Za’atar Rice Paper Crunchers with Feta Dip
Shatter-crisp rice paper bites dusted with za’atar come with a lemony feta dip for dunking.
Prep: 15 · Cook: 10 · Total: 25 · Serves: 6 · Difficulty: Easy · Rating: 4.7/5 (214 reviews)
INSPIRED BY
Inspired by the airy crunch of fried rice paper snacks and the bright, salty flavors of a Mediterranean mezze plate.
Story
Theo says every good snack needs a sound effect, and these deliver a proper crackle. They are fast enough for a last-minute hang, but the za’atar and feta dip make them taste considered. Keep the dip cold and the crunchers piled high. The first handful disappears before anyone asks what they are made of.
By Theo
Ingredients
- 12 round rice paper wrappers
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp za’atar
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 4 oz feta cheese
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- 1 small garlic clove, grated
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh mint
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- Cucumber sticks, for serving
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 400 F and line two baking sheets with parchment.
- Cut each rice paper wrapper into quarters with kitchen shears and arrange the pieces in a single layer.
- Brush lightly with olive oil, then sprinkle with za’atar, smoked paprika, and salt.
- Bake until puffed, blistered, and crisp, 5 to 7 minutes, rotating the pans halfway through.
- Blend yogurt, feta, lemon zest, lemon juice, and garlic until mostly smooth, then fold in the mint.
- Pile the crunchers in a bowl, scatter with sesame seeds, and serve with feta dip and cucumber sticks.
Chef Tips
- Do not overlap the rice paper or the pieces will steam instead of crisping.
- Use a pastry brush for the thinnest oil coating and the lightest crunch.
- The dip can be made a day ahead and kept chilled.
- For a sharper dip, add a splash of red wine vinegar.
Cook's Notes
- Bake the rice paper in a single layer so every piece gets direct heat.
- Start checking at 5 minutes because thin wrappers can go from pale to burnt quickly.
- Store cooled crunchers airtight for one day; refresh them in a 350 F oven.
- Add cucumber or radish sticks for a fresh contrast.