Rustic Mediterranean Flatbread Recipe for Cozy Dinners

Warm, golden Mediterranean flatbread fills kitchens with an irresistible aroma that transports you straight to sun-drenched coastal regions.

Crafted with simple ingredients and traditional techniques, this homemade Mediterranean flatbread recipe connects generations of culinary tradition.

Each fold and stretch of dough tells a story of ancient baking methods passed down through centuries.

Crisp edges and soft, pillowy centers promise a delightful texture that pairs perfectly with dips, salads, or grilled meats.

Rich herbs and a touch of olive oil infuse every bite with authentic Mediterranean flavors.

The process is surprisingly straightforward, making this recipe accessible for home cooks of all skill levels.

This flatbread will become your new favorite companion for lazy weekend meals and spontaneous gatherings.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus rising time)

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 380 kcal

Servings: 5

Homemade Mediterranean Flatbread Ingredients

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides sturdy structure and tender texture for the flatbread, selecting unbleached flour ensures better flavor and quality.
• Warm Water: Activates yeast and helps develop gluten, using filtered water can enhance overall taste.
• Active Dry Yeast: Creates magical rise and airy texture, ensuring freshness by checking expiration date is crucial.
• Salt: Enhances flavor and controls yeast fermentation, sea salt offers more complex mineral notes.
• Sugar: Feeds yeast and helps with browning, organic cane sugar works wonderfully.
• Olive Oil: Adds richness and helps create soft, pliable dough, extra virgin provides deeper Mediterranean essence.

• Mozzarella Cheese: Delivers creamy melting quality, fresh buffalo mozzarella elevates taste dramatically.
• Feta Cheese: Introduces tangy Mediterranean character, choosing sheep's milk variety offers more authentic flavor.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Brings concentrated sweet-tart punch, oil-packed versions provide extra richness.
• Black Olives: Contributes briny complexity, Kalamata olives recommend authentic Greek profile.
• Dried Basil, Dried Oregano: Infuse herbaceous Mediterranean notes, buying whole and crushing releases more intense aromatics.

• Egg: Creates golden, glossy crust when brushed, farm-fresh eggs provide best sheen.
• Fresh Parsley: Adds bright, fresh garnish, chopping just before serving preserves vibrant color.

Kitchen Tools for Mediterranean Flatbread

• Metal mixing bowl: Large, sturdy bowl for preparing and rising dough.
• Sifter or fine-mesh strainer: Essential for evenly mixing dry ingredients.
• Measuring cups: Accurate measuring of flour, water, and other ingredients.
• Measuring spoons: Precise measurements for salt, sugar, and spices.
• Whisk: Perfect for mixing egg wash and blending ingredients smoothly.
• Baking sheets or pizza pans: Non-stick surface for even baking of flatbreads.
• Countertop or cutting board: Flat surface for kneading and rolling dough.
• Tea towel: Covers dough during rising process.
• Pastry brush: Used for applying egg wash to dough edges.
• Sharp knife: Optional tool for slicing flatbread into wedges.

Steps to Make Homemade Mediterranean Flatbread

• Yeast Awakening

Warm a metal bowl with hot water to prepare a cozy environment for the yeast. Empty and dry the bowl completely.

• Yeast Activation

Sprinkle yeast into warm water and let it dance and bubble for a few minutes, creating a frothy mixture that signals readiness.

• Flour Blend

Combine flour with a pinch of salt and a touch of sugar in a separate container, creating a soft, pillowy base for the dough.

• Dough Formation

Mix olive oil into the yeast, then fold in the flour mixture. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface until it becomes smooth and elastic.

• Dough Relaxation

Let the dough rest near the warm oven, allowing it to rise and develop flavor for a short period.

• Flatbread Canvas

Roll the dough into two rustic rectangular shapes, placing them on prepared baking sheets.

• Flavor Explosion

Brush the edges with an egg wash, then generously sprinkle mozzarella, sun-dried tomatoes, black olives, and feta across the flatbreads.

• Mediterranean Magic

Bake until the crust turns golden and the cheese bubbles with delicious promise. Garnish with fresh parsley and slice into inviting wedges.

Mediterranean Flatbread Customization Tips

• Warm your mixing bowl with hot water to create the perfect environment for yeast activation, ensuring a soft, fluffy flatbread texture.
• Swap out ingredients like replacing sun-dried tomatoes with roasted red peppers or trading feta for goat cheese to create your personal Mediterranean masterpiece.
• Let the dough rest an extra 10-15 minutes if it feels too tight during kneading, allowing gluten to relax and making rolling easier.
• Prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance and store covered in the refrigerator, which develops deeper flavor and saves time on cooking day.
• Wrap leftover flatbreads in aluminum foil and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness and prevent sogginess.

Serving Suggestions for Mediterranean Flatbread

• Mediterranean Feast Companion: Pair your flatbread with a crisp Greek salad featuring fresh cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions, and a zesty lemon-olive oil dressing for a complete Mediterranean dining experience.
• Wine and Dine Delight: Complement the flatbread with a chilled glass of crisp white wine like Assyrtiko or Sauvignon Blanc, which beautifully balances the rich cheese and tangy sun-dried tomatoes.
• Appetizer Party Platter: Create a stunning appetizer spread by cutting the flatbread into smaller squares and serving alongside tzatziki, hummus, and marinated olives for a delightful shared meal that encourages conversation and connection.
• Hearty Lunch Solution: Transform the flatbread into a substantial lunch by adding grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, or a light arugula salad on top, making it a versatile and satisfying midday meal option.

Storing Homemade Mediterranean Flatbread

• Fridge Fresh Strategy: Store leftover flatbread in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Wrap each piece separately to maintain crispness and prevent moisture buildup.
• Freezer Friendly Approach: Wrap individual slices in aluminum foil, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Flatbread can stay frozen for 4-6 weeks without losing quality. Thaw at room temperature for best texture.
• Quick Reheat Technique: Warm refrigerated or thawed flatbread in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes. Avoid microwave reheating to keep the crust crispy and prevent soggy edges.
• Smart Lunch Companion: Pack cooled flatbread in lunch containers with a small ice pack. Separate toppings if possible to maintain crunch and prevent sogginess during transport.

Rustic Mediterranean Flatbread

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4.5 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Mediterranean flatbread combines zesty herbs, fresh ingredients, and traditional techniques from Greece and Turkey. Crisp edges and pillowy center invite cooks to explore regional culinary traditions with simple, wholesome ingredients.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 ¼ cups (540 ml) all-purpose flour
• 1 large (50 g) egg
• ¾ cup (180 ml) warm water (110°F / 43°C)
• 8 oz (226 g) mozzarella cheese, sliced ¼ inch thick
• 6 oz (170 g) feta cheese, crumbled
• 1 ½ tbsps (22 ml) olive oil
• ½ cup (120 ml) sun-dried tomatoes packed in olive oil, roughly chopped
• ¼ cup (60 ml) black olives
• 1 tsp active dry yeast
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp sugar
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) water (for egg wash)
• Non-stick cooking spray

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Instructions

1. Yeast Activation: Warm water and activate yeast in a sanitized metal mixing bowl, allowing foam to develop for 3-4 minutes until bubbly and fragrant.
2. Dough Preparation: Combine sifted flour, salt, and sugar, then integrate olive oil and activated yeast mixture, blending until a cohesive dough forms.
3. Kneading Process: Transfer dough to a floured surface and knead energetically for 5 minutes, developing a smooth and elastic texture that springs back when touched.
4. First Proofing: Place dough in a warm location, covered with a clean kitchen towel, and allow to rise until nearly doubled in volume, approximately 45-60 minutes.
5. Shaping Technique: Divide dough into two equal portions, rolling each into rectangular shapes on a generously floured surface with smooth, even pressure.
6. Topping Assembly: Arrange mozzarella cheese as a base layer, then strategically distribute sun-dried tomatoes, black olives, and crumbled feta across the flatbreads.
7. Seasoning Application: Sprinkle dried basil and oregano evenly, creating a balanced herb coverage that enhances the Mediterranean flavor profile.
8. Egg Wash Finish: Brush exposed dough edges with a whisked egg wash to promote golden, glossy browning during baking.
9. Baking Procedure: Position flatbreads in a preheated 500°F oven, baking for 10-12 minutes until crust achieves a rich golden hue and cheese melts completely.
10. Serving Presentation: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, slice into wedges, and serve immediately while maintaining optimal temperature and crispness.

Notes

• Yeast Activation Trick: Warm the mixing bowl with hot water before preparing yeast to create an ideal proofing environment.
• Kneading Technique: Vigorously work the dough for 4-5 minutes to develop gluten and achieve a smooth, elastic texture that helps create perfect flatbread structure.
• Cheese and Topping Balance: Maintain a clear perimeter around the edges when adding cheese and toppings to prevent burning and ensure even baking.
• High-Heat Baking Secret: Use an extremely hot 500°F oven to create a crispy golden crust and quickly melt the cheese, mimicking authentic Mediterranean baking methods.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus rising time)
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 380
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 580 mg
• Fat: 21 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 33 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 15 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg