Easy Homemade Flatbread Recipe - Freshly Baked Bread at Home! (2024)

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This Homemade Flatbread recipe is soft, fluffy, and super flavorful. Brush it with olive oil and sprinkle with fresh parsley on top for a warm, soft, and fresh snack or side dish.

Easy Homemade Flatbread Recipe - Freshly Baked Bread at Home! (1)

Homemade flatbread holds a special place in my heart as a cherished comfort food, especially as a Macedonian who loves her carbs! While many might reach for a crusty French loaf as their carb of choice, for me, it’s all about flatbread.

    Why You’ll Love This Easy Flatbread Recipe

    • Super Simple to Make: Making my own flatbread is not only quick and easy but also simpler than baking most breads. You don’t need to wait for a long rise time, and it’s cooked on a skillet, avoiding the unpredictability of an oven.
    • So Much Flavor: The secret to my flatbread’s above-average taste, tanginess, and fluffy texture is a simple but magical ingredient: plain yogurt!
    • Kid Friendly: Kids always love it when I make homemade bread recipes. But they seem to have a special place in their hearts for flatbread. I can’t blame them really… Homemade flatbread is warm, fragrant, and tastes amazing!

    What is the Difference Between Flatbread and Naan?

    Flatbread and naan are quite similar, with the primary difference being that flatbread is a broader category. Essentially, any unleavened bread made from a simple mix of flour, water, and salt can be classified as flatbread. Various Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisines feature their own unique versions, including pita, tortilla, piadina, and of course, naan. So, while Naan is a specific type of flatbread, there are many other delicious varieties of flatbread to explore and enjoy, just like this one.

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    What You’ll Need

    • Lukewarm Water: Warming the water (I microwave for 30 seconds) will activate the yeast, allowing it to rise the dough.
    • Active Dry Yeast: If you don’t bake much, you can get small packets of yeast in the baking isle of your grocery store.
    • Sugar
    • Plain Yogurt: Make sure you get plain yogurt without any flavoring (even vanilla). I prefer a full fat yogurt for this flatbread recipe.
    • Olive Oil
    • Seasoning: We’ll be using dried basil, oregano, garlic powder, and salt.
    • All-Purpose Flour
    • Fresh Parsley: This is optional, but it’s a nice addition to garnish with!

    How to Make Homemade Flatbread

    • Prep the Yeast: In a large mixing bowl whisk together the water, yeast, and sugar. Set the mixture aside for 8 to 10 minutes, or until it’s foamy.
    • Combine: Whisk in the yogurt, olive oil, salt, basil, oregano, and garlic powder.Add the flour and parsley. Stir everything together with a wooden spoon until the dough comes together.
    • Knead: Sprinkle flour over your work area, turn the dough onto the floured surface, and then knead it for 4 minutes. Add more flour if the dough is sticky while kneading.
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    • Separate: Cut the dough into 10 equal pieces and form each piece into a small ball.
    • Rest: Cover the dough with a kitchen towel and let it stand for 15 minutes.
    • Heat: Preheat a frying pan over medium-low heat.
    • Roll Out: Take one of the dough balls and, using a rolling pin, roll it out to about a 7-inch circle. Lightly brush the top of the rolled-out dough with olive oil.
    • Cook: When the pan is hot, pick up the rolled out dough and place it in the pan, oiled side down, and cook for about 1-½ minutes, or until the top surface is covered with bubbles. While the dough is frying, brush the opposite side of the flatbread with olive oil.
    • Flip: Flip the flatbread and cook it for 1 more minute, or until golden on the bottom.Remove the flatbread from the pan and transfer it to a plate. Keep the flatbread covered with a kitchen towel while working with the rest of the dough.
    • Repeat: Repeat the process with the remaining pieces of dough. Make sure to keep them covered so that they stay soft while cooling down.
    • Serve: Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley and serve.

    Tips and Tricks

    • Activate the Yeast: Mix your yeast with lukewarm water. Using water that is too cold or too warm will affect the yeast’s activity and you won’t get a puffy flatbread. It’ll be too … flat.
    • Size Matters: Make sure each ball of dough is as close as possible to the same size. I use a kitchen scale to weigh each piece so as to make sure they are all equal in size.
    • No Yeast? In a pinch, you can make this without yeast but it will be less fluffy and soft.
    • Brush the Dough: Make sure to brush each side of the dough with oil to avoid sticking and to create that nice crispy exterior.

    What to Serve With Flatbread

    • Our flatbread recipe opens up a world of delicious possibilities. It’s a wonderful alternative to rolls or sliced bread for any meal, pairing exceptionally well with mulligan stew, chicken Madeira, curries, or meat and rice dishes – try it with a Salmon BLT Salad for a delightful combination.
    • For a quick snack, cut the flatbread into triangles and dip them in your favorite hummus or tzatziki sauce.
    • Flatbread also transforms into the perfect base for creative sandwiches; fold it around your favorite fillings to make a satisfying meal. Enjoy Mediterranean-style tacos by topping the flatbread with seasoned meat, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and feta cheese.
    • For a fun activity, try making mini flatbread pizzas! It’s a hit with kids as they can customize their pizzas with their preferred toppings.
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    How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

    • You can store any leftover flatbread in ziploc bags and keep them at room temperature for 2 days or in the fridge for up to 5 days.
    • You can also freeze flatbreads for up to 3 months.
    • If you’d like to serve them warm, I like to warm them in a skillet for a few seconds on each side.

    More Easy Bread Recipes

    • No Knead Dutch Oven Bread
    • Challah Bread
    • Homemade Cornbread
    • Spinach And Feta No Yeast Bread
    • Zucchini Banana Bread
    • Pumpkin Swirl Bread

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    Print Recipe

    4.95 from 37 votes

    Homemade Flatbread Recipe

    Make this incredibly soft and fluffy Homemade Flatbread recipe for a warm, fresh, and delicious snack or the perfect complement to any meal.

    Prep Time30 minutes mins

    Cook Time20 minutes mins

    Total Time1 hour hr

    Course: Bread

    Cuisine: Macedonian, Mediterranean

    Keyword: bread recipes, easy flatbread recipe, flatbread, flatbread recipe, homemade flatbread

    Servings: 10 Flatbreads

    Calories: 320kcal

    Author: Katerina | Easy Weeknight Recipes

    Ingredients

    • cups lukewarm water, about 105˚F
    • teaspoons active dry yeast
    • 1 tablespoon sugar
    • ¾ cups plain yogurt
    • 2 tablespoons olive oil
    • 1 tablespoon salt
    • ½ tablespoon dried basil
    • ½ tablespoon dried oregano
    • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
    • cups all-purpose flour
    • ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
    • ½ cup olive oil, for brushing

    Instructions

    • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together water, yeast, and sugar; set aside for 8 to 10 minutes or until foamy. Then, whisk in the yogurt, olive oil, salt, basil, oregano, and garlic powder.

    • Add the flour and parsley, and stir everything together with a wooden spoon until the dough comes together.

    • Generously sprinkle flour over your kitchen counter or work area and turn the dough onto the floured surface; turn it to coat with the flour and then knead it for 4 minutes. Sprinkle more flour if the dough is sticky while kneading.

    • Cut the dough into 10 equal pieces and form each piece into a small ball. I use a kitchen scale to weigh each dough ball so to make sure they are all equal. Lightly sprinkle each dough ball with flour; cover them with a kitchen towel and let stand for 15 minutes.

    • Preheat a frying pan over medium-low heat. Take one of the dough balls and, using a rolling pin, roll it out to about a 7-inch circle. Lightly brush the top of the rolled-out dough with olive oil.

    • When the pan is hot, pick up the rolled-out dough and place it in the pan, oiled side down, and cook for about 1 ½ minutes, or until the top surface is covered with bubbles. While frying, brush the opposite side of the flatbread with olive oil.

    • Flip the flatbread and cook for 1 more minute or until golden on the bottom. Remove it from the pan and transfer it to a plate; keep cooked flatbreads covered with a kitchen towel while working with the rest of the dough.

    • Repeat the process with the remaining balls of dough. Make sure to keep the other dough balls covered while working.

    • Serve the flatbreads warm or cold.

    Notes

    • Right Temperature for Water: Make sure the water is lukewarm (around 105˚F) to activate the yeast without killing it. Too hot or too cold, and the yeast won’t work effectively.
    • Kneading the Dough: Knead the dough thoroughly for at least 4 minutes to develop gluten, which gives the flatbread its structure and chewiness. If the dough is sticky, add a little more flour, but be cautious not to add too much.
    • Resting the Dough: Allow the dough balls to rest covered for about 15 minutes before rolling. This resting period helps the gluten relax, making the dough easier to roll out.
    • Adding Herbs: Incorporate herbs like dried basil and oregano – or whatever you like – into the dough for additional flavor.
    • Storage: Once cooled, store the flatbreads in zip-top bags and keep them at room temperature for 2 days; keep refrigerated for up to 5 days or freeze for 3 months.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 320kcal | Carbohydrates: 40g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 2mg | Sodium: 712mg | Potassium: 128mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 30IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 39mg | Iron: 3mg

    flouryeastyogurt

    Easy Homemade Flatbread Recipe - Freshly Baked Bread at Home! (2024)

    FAQs

    What is the difference between flatbread and a loaf of bread? ›

    Wikipedia defines a "loaf" as "a shape, usually a rounded or oblong mass of food, typically and originally of bread". The type of bread you picture is a flatbread. These are unleavened bread; that is they have no yeast in them so they do not rise.

    How are flatbreads traditionally made? ›

    The bread would most likely have been made from a simple paste of ground cereal mixed with water, cooked over the coals. Many flatbreads are still made using this simple technique, while others now include the addition of yeast or salt.

    How long do homemade flatbreads last? ›

    Meal prep: store the cooked flatbreads in an airtight ziploc bag for up to 2 days at room temperature. If you want it to last longer, store them in the fridge for up to 5 days! Freezer: allow the flatbreads to cool before transferring it into an airtight container before storing them in the freezer.

    Why are my flatbreads hard? ›

    Try to let the dough rest between steps, for example, form the balls then roll the first ball that had a minute to rest. Cook the flatbread on medium heat – too high heat will burn them. And yet, too low heat will cause them to become too hard when cooled.

    What are the 4 types of flat bread? ›

    Flat breads are made throughout most of the world. Examples are pita (from the Middle East), chapati and naan (India), tortilla (Mexico) and focaccia (Italy).

    What is healthier bread or flatbread? ›

    Nutritional Basics

    Flatbread and wheat bread have a similar calorie count -- a large pita contains 170 calories, while 2 slices of commercially prepared whole-wheat bread contains 161 calories.

    Why do Jews eat flatbread? ›

    According to legend, the fleeing Israelites left their bondage in such a hurry that they didn't even wait for their bread dough to rise. Another theory holds that matzo-like flatbreads were simply easier to carry through the desert than regular bread.

    Are flatbreads healthy for you? ›

    Other flatbread dough variations include a fat like olive oil or butter. Is flatbread healthy? Yes! It's one of the healthiest breads you can make because it's low in calories and fat but high in fiber.

    What do you eat with flatbreads? ›

    Best Combinations
    1. Blue cheese, caramelized onion, pear and aged balsamic vinegar.
    2. Pizza sauce, mozzarella cheese, onion and red bell pepper.
    3. Scrambled eggs, tomato, spinach and cheese of your choice.
    4. Cooked ground meat with taco seasonings or canned chili beans, diced green bell pepper, tomato, onion, cheddar cheese.

    How do you store home made flatbreads? ›

    Storing: Wrap the cooked flatbreads in foil and then store at room temperature for 2 to 3 days. You can also wrap them well and freeze for a month or two, and then reheat in a warm oven or in a skillet.

    What causes bubbles in flatbread? ›

    Excess yeast causes extra air bubbles to form, creating holes in the baked bread. You prepared the recipe correctly. The interaction of the various ingredients and the preparation method used for French bread and sourdough bread are intended to create a bread which has a coarse texture and uneven holes.

    Should flatbread be refrigerated? ›

    You should not store the flatbread in the refrigerator. However, our flatbreads will last in the freezer for up to 3 months. If you are going to freeze them, be sure to put them into the freezer right after you receive them.

    What is the secret to softer bread? ›

    Bread Making Tips For Softer Bread
    1. Do Not Over-Knead Your Dough. ...
    2. Ensure Dough is Well Hydrated. ...
    3. Lubricate With Oil. ...
    4. Add Sugar. ...
    5. Add Eggs. ...
    6. Reduce Baking Time. ...
    7. Create Steam in Oven. ...
    8. Add Milk.
    Mar 27, 2023

    How do you know when flatbread is cooked? ›

    Cooking Your Flatbreads

    Heat a large cast iron skillet or griddle pan over the fire and dry fry your flatbreads, turning every few minutes. When they begin to bubble and puff up they're ready!

    How do you know when flatbread is done? ›

    Cook for 2 minutes or until the top surface is covered with bubbles, then flip and cook until the dough is lightly golden on the bottom, about 2 more minutes. Remove from pan and cover with a kitchen towel to keep warm while repeating with the rest of the dough. Serve with your favorite toppings or fillings.

    What makes flatbread different? ›

    On the other hand, flatbreads usually lack yeast or any kind of leavening agent, which creates its signature flat and crispy crust. This baking method makes flatbreads more similar to the earliest pizza recipes than modern pizza.

    Is flatbread just pita bread? ›

    Flatbread is a broad category of breads that are flat. Pita is a type of flatbread, as are naan, lagana, roti, focaccia, Syrian bread, lavash, chapati, and myriad others. Almost every country has their own version of flatbread.

    Is there a difference between loaf and bread? ›

    A loaf ( pl. : loaves) is a (usually) rounded or oblong quantity of food, typically and originally of bread.

    What are two types of flatbread? ›

    Traditional Flatbread

    The dough is then cooked in a brick oven for added crispiness and flavor. Pita bread, roti and naan bread are two popular types of flatbread that have become household names worldwide.

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