to Scalloped Potatoes 

This dish shines with its simplicity and bold flavor profile, offering a fresh take on traditional scalloped potatoes. What’s great about these potatoes is it is not only embarrassingly easy to make but is so versatile just like its classic cousin. Whether paired with roasted meats, grilled vegetables, or a festive holiday spread. I promise they will become a household favorite. 

Ingredients Used to Make Easy Za’atar Scalloped Potatoes

Easy Za’atar Scalloped Potatoes are a flavorful twist on the classic creamy potato casserole, combining tender potatoes, a rich sauce, and the earthy, tangy za’atar spice blend. You’ll need the following ingredients: 

• Yukon Gold Potatoes
• Unsalted Butter
• All-purpose Flour
• Whole Milk 
• Chicken Stock
• Garlic
• Za’atar Seasoning
• Kosher salt and freshly ground 
• Shredded White Cheddar Cheese
• Sliced White Onion
• Fresh Oregano
• Crumbled Feta
• Sliced Olives 

How to Make Easy Za’atar Scalloped Potatoes

Follow the steps below to elevate the classic creamy potato casserole with the earthy, tangy flavors of za’atar! 

• Preheat your oven to 400 degrees and spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
• In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk for one minute, then slowly add the milk followed by the chicken broth, whisking continuously. Add the garlic, za’atar, kosher salt, ground pepper and cook, whisking often, for 2 to 3 minutes, or until the sauce lightly coats the back of a spoon. Remove from the heat.
• Layer half of the potatoes at the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Top with half the sliced onion, then half the sauce and one cup of the shredded cheese. Repeat the layers with the remaining potatoes, onion, sauce, and ½ cup cheese.
• Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes, then uncover and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the cheese on top is browned. Let stand at room temperature for 20 minutes before serving and garnishing with oregano, feta, and olives if desired.

Variations

Below are several creative variations to modify the potatoes, sauce, or toppings, keeping the core concept of a za’atar-infused scalloped potato casserole:

Spicy Harissa Za’atar Scalloped Potatoes: Stir a small amount of harissa paste (adjust to taste) into the sauce along with za’atar. Use Yukon Gold potatoes for a buttery texture to balance the spice. Top with shredded mozzarella and a sprinkle of za’atar-sesame mix for a golden crust.

Sweet Potato and Za’atar Scalloped Potatoes: Alternate layers of thinly sliced sweet potatoes and Russet potatoes, or use sweet potatoes exclusively. Reduce the sauce’s salt slightly to balance the natural sweetness. Mix za’atar into the sauce and sprinkle extra between layers. Top with Parmesan for a nutty finish.

Cheesy Za’atar Scalloped Potatoes with Bacon: Cook and crumble crispy bacon, then layer it between potatoes or sprinkle on top before baking. Use a mix of cheddar and Gruyère in the sauce and as a topping for a rich, melty crust. Season with za’atar as usual.

Proper Storing 

Properly storing Easy Za’atar Scalloped Potatoes ensures their creamy texture, tender potatoes, and vibrant za’atar flavor remain intact:

Short-Term Storage (1-3 Days) : Allow the scalloped potatoes to cool to room temperature Place in an airtight container or cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Refrigerate for up to 3 days.

Long-Term Storage (Up to 2 Months):Cool the scalloped potatoes completely. If freezing the entire dish, wrap the baking dish tightly in plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Alternatively, portion into freezer-safe airtight containers or heavy-duty zip-top freezer bags for easier storage and reheating. Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality.