Za’atar Roasted Zucchini and Bacon Sandwiches with Harissa Mayo and Sweet Potato Wedges

These loaded sandwiches are a veggie-forward dinner that will change how you think about sandwiches. Roasted zucchini and bell pepper get an earthy boost from za’atar spice, then are layered onto crusty baguettes with pan-seared onion, salty feta and crispy bacon. A creamy harissa and red pepper mayo ties it all together.

On the side, sweet potato wedges are roasted until caramelized and tender, with a hint of harissa for warmth. It’s a complete meal that’s as satisfying as it is flavorful.

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Ingredients

0.5 cup Feta CheeseView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 unit OnionView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 unit ZucchiniView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

2 unit Sweet PotatoView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

4 tablespoon MayonnaiseView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

0.5 unit Red Pepper JamView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

0.16 tablespoon Harissa PowderView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 unit Bell PepperView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

2 unit Demi-BaguetteView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

4 ounce BaconView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 tablespoon Za'atar SpiceView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 tablespoon (tbsp) Cooking OilView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

teaspoon (tsp) Black PepperView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 tablespoon (tbsp) ButterView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

teaspoon (tsp) SaltView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

Instructions

1. Adjust racks to top and middle positions and preheat oven to 450°F. Wash and dry produce. Cut sweet potatoes into ½-inch-thick wedges. Trim and slice zucchini crosswise on a diagonal into ½-inch-thick rounds. Halve, core and slice bell pepper into ½-inch-thick strips. Peel and thinly slice onion into rounds.
2. Toss sweet potatoes on a baking sheet with a drizzle of oil, ¼ tsp harissa powder (½ tsp for 4 servings), salt and pepper. (Add a pinch more harissa powder if you like things spicy!) Toss zucchini and bell pepper on a second baking sheet with a drizzle of oil, za’atar spice, salt and pepper. Roast sweet potatoes on top rack and zucchini and bell pepper on middle rack until everything is browned and tender, 20-25 minutes. Tip: Zucchini and bell pepper may finish before sweet potatoes; check after 15 minutes and if so, remove from oven and continue roasting sweet potatoes.
3. While veggies roast, in a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, half the jam (all for 4 servings) and ¼ tsp harissa powder (½ tsp for 4). (Add more harissa to taste if desired.) Season with salt and pepper.
4. Heat a drizzle of oil in a large, preferably nonstick, pan over medium-high heat. Add onion rounds and cook, undisturbed, until deeply browned and tender, 2-3 minutes per side. Season with salt and pepper. Turn off heat; transfer to a plate. Wipe out pan.
5. Halve baguettes lengthwise. Melt 1 TBSP butter in pan used for onion over medium heat. Add baguettes, cut sides down and toast until golden brown, 1-3 minutes. Tip: Depending on the size of your pan, you may need to toast in batches, using 1 TBSP butter for each batch.
6. Press feta into cut sides of bottom buns. Spread cut sides of top buns with harissa mayo (save some for serving). Fill buns with zucchini, bell pepper and onion. Divide sandos and sweet potato wedges between plates. Serve with remaining harissa mayo on the side for dipping.

Recipe Tips

FAQ

Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes, simply omit the bacon. The sandwiches are still hearty with the roasted vegetables and feta.

What can I use instead of demi-baguette?

You can use a regular baguette cut into portions or substitute with ciabatta rolls or sturdy sandwich bread.

Is the harissa mayo very spicy?

It has a mild warmth. Adjust the amount of harissa powder to your taste-add more for extra heat or omit for a milder version.