Description of this recipe: Garlic Butter Flatbread is a simple yet incredibly delicious bread that’s quick to make and bursting with flavor. This recipe uses a basic dough that doesn’t require yeast, making it perfect for those times when you need a satisfying bread in a hurry. The flatbreads are cooked in a skillet until puffed and lightly charred, then generously brushed with a homemade garlic butter that elevates them to a whole new level of yum.
Why you will love this recipe:
- Quick and Easy: No yeast means no proofing time! You can have fresh, warm flatbreads on your table in under an hour.
- Simple Ingredients: You probably already have most of the ingredients in your pantry.
- Versatile: These flatbreads are perfect as a side dish, appetizer, or even as a base for mini pizzas or wraps.
- Incredibly Flavorful: The garlic butter is the star of the show, adding a rich, savory flavor that’s simply irresistible.
- Customizable: Add your favorite herbs, spices, or cheeses to the dough or garlic butter for a personalized touch.
Introduction
Flatbreads have been a staple in various cuisines around the world for centuries. Their simplicity and versatility make them a favorite for both home cooks and professional chefs. This Garlic Butter Flatbread recipe takes that simplicity and elevates it with a generous coating of flavorful garlic butter. The dough is easy to work with, and the cooking process is straightforward, making it a great recipe for beginners. The end result is a soft, slightly chewy flatbread with a crispy exterior and an unforgettable garlic butter flavor. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, a weekend gathering, or any time you’re craving a comforting and delicious bread. Serve them alongside your favorite soups, salads, or dips, or enjoy them on their own as a satisfying snack.
Ingredients:
For the Flatbreads:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ⅔ cup plain yogurt (Greek or regular)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ¼ cup warm water (more if needed)
For the Garlic Butter:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- Pinch of salt
Preparation:
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures that the baking powder is evenly distributed, which will help the flatbreads puff up nicely during cooking. Creating small pockets of air to create a crispy exterior. Adding baking powder to the dough provides a subtle lift, resulting in flatbreads that are tender and slightly airy. If you prefer a chewier texture, you can omit the baking powder, but it does contribute to the overall lightness of the bread.
Step 2: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Add the yogurt and olive oil to the dry ingredients. Slowly pour in the warm water while mixing with your hands or a wooden spoon to form a soft dough. The yogurt adds moisture and tenderness to the dough, while the olive oil provides richness and flavor.
Step 3: Adjust Consistency
Adjust the consistency of the dough by adding more water or flour if needed. The dough should be soft and slightly sticky, but not so sticky that it’s difficult to handle. If the dough is too dry, add a tablespoon of water at a time until it reaches the desired consistency. If it’s too wet, add a tablespoon of flour at a time.
Step 4: Knead the Dough
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic. Kneading develops the gluten in the flour, which gives the flatbreads their structure and chewiness. If you have a stand mixer, you can use the dough hook attachment to knead the dough for about 3-4 minutes.
Step 5: Rest the Dough
Cover the dough with a clean kitchen towel and let it rest for 20 minutes. This allows the gluten to relax, making the dough easier to roll out.
Step 6: Divide and Roll the Dough
Divide the dough into 6 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball, then flatten each ball into a ¼-inch thick circle using a rolling pin. Aim for a consistent thickness so that the flatbreads cook evenly. If the dough is sticking to your rolling pin or work surface, lightly flour them.
Step 7: Cook the Flatbreads
Heat a nonstick or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. The skillet should be hot enough so that the flatbreads cook quickly and develop a nice char, but not so hot that they burn.
Step 8: Cook Each Side
Cook each flatbread for 2–3 minutes on each side until golden with light charring and puffed up. As the flatbreads cook, they should puff up slightly as steam builds inside. If they’re not puffing up, your skillet may not be hot enough. If they’re browning too quickly, reduce the heat.
Step 9: Prepare the Garlic Butter
While the flatbreads are cooking, prepare the garlic butter. In a small saucepan or microwave, melt the butter with the minced garlic and a pinch of salt. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Step 10: Add Parsley
Stir in the chopped fresh parsley. The parsley adds a pop of freshness and color to the garlic butter.
Step 11: Brush with Garlic Butter
Brush each hot flatbread generously with the garlic butter. The heat from the flatbreads will help the garlic butter melt and infuse the bread with its delicious flavor.
Step 12: Serve Immediately
Serve the flatbreads immediately.
COOKING Rating:
Easy
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve as a side dish with soups, salads, or stews.
- Use as a base for mini pizzas or wraps.
- Serve with dips like hummus, tzatziki, or baba ghanoush.
- Enjoy them on their own as a snack.
- Serve with grilled meats or vegetables.
Tips:
- For a richer flavor, use browned butter instead of melted butter for the garlic butter.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter for a little heat.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the flatbreads after brushing with garlic butter for a cheesy twist.
- If you don’t have fresh parsley, you can use dried parsley, but use half the amount.
- To keep the flatbreads warm, wrap them in a clean kitchen towel or place them in a warming drawer.
Prep Time:
20 minutes
Cook Time:
15 minutes
Total Time:
35 minutes
Nutritional Information:
(Approximate values, may vary based on specific ingredients)
Calories: Approximately 250-300 per flatbread Protein: 6-8 grams Sodium: 200-300 mg
Conclusion
This Garlic Butter Flatbread recipe is a delightful addition to any meal. Its simplicity, coupled with the irresistible garlic butter flavor, makes it a surefire crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy side dish or a satisfying snack, these flatbreads are sure to hit the spot. So, gather your ingredients, fire up your skillet, and get ready to enjoy the taste of homemade goodness!
Questions and Answers about this recipe
Q1: Can I use self-rising flour instead of all-purpose flour and baking powder?
A: While you can use self-rising flour, you’ll need to omit the baking powder and salt from the recipe. Self-rising flour already contains these ingredients. However, the texture might be slightly different, as self-rising flour often has a coarser grind. For best results, stick with all-purpose flour and baking powder.
Q2: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can! After kneading the dough, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to use it, let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before rolling it out.
Q3: What if I don’t have yogurt? Can I use something else?
A: If you don’t have yogurt, you can substitute it with sour cream or buttermilk. These alternatives will provide a similar tang and moisture to the dough. You may need to adjust the amount of liquid slightly to achieve the desired consistency.
Q4: Can I cook these flatbreads on a grill?
A: Absolutely! Cooking the flatbreads on a grill will give them a delicious smoky flavor. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates. Cook the flatbreads for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they’re golden brown and slightly charred.
Q5: Can I add cheese to the dough or garlic butter?
A: Of course! Adding cheese is a great way to customize this recipe. You can add grated Parmesan, mozzarella, or cheddar cheese to the dough for a cheesy flatbread. Alternatively, you can sprinkle cheese over the flatbreads after brushing them with garlic butter and bake them in the oven for a few minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
