Summer break started early in our house this year. My daughter finished KG1, my kids are still waking up at 6 a.m., and I quickly realized I needed a plan to keep everyone fed, entertained, and reasonably happy until bedtime.
That’s how my unofficial Zayna’s Summer Camp was born.
One morning, while drinking my coffee and looking at a freezer bag full of leftover sandwich crusts, I decided our activity for the day would be making these Zaatar French Toast Muffins together. Not only did it keep the kids busy, but it also turned a pile of bread crusts into one of the easiest breakfasts we’ve made all summer.
These savory muffins are somewhere between manousheh, French toast, and a cheesy breakfast casserole. They’re packed with zaatar, halloumi, mozzarella, and olive oil, and they freeze beautifully for busy mornings.
Why You’ll Love These Zaatar French Toast Muffins
- Great way to use leftover bread crusts
- Kid-friendly cooking activity
- Perfect for breakfast or lunchboxes
- Freezer-friendly
- Made with simple pantry ingredients
- Middle Eastern-inspired flavors
- Easy meal prep recipe
If your kids regularly leave their sandwich crusts behind, this recipe is worth saving.
Ingredients
For the Muffins
- 5–6 cups bread crusts, chopped into small pieces
- 3 large eggs
- ¾ cup milk
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon zaatar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Black pepper to taste
Cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
- ¾ cup shredded halloumi
Optional
- ¼ cup sliced black olives
- Sesame seeds for topping
- Extra zaatar for sprinkling
How to Make Zaatar French Toast Muffins
Step 1: Prepare the Bread
Cut the bread crusts into small bite-sized pieces and place them in a large mixing bowl.
Step 2: Make the Egg Mixture
In a separate bowl, whisk together:
- Eggs
- Milk
- Olive oil
- Zaatar
- Salt
- Pepper
Whisk until everything is well combined.
Step 3: Add the Cheese
Add the shredded mozzarella and halloumi to the bread crusts.
If using olives, add them now as well.
Step 4: Combine Everything
Pour the egg mixture over the bread and cheese mixture.
Stir gently until all the bread pieces are coated.
Let the mixture sit for about 5 minutes so the bread can absorb some of the liquid.
Step 5: Fill the Muffin Tin
Grease a muffin pan.
Spoon the mixture into the muffin cups and gently press down to help them hold their shape.
Sprinkle with extra zaatar, sesame seeds, and a little extra cheese if desired.
Step 6: Bake
Bake at 180°C (375°F) for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy on top.
Allow the muffins to cool for a few minutes before removing them from the pan.
Pro Tips
Use Halloumi and Mozzarella Together
Halloumi gives these muffins their salty flavor while mozzarella adds the cheesy melt. Together they create the best texture.
Don’t Skip the Olive Oil
The olive oil helps toast the zaatar and gives the muffins a flavor similar to freshly baked manousheh.
Save Your Bread Crusts
I keep a freezer bag for leftover sandwich crusts. Once the bag is full, I use them in recipes like these muffins instead of throwing them away.
Make a Double Batch
These disappear quickly and freeze exceptionally well.
How to Store and Freeze
Refrigerator
Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer
Freeze completely cooled muffins in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
Reheating
For the best texture:
- Air fryer: 3–4 minutes
- Oven: 5–8 minutes
- Microwave: 30–45 seconds
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use regular bread instead of bread crusts?
Absolutely. Any sandwich bread works well in this recipe.
Can I use Arabic cheese instead of halloumi?
Yes. Akkawi or Nabulsi cheese works well, although you may want to soak it first if it’s very salty.
Can I add vegetables?
Yes. Chopped olives, spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers are all great additions.
Are these good for lunchboxes?
Very. They taste great warm or at room temperature.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes. They’re perfect for meal prep and freezer breakfasts.
🎥 Watch How to Make It
Zaatar French Toast Muffins
Ingredients
- 5 –6 cups bread crusts chopped
- 3 eggs
- ¾ cup milk
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon zaatar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Black pepper
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
- ¾ cup shredded halloumi
- ¼ cup sliced olives optional
- Sesame seeds optional
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease a 12-cup muffin pan.
- Chop the bread crusts into small bite-sized pieces and place them in a large mixing bowl.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, olive oil, zaatar, salt, and pepper until fully combined.
- Add the mozzarella cheese, shredded halloumi, and olives (if using) to the bread crusts.
- Pour the egg mixture over the bread and cheese mixture.
- Stir thoroughly until all the bread pieces are coated with the egg mixture.
- Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes so the bread can absorb some of the liquid.
- Spoon the mixture evenly into the prepared muffin tin.
- Gently press the mixture into each muffin cup so it holds together after baking.
- Sprinkle the tops with extra zaatar, sesame seeds, and additional cheese if desired.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes or until the tops are golden brown and crisp.
- Allow the muffins to cool for 5 minutes before removing them from the muffin pan.
- Serve warm or store for later.
Notes
- Great use for leftover sandwich crusts.
- Freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheat in the air fryer for the best texture.
- Halloumi and mozzarella together provide the best flavor and melt.
You May Also Like
- Looking for another easy breakfast? Try my Peanut Butter and Jelly Uncrustables.
- Need a high-protein meal prep option? Make these Scrambled Egg Muffins.
- Pair these muffins with my Homemade Yogurt Pouches for a complete kid-friendly breakfast.
