Roasted Garlic and Herb Flatbread Recipe
If you love the warm, comforting scent of garlic mingling with fresh herbs wafting through your kitchen, then this Roasted Garlic and Herb Flatbread Recipe is about to become your new favorite! It’s the perfect balance of crispy edges, tender middle, and a rich, buttery garlic flavor that’s been roasted to mellow perfection. Whether you serve it as a side, a snack, or the base for your favorite toppings, this flatbread brings a piece of Mediterranean sunshine right into your home kitchen. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll be dreaming about it long after the last crumb disappears.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple yet essential, each one playing a vital role to build the unmistakable flavor, texture, and aroma of this flatbread. From the roasted garlic’s mellow sweetness to the freshness of herbs and the warmth of olive oil, every element works together beautifully.
- Garlic bulb: Roasting softens the garlic, turning it sweet and buttery for a deep flavor punch.
- Olive oil: Adds moisture and richness, plus a golden finish when brushed on the flatbread.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation that creates a soft yet slightly chewy dough texture.
- Baking powder: Provides just enough lift for a tender, light flatbread.
- Salt: Enhances all the other flavors and seasons the dough perfectly.
- Warm water: Activates the baking powder and binds the dough together.
- Dried Italian herbs: A blend of oregano, thyme, and basil adds traditional Mediterranean notes.
- Fresh parsley or rosemary (optional): Bright, fresh herbal accents for garnish and extra aroma.
- Coarse salt: For that final sprinkle, adding a satisfying crunch and bursts of flavor.
How to Make Roasted Garlic and Herb Flatbread Recipe
Step 1: Roast the Garlic
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice the top off the garlic bulb just enough to expose the tops of the cloves. Drizzle the olive oil over it, then wrap the bulb snugly in foil. Roasting for 35 to 40 minutes softens the cloves until they’re golden and caramelized, making the garlic sweet and mellow. Let it cool slightly before squeezing out the cloves and mashing them into a smooth paste. This roasted garlic paste is the magical flavor base that truly makes this flatbread special.
Step 2: Prepare the Dough
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and dried herbs until evenly combined. Add the warm water, the freshly mashed roasted garlic, and another tablespoon of olive oil. Stir everything together until a rough, shaggy dough forms. Transfer this dough to a lightly floured surface and knead it for 3 to 4 minutes until it becomes smooth and slightly elastic. Let it rest for about 10 minutes to allow the gluten to relax, making it easier to roll out and ensuring a tender bite.
Step 3: Shape and Cook the Flatbreads
Divide the dough into four equal pieces. Roll each piece into a thin oval or round shape — the thinner you go, the crisper your flatbread will be. Heat a dry skillet over medium heat and brush one side of a flatbread with olive oil. Place the oiled side down into the skillet and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until golden with enticing bubbles forming on the surface. Brush the top side with oil, flip the flatbread, and cook another 1 to 2 minutes until perfectly golden and cooked through. Repeat this process for the remaining pieces, filling your kitchen with irresistible aromas.
Step 4: Finish and Serve
Once cooked, sprinkle each flatbread with coarse salt and optional fresh herbs like chopped parsley or rosemary to add vibrant color and a hint of freshness. Serve these warm and fresh, as their texture is best enjoyed right off the stove, though they also reheat wonderfully.
How to Serve Roasted Garlic and Herb Flatbread Recipe
Garnishes
A few simple garnishes can elevate these flatbreads dramatically. Freshly chopped herbs such as parsley or rosemary add brightness and color that delight the eyes and palate. A light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt adds that perfect finishing touch sure to tempt everyone at your table.
Side Dishes
This flatbread is incredibly versatile as a side. It pairs beautifully with creamy hummus, rich tomato-based soups, or roasted vegetables. It also shines as an accompaniment to grilled meats or a fresh salad, making it an excellent choice for Mediterranean-inspired meals or casual weeknight dinners.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the flatbread as the base for mini Mediterranean pizzas topped with olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and feta. Or slice into strips as dippers alongside fresh dips like tzatziki or baba ganoush. Another idea is to use it as a wrap for roasted veggies or grilled chicken for a light, flavorful lunch. The possibilities are as delightful as this recipe itself!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers (though that’s rare), store them in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap at room temperature for up to 2 days. This keeps the flatbread soft and delicious without drying out.
Freezing
To enjoy it later, freeze cooked flatbreads in a resealable freezer bag separated by parchment paper, so you can grab just what you need. They’ll keep well up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat flatbreads gently in a hot skillet or on a grill pan for a minute or two per side to revive their crispness and freshness. You can also warm them in a preheated oven wrapped loosely in foil. Avoid microwaving as it can make the bread chewy and less appetizing.
FAQs
Can I use garlic powder instead of roasted garlic?
While garlic powder can work in a pinch, it won’t offer the same sweet, caramelized flavor that roasting garlic provides. Roasted garlic adds depth and a subtle richness that’s essential to this flatbread’s irresistible taste.
What if I don’t have Italian herbs on hand?
If you don’t have dried Italian herbs, feel free to use a mix of whatever dried herbs you prefer, like oregano, thyme, and basil separately. Fresh herbs can also be added during cooking or as a garnish for a lovely fresh burst of flavor.
Is this flatbread vegan?
Yes! This Roasted Garlic and Herb Flatbread Recipe is completely vegan, using olive oil instead of butter and no dairy or eggs, making it suitable for plant-based diets.
Can I bake the flatbreads instead of cooking on the stove?
Absolutely! For a crispier flatbread, bake the rolled-out dough in a hot oven at 450°F until golden and crisp, usually about 8 to 10 minutes. It’s a handy alternative if you want to make multiple flatbreads at once.
How thin should I roll out the dough?
Rolling the dough around 1/8 inch thick gives the perfect balance between crisp edges and a tender center. Thicker dough will be more bread-like and soft, while thinner doughs are crispier and lighter.
Final Thoughts
This Roasted Garlic and Herb Flatbread Recipe is one of those simple yet stunning dishes that feel like a warm hug on a plate. Its incredible aroma and flavor make it a joy to prepare and even more satisfying to eat. I can’t wait for you to try it and discover just how easy it is to bring bakery-quality flatbread into your home kitchen. Trust me, your loved ones will thank you as they savor every last bite!
Print
Roasted Garlic and Herb Flatbread Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 flatbreads 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This Roasted Garlic and Herb Flatbread recipe delivers a flavorful and aromatic bread perfect as a side dish or for dipping. Roasting the garlic to caramelized perfection infuses the dough with a rich, savory base, while the Italian herbs add a fragrant Mediterranean touch. Cooked on the stovetop for a soft yet lightly crisp texture, these flatbreads are quick to prepare and versatile for any meal.
Ingredients
Roasted Garlic
- 1 bulb garlic
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (plus more for brushing)
Dough
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup warm water
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, thyme, basil mix)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley or rosemary (optional)
- Coarse salt for topping
Instructions
- Roast the Garlic: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice off the top of the garlic bulb to expose the cloves, then drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil. Wrap the bulb tightly in foil and roast for 35–40 minutes until the cloves are soft and golden. Allow to cool slightly before squeezing out the softened cloves and mashing them into a smooth paste.
- Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and dried Italian herbs. Add the warm water, roasted garlic paste, and 1 tablespoon olive oil to the dry ingredients. Stir until a shaggy dough forms, then transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for 3–4 minutes until smooth and elastic. Allow the dough to rest for 10 minutes to relax the gluten.
- Shape and Cook the Flatbreads: Divide the rested dough into four equal portions. Roll each piece into a thin oval or round shape. Heat a skillet over medium heat and brush one side of a flatbread with olive oil. Place the oiled side down in the skillet and cook for 2–3 minutes until golden and bubbly. Brush the top side with olive oil, flip the flatbread, and cook an additional 1–2 minutes. Repeat this process for all four flatbreads.
- Serve: Sprinkle the cooked flatbreads with coarse salt and fresh herbs like parsley or rosemary if desired. Serve warm alongside hummus, soups, or as a side to grilled meats.
Notes
- This flatbread pairs perfectly with dips like hummus or with hearty soups.
- For a crispier flatbread, you can bake the rolled-out dough at 450°F in a hot oven instead of cooking on the stovetop.
- Fresh herbs are optional but add a lovely fresh flavor to the finished bread.
- Keep an eye on the flatbread as it cooks to prevent burning; adjust heat as needed.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus 35–40 minutes roasting garlic)
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish, Bread
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
