Traditional Palestinian Sesame Bread

Ka’ak Al-Quds is a traditional Palestinian sesame bread known for its golden, crispy crust and soft, airy interior. This oval-shaped bread, generously coated in sesame seeds, is a beloved street food in Jerusalem. It is best enjoyed warm with cheese, zaatar, or tea.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Authentic Palestinian Flavor – A taste of traditional Middle Eastern street food.
• Golden & Crispy – The sesame crust adds a delightful crunch.
• Soft & Fluffy Inside – Perfectly light and airy texture.
• Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and straightforward preparation.
• Pairs Well with Everything – Enjoy it with cheese, olive oil, or your favorite dips.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Dough:

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons instant yeast
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ¼ cup olive oil
• 1 ¼ cups warm water (adjust as needed)

For the Topping:

• ½ cup sesame seeds
• ¼ cup warm water (for brushing)
• 1 teaspoon honey or molasses (optional, for extra golden color)

Directions

Prepare the Dough:

1. Mix Dry Ingredients – In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, instant yeast, sugar, and salt.
2. Add Wet Ingredients – Gradually add warm water and olive oil while mixing.
3. Knead the Dough – Knead for about 8-10 minutes until the dough becomes soft and elastic.
4. First Rise – Cover with a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.

Shape the Bread:

5. Divide & Shape – Punch down the dough and divide it into 4-6 equal pieces.
6. Form Rings – Roll each piece into a long rope, about 12-14 inches long, then connect the ends to form an oval ring.
7. Rest Again – Let the shaped dough rest for 15 minutes.

Coat with Sesame Seeds:

8. Prepare Topping Mix – In a small bowl, mix warm water with honey or molasses (if using).
9. Brush & Coat – Brush each dough ring with the water mixture and press both sides into sesame seeds until fully coated.

Bake:

10. Preheat the Oven – Set the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
11. Bake Until Golden – Place the sesame-coated dough rings on the baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.

Serve & Enjoy:

12. Cool Slightly – Let the bread rest for a few minutes before serving.
13. Pair & Serve – Enjoy warm with cheese, zaatar, olive oil, or tea.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4-6 loaves
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Rise Time: 1-2 hours
• Bake Time: 15-20 minutes
• Total Time: About 2 hours

Variations

• Whole Wheat Version – Substitute half of the flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier texture.
• Extra Fluffy Bread – Use milk instead of water for a richer dough.
• Savory Addition – Sprinkle black sesame seeds or nigella seeds for added flavor.
• Sweeter Twist – Add 1 tablespoon of sugar or drizzle honey over the baked bread.
• Stuffed Ka’ak – Fill with cheese or dates before baking for a delicious variation.

Storage/Reheating

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Refrigeration: Keep in the fridge for up to 5 days. Warm before serving.
• Freezing: Freeze baked bread for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat before serving.
• Reheating: Warm in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes or toast lightly in a pan.

FAQs

What is Ka’ak Al-Quds?

It’s a traditional Palestinian sesame bread, often sold as street food in Jerusalem.

Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?

Yes, dissolve active dry yeast in warm water with sugar for 5 minutes before adding it to the flour.

How do I get a crispy crust?

Baking at a high temperature and brushing with honey-water helps achieve a golden, crispy crust.

Can I make this without sesame seeds?

Yes, but sesame seeds add a signature flavor. You can use poppy seeds or leave it plain.

Can I knead the dough in a stand mixer?

Yes, knead on medium speed for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.

Why is my bread dense?

Not enough rising time or using too much flour can result in dense bread. Allow it to rise fully for a soft texture.

What’s the best way to serve Ka’ak Al-Quds?

Enjoy it with zaatar, cheese, labneh, or even dipped in olive oil.

Can I bake this on a pizza stone?

Yes! A pizza stone helps create an even crispier crust. Preheat it before baking.

Can I make mini versions?

Yes, divide the dough into smaller portions for mini sesame breads, great for individual servings.

How do I keep the bread fresh?

Store in an airtight bag or container to prevent drying out.

Conclusion

Ka’ak Al-Quds is a delicious, golden sesame bread with a perfect balance of crispiness and softness. This traditional Palestinian bread is easy to make at home and pairs beautifully with a variety of dips and cheeses. Whether for breakfast, a snack, or alongside a meal, this recipe brings the flavors of Jerusalem straight to your kitchen. Try it today and enjoy a taste of Middle Eastern tradition!