There is something incredibly comforting about freshly made flatbread, especially when it is infused with the rich aroma of roasted garlic and the brightness of fresh herbs. This Roasted Garlic and Herb Flatbread Recipe brings together simple pantry staples and fresh garden herbs to create a warm, flavorful bread that pairs perfectly with a variety of meals. Whether you’re serving it alongside a steaming bowl of soup or using it as a base for your favorite toppings, this recipe is guaranteed to become a household favorite in no time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for this Roasted Garlic and Herb Flatbread Recipe is surprisingly straightforward, yet every element plays a crucial role in delivering the perfect texture, flavor, and color. Each ingredient is simple but essential in creating the balanced, aromatic, and soft flatbread you’ll adore.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of the dough, providing structure and the perfect chewiness.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: A gentle leavening agent that gives the bread just enough fluff without heaviness.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the other flavors and balances the sweetness of the roasted garlic.
- 3/4 cup warm water: Activates the baking powder and brings the dough together smoothly.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (plus extra for brushing): Adds moisture and a silky richness, and helps achieve a golden crust.
- 1 bulb roasted garlic (cloves squeezed out and mashed): The star of the show, providing deep, mellow caramelized garlic flavor.
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary: Offers a piney, fragrant note that dances beautifully with the garlic.
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme: Lends a subtle earthy quality that rounds out the herbal profile.
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley: Brings freshness and a vibrant green hue to the dough.
How to Make Roasted Garlic and Herb Flatbread Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough Base
Start by whisking together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl. This dry mix sets the stage for a flatbread that’s light yet sturdy. In a separate bowl, mix the warm water and olive oil, then combine the wet ingredients with the dry to form a rough dough. This initial blend is your canvas — a simple mix that will soon transform with the addition of our flavorful ingredients.
Step 2: Incorporate Roasted Garlic and Herbs
Once the rough dough is ready, fold in the mashed roasted garlic and freshly chopped rosemary, thyme, and parsley. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 3 to 4 minutes until it feels smooth and elastic. This kneading process develops the gluten, giving your flatbread that delightfully chewy texture, while the garlic and herbs infuse the dough with their irresistible fragrance.
Step 3: Let the Dough Rest
Cover your dough and let it rest at room temperature for 20 minutes. This rest period allows the gluten to relax, making the dough easier to shape and resulting in a tender final product. It also gives the flavors a moment to marry even more deeply before cooking.
Step 4: Shape and Cook the Flatbread
Divide the rested dough into four equal pieces and roll each one into a thin round or oval shape, about the size of a small plate. Heat a cast iron skillet or non-stick pan over medium-high heat for a few minutes until it’s hot enough. Lightly brush one side of a dough piece with olive oil and place it oil-side down on the skillet. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, watching for a golden crust and bubbly texture. Brush the uncooked side with olive oil, then flip and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes. Repeat the process with the remaining dough.
How to Serve Roasted Garlic and Herb Flatbread Recipe
Garnishes
Freshly baked flatbread deserves a little finishing touch. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or a light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil atop each flatbread for a vibrant presentation and an extra hit of flavor. A pinch of flaky sea salt or a scattering of grated Parmesan (if you’re not strictly vegan) can elevate this humble bread to truly memorable status.
Side Dishes
This Roasted Garlic and Herb Flatbread Recipe pairs wonderfully with Mediterranean-inspired sides such as hummus, baba ganoush, or tzatziki. It’s also perfect alongside hearty vegetable soups, roasted root veggies, or even a crisp salad. Its mild garlic and herb flavors make it a versatile accompaniment that enhances every bite.
Creative Ways to Present
Use this flatbread as a base for personal pizzas, topped with your favorite fresh veggies and cheese or vegan alternatives. Wrap it around grilled vegetables, falafel, or roasted meats for a quick, flavorful flatbread wrap. You can even cut it into triangles, toast them lightly, and serve as herbaceous chips alongside dips for a fun appetizer or snack.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, wrap the flatbreads tightly in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Keeping them sealed will help maintain their softness and prevent drying out.
Freezing
For longer storage, these flatbreads freeze beautifully. Stack them with parchment paper in between each piece, then seal them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They will stay fresh for up to two months, making it easy to enjoy homemade flatbread anytime you want.
Reheating
Reheat the flatbread by warming it in a skillet over medium heat for a couple of minutes on each side until warmed through and crispy. You can also pop them in a toaster oven or microwave briefly, but the skillet method preserves that freshly cooked texture best.
FAQs
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh in the Roasted Garlic and Herb Flatbread Recipe?
Yes, you can substitute dried herbs if fresh herbs are not available, but use them sparingly—about one-third the amount of fresh—to avoid overpowering the dough. Fresh herbs, however, provide the brightest and most vibrant flavor.
How do I roast garlic at home for this flatbread?
Roasting garlic is simple: slice the top off a bulb, drizzle it with olive oil, wrap it tightly in foil, and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 35 to 40 minutes until soft and golden. Once cooled, squeeze out the cloves and mash them for use in the dough.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough up to the resting stage, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it overnight. Allow it to come to room temperature before rolling and cooking for the best results.
Is this flatbread vegan-friendly?
Yes! This recipe uses no animal products and relies on olive oil and fresh herbs for flavor, making it a perfect vegan-friendly bread option.
What is the best type of pan to cook the flatbread in?
A cast iron skillet is ideal for cooking flatbreads because it retains heat evenly and creates a lovely crispy crust. However, a non-stick pan works perfectly as well if you don’t have cast iron.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about making your own bread, and this Roasted Garlic and Herb Flatbread Recipe is as rewarding as it is delicious. With just a handful of simple ingredients and a bit of loving attention, you can bring warmth and aromatic flavor to your table any day of the week. Give it a try—you might just find it becoming your go-to side dish or snack that everyone asks for again and again.
Print
Roasted Garlic and Herb Flatbread Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 flatbreads
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This Roasted Garlic and Herb Flatbread is a fragrant, soft, and flavorful homemade bread perfect as a side dish or a base for wraps. Infused with aromatic roasted garlic and a blend of fresh rosemary, thyme, and parsley, it is cooked quickly on the stovetop to achieve a golden, bubbly crust. Ideal for pairing with hummus, soups, or your favorite toppings, this vegan flatbread is simple to make and delicious.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup warm water
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (plus extra for brushing)
Flavorings
- 1 bulb roasted garlic (cloves squeezed out and mashed)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix warm water and olive oil, ensuring they are well blended.
- Form the Dough: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until a rough dough begins to form. Add the mashed roasted garlic and chopped fresh herbs, then knead on a floured surface for 3–4 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Rest the Dough: Cover the dough with a clean cloth or plastic wrap and let it rest for 20 minutes to relax the gluten and make rolling easier.
- Divide and Roll: After resting, divide the dough into 4 equal portions. Roll each piece into a thin round or oval shape on a lightly floured surface.
- Preheat the Skillet: Heat a cast iron skillet or non-stick pan over medium-high heat until hot.
- Cook the Flatbreads: Lightly brush one side of a dough round with olive oil and place it oil-side down in the hot skillet. Cook for 2–3 minutes until the bottom is golden brown and bubbly. Brush the top side with olive oil, then flip the flatbread and cook the other side for an additional 2–3 minutes.
- Repeat and Serve: Repeat the cooking process for the remaining dough pieces. Serve the flatbreads warm, either alongside dips, soups, or as wraps.
Notes
- To roast garlic, slice the top off a bulb, drizzle with olive oil, wrap in foil, and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 35–40 minutes until soft and fragrant.
- This flatbread pairs wonderfully with hummus, soups, salads, or can be used as a base for wraps or sandwiches.
- Ensure the skillet is properly heated to achieve a nice golden crust without burning.
- You can substitute fresh herbs with dried herbs if fresh ones are unavailable, but reduce quantity by half.
- Store leftover flatbreads in an airtight container and reheat on a skillet or oven for best texture.
