If you have ever craved something warm, buttery, and packed with flavor, you are going to love this Garlic Flatbread Recipe. It is delightfully simple yet irresistibly tasty, combining soft, pillowy dough with the aromatic punch of fresh and powdered garlic. The golden-baked flatbreads boast a crisp edge and a tender center, making them perfect as a snack, appetizer, or accompaniment to nearly any meal. Once you try this Garlic Flatbread Recipe, it will quickly become a staple in your kitchen repertoire because of how effortlessly it can elevate everyday dishes or satisfy your comfort food cravings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Garlic Flatbread Recipe calls for basic pantry staples that work harmoniously to create the perfect dough texture and rich garlic flavor. Each ingredient plays a key role—from the yeast activating the dough to the olive oil adding softness and aroma. These ingredients come together to deliver that classic homemade flatbread you’ll want to eat fresh out of the oven.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of the dough, providing structure and chewiness.
- 1 tablespoon active dry yeast: Helps the flatbread rise, giving it a light and airy texture.
- 1 teaspoon sugar: Feeds the yeast so it can activate fully and help the dough rise.
- 3/4 cup warm water (110°F): Activates the yeast and brings the dough ingredients together smoothly.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds moisture and richness to the bread while helping it brown beautifully.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances flavor and enhances the other ingredients.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses a subtle, even garlic flavor throughout the dough.
- 1 tablespoon fresh garlic, minced: Provides a punch of fresh garlic intensity when brushed on top.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano (optional): Adds a fragrant herbal note that pairs wonderfully with garlic.
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped: Brightens the final flatbread for garnish and extra color.
How to Make Garlic Flatbread Recipe
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Begin by whisking together the warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast in a small bowl. Let it sit for around 5 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy on top. This frothiness means the yeast is alive and ready to work its magic on your dough, giving the flatbread its tender texture and rise.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients and Combine
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and garlic powder. Add the olive oil and create a well in the center to pour in your yeast mixture. Stir everything together until a rough dough starts to form. This step begins the transformation of ingredients into a soft, elastic dough that will rise beautifully.
Step 3: Knead the Dough
Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead it for about 5 to 7 minutes, until it feels smooth and elastic. If you’re using a stand mixer with a dough hook, this should take a similar amount of time. Kneading develops gluten, which gives that signature chewy texture to your flatbread.
Step 4: Allow the Dough to Rise
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl and cover it with a clean towel. Let it rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1.5 hours or until it doubles in size. This rising period is crucial because it lightens the dough and infuses it with flavor through fermentation.
Step 5: Prepare and Shape the Flatbreads
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent sticking. Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently, divide it into four equal parts, and roll each piece into a thin circle or oval about 6 to 8 inches in diameter. These shapes are perfect for even baking and crispy edges.
Step 6: Brush with Garlic Oil and Bake
Mix the minced garlic with a tablespoon of olive oil, then generously brush this fragrant mixture over each flatbread surface. Baking them at 400°F for 10 to 12 minutes produces golden brown, slightly crispy flatbreads with a rich garlic aroma that fills your kitchen.
Step 7: Final Touches
After removing the flatbreads from the oven, brush them once more with olive oil for extra moisture and sheen. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley or cilantro to add a pop of color and a fresh herbal note that complements the garlicky taste beautifully.
How to Serve Garlic Flatbread Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkling your garlic flatbread with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro brings a vibrant burst of color and fresh flavor that cuts through the richness perfectly. You could also add a light dusting of grated Parmesan or drizzle with a bit of chili oil for a spicy twist.
Side Dishes
This Garlic Flatbread Recipe pairs wonderfully with salads, soups, and hearty stews. It also makes a fantastic accompaniment to Mediterranean dishes like hummus, baba ganoush, or tzatziki. It’s versatile enough to join your favorite pasta plates or even accompanying grilled meats.
Creative Ways to Present
Try tearing your garlic flatbread into rustic pieces and serving it as a shareable appetizer around a bowl of warm, savory dips. You can also use these flatbreads as a base for quick pizzas, topping them with fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil before popping them under the broiler for a minute or two.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep your extra garlic flatbreads fresh, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. This helps maintain their softness while preventing them from drying out.
Freezing
Garlic flatbreads freeze beautifully. Wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. When you want some, just thaw at room temperature or warm them directly from frozen.
Reheating
Reheat flatbreads in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes or on a skillet for a crispier texture. Avoid microwaving as it can make the bread chewy or soggy. Reheating this way revives the fresh-baked flavor and crisp edges that make this Garlic Flatbread Recipe so irresistible.
FAQs
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Absolutely! Whole wheat flour can be swapped in for a nuttier flavor and extra fiber, though you may need to add a bit more water to keep the dough soft and elastic.
Is it possible to make this recipe without yeast?
While yeast is essential for the soft and airy texture in this Garlic Flatbread Recipe, you could try a quick flatbread version using baking powder, but it will have a different texture and flavor.
How can I make the flatbread spicier?
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic oil before brushing it on the flatbreads, or sprinkle some chili powder on top before baking for a spicy kick.
Can I prepare the dough the night before?
Yes! After kneading the dough, cover it tightly and refrigerate overnight. Let it come to room temperature and rise until doubled before shaping and baking the next day.
What is the best way to store leftover garlic flatbread for maximum freshness?
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days or freeze them wrapped tightly to preserve freshness for longer periods.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Garlic Flatbread Recipe enough. It’s simple to make, packed with flavor, and so versatile you’ll find yourself making it again and again. Whether you’re sharing it with friends at a cozy dinner or treating yourself to a warm snack, these flatbreads never fail to please. So roll up your sleeves, get your hands dirty with the dough, and experience the joy of homemade garlic flatbread right from your own oven.
Print
Garlic Flatbread Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 27 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Garlic Flatbread recipe yields soft and flavorful flatbreads infused with garlic and herbs. Crafted using simple ingredients and baked to golden perfection, these flatbreads make a perfect accompaniment to a variety of dishes or a tasty snack on their own. The dough is easy to prepare, allowing for a delightful homemade touch in just over an hour.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 3/4 cup warm water (110°F)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (plus extra for brushing)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Topping Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon fresh garlic, minced (or more for extra flavor)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano (optional)
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Mix dry ingredients and add wet: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, garlic powder, and olive oil. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture. Stir until a dough starts to form.
- Knead the dough: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook for this step.
- Let the dough rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1-1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.
- Prepare for baking: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
- Shape the flatbreads: Punch down the dough and divide into 4 equal portions. Roll each portion into a thin circle or oval about 6-8 inches in diameter.
- Apply garlic oil: Mix the minced garlic with a tablespoon of olive oil in a small bowl. Brush this mixture generously over each flatbread.
- Bake: Place the flatbreads on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes until golden brown and slightly crispy around the edges.
- Finish and garnish: Once baked, brush the flatbreads with extra olive oil if desired and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley or cilantro.
- Serve: Serve warm alongside your favorite dipping sauce or as a side to a main dish.
Notes
- For extra garlic flavor, increase the amount of fresh minced garlic in the topping.
- You can add dried oregano or other herbs to the dough for added aroma and taste.
- If you prefer a crispier flatbread, roll the dough thinner before baking.
- Ensure the water temperature is around 110°F to properly activate the yeast without killing it.
- Store leftover flatbreads in an airtight container and reheat in the oven for best texture.
