Lebanese Herb Bread is a simple rustic bread infused with fragrant herbs and olive oil. Soft on the inside with a lightly crisp crust, it is a beautiful accompaniment to hummus, labneh, soups, grilled meats, and Lebanese mezze.


What Makes Lebanese Herb Bread Special?

Herbs are an important part of Lebanese cooking, and this bread brings their fresh, earthy flavor into a simple homemade loaf.

A combination of za'atar, thyme, oregano, parsley, and olive oil gives the bread a wonderful Mediterranean aroma. You can use fresh herbs, dried herbs, or a mixture depending on what you have available.

Ingredients

For 1 large loaf:

  • 500 g bread flour
  • 325 ml warm water
  • 1½ teaspoons instant yeast
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon dried za'atar
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, optional

How to Make Lebanese Herb Bread

1. Prepare the Dough

Place the warm water, yeast, and sugar in a large bowl. Stir and let it sit for about 5 minutes.

Add the flour, salt, and olive oil. Mix until the ingredients come together into a soft dough.

Knead for 8–10 minutes, until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.

2. Add the Herbs

Add the za'atar, oregano, thyme, and chopped parsley.

Gently knead until the herbs are evenly distributed throughout the dough.

The dough should smell wonderfully fragrant at this stage.

3. Let the Dough Rise

Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl and cover it.

Leave it somewhere warm for approximately 1–1½ hours, or until it doubles in size.

4. Shape the Bread

Gently press down the risen dough and shape it into a round or oval loaf.

Place it on a parchment-lined baking tray.

Cover and let it rest for another 20–30 minutes.

Before baking, brush the surface with a little olive oil and sprinkle with sesame seeds if desired.

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5. Bake

Preheat the oven to 220–230°C (425–450°F).

Make a few shallow cuts across the top of the loaf.

Bake for approximately 25–35 minutes, until the crust becomes golden brown.

The bread should sound hollow when tapped underneath.

Allow it to cool for about 15 minutes before slicing.

An Easy Za'atar Variation

For an even more Lebanese-inspired version, make a simple topping with:

  • 2 tablespoons za'atar
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds

Mix everything together and spread it over the surface of the dough before baking.

The result is a wonderfully aromatic bread with a savory, nutty crust.

How to Serve Herb Bread

Fresh Herb Bread is delicious with:

  • Hummus
  • Labneh
  • Baba ghanoush
  • Olive oil
  • Za'atar
  • Fresh tomatoes
  • Lebanese olives
  • Grilled vegetables
  • Chicken or lamb
  • Lentil soup

For breakfast, try warming a slice and serving it with labneh, olive oil, and fresh mint.

Storage

Store cooled bread in an airtight container or bread bag for up to 2 days.

You can also slice and freeze it. Warm individual slices in the oven or toaster when ready to eat.

The Taste of the Lebanese Countryside

Lebanese Herb Bread is a beautiful example of rustic Mediterranean cooking. The recipe is uncomplicated, but the combination of fresh herbs, za'atar, olive oil, and freshly baked bread creates an irresistible aroma.

Serve it warm, tear it by hand, and share it around the table—just as rustic bread is meant to be enjoyed.