Pletzel is not just a drunken misspelling of pretzel, but a Jewish flatbread that falls somewhere between an oversized bialy and chewy focaccia. Some call it an “onion board” for the thick layer of silky sautéed onions baked right into the top, but that doesn’t do proper justice to the combination. Nutty poppy seeds are scattered like sprinkles on a cake, firmly adhered with a generous amount of olive oil, grassy and buttery all at once.

In honor of the 16th annual World Bread Day, I wanted to shine a light on this most humble loaf. It’s an event I would never willingly miss, because bread is not just sustenance; it’s a symbol of culture, tradition, and memories.

Pletzel, also spelled platzel or pletzl and pronounced “pleht-suhl,” might not be as renowned as challah or bagels, but it’s a true gem in Jewish baking history. As a testament to the resourcefulness of Jewish bakers, the dough is made from just the basics: flour, salt, yeast, water, and oil.

The Legacy of Pletzels

The pletzel can be traced back many centuries to Eastern Europe, where Jewish communities adapted their bread recipes out of necessity. It was an everyday staple, as it required fewer ingredients and less time to prepare than more luxurious loaves, like egg-heavy challah. Pletzel quickly became a staple in Jewish households, serving as a versatile companion to any meal.

Pletzels emigrated to the US along with the Polish, Lithuanian, and Ukrainian Jews in the mid-20th century, although they largely faded away as a relic of the past. It’s a rare sight to find them in any bakery or delicatessen outside of their motherland.

A Twist On Tradition

I don’t often have poppy seeds on hand, but I do have an abundance of za’atar. This savory seasoning blend combines oregano, marjoram or thyme, and earthy spices like cumin and coriander with toasted sesame seeds. Intense and pungent, especially with a pinch of tangy sumac, it’s one of those all-purpose mixes that works on just about any dish.

While not complicated by any means, we can still make it simpler and quicker thanks to the modern marvel of prepared pizza dough. Go all out and make your own from scratch, or shave at least an hour off of the process and jump right in; you can still call it homemade if you accept the assist.

Serving Suggestions

Like any other fluffy flatbread, a good pletzel has limitless potential for pairings. It’s a delight enjoyed all by itself, freshly baked and still warm from the oven, or dressed up with a greater meal.

• Serve alongside soup or stew
• Stack on a charcuterie board
• Slice in half and stuff with meatless cold cuts or sandwich spreads

The Daily Bread

In today’s fast-paced world, the pletzel may not be as common on our tables as it once was. However, it’s a bread worth preserving and celebrating. Especially on World Bread Day, there’s never been a better time to remember the importance of preserving our culinary heritage, one slice at a time.

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Yield: Makes 8 - 10 Servings

Za'atar Pletzel

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Like a cross between a bialy and chewy focaccia, this humble Jewish flatbread is quick, delicious, and deserves a place on your table.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 1 hour 10 minutes

Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes

Ingredients

• 3 Tablespoons Olive Oil
• 2 Medium Red and/or Yellow Onions, Diced
• 1 Pound Pizza Dough
• 3 - 4 Tablespoons Za'atar
• 1/4 Teaspoon Coarse Salt

Instructions

1. Heat the oil in a saucepan over medium-high heat, add the onions, and sauté for about 5 minutes, until translucent. Turn down the heat to medium-low and continue to cook, stirring every periodically, for 40 – 45 minutes. Gradually, the color will darken to a rich amber brown. Remove from the heat and let cool.
   
   
2. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Lightly grease and spread the dough on top in a rough oval shape, about 1/2-inch thick. Spread the onions in a even layer on top. Sprinkle with za'atar and salt.
   
   
3. Bake for 20 - 25 minutes, until golden brown. Let stand until cool enough to handle. Slice and enjoy.

Recommended Products

Please note that some of the links above are affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you decide to make a purchase after clicking through the link. I have experience with all of these companies and I recommend them because they are helpful and useful, not because of the small commissions I make if you decide to buy something through my links.

• 
  Maldon, Sea Salt Flakes, 8.5 oz (240 g)
• 
  La Tourangelle, 100% Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil, 25.4 fl oz (750 ml)
• 
  Frontier Co-op, Za'atar Seasoning, 1.90 oz (55 g)

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

10

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 160Total Fat: 7gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 286mgCarbohydrates: 22gFiber: 1gSugar: 1gProtein: 3g

All nutritional information presented within this site are intended for informational purposes only. I am not a certified nutritionist and any nutritional information on BitterSweetBlog.com should only be used as a general guideline. This information is provided as a courtesy and there is no guarantee that the information will be completely accurate. Even though I try to provide accurate nutritional information to the best of my ability, these figures should still be considered estimations.