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Imagine having fresh, hot bread on the table in less than 20 minutes and without having to turn the oven on? Nothing beats fresh homemade bread, and skillet breads are incredibly quick and simple to make.
This Simple Skillet Flatbread is so versatile and requires little effort only a few ingredients from your pantry. The warm, slightly supple dough can be slathered with za’atar, a blend of your favorite cheeses, or any type of veggies you like.
A Great way to Start Your Day!
Soft Fluffy Flatbread
Flatbread recipes vary in terms of ingredients and that obviously affects the final product. Some recipes will have you ending up with a bread that is very soft and pliable, great for wraps.
Others are soft and fluffy but not as flexible, great for spreads or with soups and salads. It’s about knowing what you want the bread for and adjusting ingredients and execution to that.
Some breads are thicker and some are thinner but either way, they can both be delicious as long as they meet your preference.
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Types and Uses
Some flat breads are popular like gyros, pita breads, naan, or tortilla wraps. They aren’t as difficult to make as it may seem, but of course, like anything else, some of these need practice or certain tools to ensure perfection.
The type of flat bread in my Simple Skillet Flatbread recipe is a versatile one that can be used similarly to the above-mentioned breads with little to no adjustments.
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Flatbread Variations
Below are some variations to my original flat bread recipe, including techniques, ingredients, or substitutions you would find in other recipes out there.
Vegan Flatbread
This Simple Skillet Flat Bread recipe is as vegan as it gets! I give the option of using honey in place of sugar, but of course you can use maple syrup or any sugar alternative of your choosing. Everything else is within vegan bounds so you can enjoy this recipe to the max!
No Yeast Flatbread
You can make flat bread without yeast. In fact, flat bread is such a popular bread choice because often times it’s made without yeast. My recipe calls for yeast and it works out great.
But, if you prefer yeast-free flatbread you can use a couple tablespoons of yoghurt or warm milk with a bit of baking powder instead of water. For a velvety and fluffy outcome, it is best for the dough to be soft, loose in texture and the key is to let it rest for 30 minutes.
You can use oil on your hands to work with the dough to form round flat breads and have it not stick to your hands. You also need some yeast or anything that works like it. If you’re looking for a flatter outcome you opt out of using any yeast.
Zaatar Flatbread
The term zaatar refers to both the herb thyme and the spice blend. This Middle Eastern spice, a blend of dried thyme, sesame seeds, sumac, and salt, is gaining popularity around the world.
It’s usually sprinkled on top of food as a seasoning or garnish, and it adds herbal, nutty, and zingy flavors that go especially well with bread. One of the most popular uses of zaatar is on top of a simple flat bread. It’s a simple combination with great results.
In Lebanon, many people start their day with Zaatar Flatbread (Manakeesh)because it gives them a boost of energy. While there are many different varieties, the most well-known Manakeesh are zaatar and cheese.
Manakeesh are typically made the size of a personal pan pizza and folded in half like a sandwich for ease of consumption.
While you could use store-bought pita bread to make this, it is worth the effort to make your own dough. I enjoy the touch of olive oil in it, and kneading the soft dough is itself a therapeutic experience. Fried in the skillet, the flat bread turns chewy and crispy.
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Frequently Asked Questions
In order for a dough to create a balloon pocket, the key is moisture. So it’s about water content. Ensuring your measurements of water are proportionally correct to the dry ingredients is essential along with properly kneading the dough for it to ferment correctly. If you try the first piece of dough and it doesn’t bubble up, you can spritz the remaining dough with some water and knead to get in some extra moisture.
Don’t roll the dough out too thin and be sure the dough has enough moisture. Also, don’t cook on heat that is either too low or too high.
YES! If you’ve made a large batch, you can put them in airtight bags or containers and freeze up to three months.
As with all homemade breads, it is best the day it is made, but it will keep for a few days. You can warm it in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds or in a warm oven for 5 to 10 minutes.
Don’t you Love that Rustic Look?
Ingredients for this Simple Flatbread
- All purpose-flour
- Yeast
- Olive oil
- Warm water
- Maple syrup, honey, OR sugar
- Salt
Steps to Prep
- In a medium bowl add the warm water and mix with yeast and sugar (or honey or maple syrup). Allow the mixture to sit for 10 minutes to activate. You will see a foam form on the surface of the water.
- Add in the flour and begin to mix using hands or a spoon. It will be sticky. Once slightly mixed, begin to slowly add the olive oil, a little at a time as you are kneading the dough. The dough will be loose and the stickiness will decrease as you add in the oil (you can use avocado oil or canola oil instead of you wish)
- Once your dough has formed form it into a ball, cover it directly with oiled suran wrap then cover it a kitchen towel. Set it aside and allow it to rest for at least 30 minutes.
- The dough should have doubled in size. Form a 3-4 inch ball of dough and then place on a clean floured surface. Flatten using a rolling pin for flatter bread or with the tip of your fingers press down on dough to form a round circular shape.
- Place skillet on high heat. After a few minutes lower to low heat. Place the dough on the skillet for about 2 minutes on each side. Enjoy the flat bread as is or with your favorite spread.
- If you want to make this flat bread with zaatar, mix 3 tablespoon of za’atar with 3 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil. Brush this mixture on the Manakeesh the first thing after you roll them.
- Press your fingertips into the dough to create the little dimples.
Tips and Tricks
- High heat may make the skillet overheat causing a crunchier exterior and a doughy inside. So make sure you’re using medium to low heat.
- Use low heat if you want a more pliable bread that doesn’t crack.
- If you’re using yeast or any leavening agent, make sure the dough rests enough or place in fridge for at least fifteen minutes before use.
- For a thinner and more flexible bread, roll out the dough as thin as possible and cook over medium heat.
- For a thicker bread, you can opt out of putting the bread in the fridge and roll it out a little thicker for a fluffier outcome.
- To keep from getting too many bubbles on the exterior, you can press down on the dough with your spatula as it cooks in the skillet.
- Store leftover dough in the fridge up to three days (after ensuring get they’ve fully cooled). Bigger batches can be stored in the freezer in a airtight containers or bags up to three months.
- To reheat flatbread just preheat the skillet and heat for a couple minutes on each side!
Make these flatbreads…. they taste phenomenal!
Other Recipes You May Want to Try!
- Ten Minute All Purpose Dough
- Homemade Pizza Dough Recipe
- Mediterranean Salad Pita Wraps
- Zaatar Manakeesh
- Easy Olive Bread
- Lebanese Veggie Pizza (pie)
- French Onion Spinach Artichoke Dip
- Meat Pies- Lahme Bi Ajeen
- Lebanese Spinach Pies- Fatayer
- Easy Olive Muffalata Bread
- Greek Salad on Naan Bread
5 Ingredient Skillet Flatbread (saj bread style recipe)
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups All-purpose flour
- 1 cup + 3 tablespoons Warm water, 100–110°F (38–43°C
- 3 tablespoons Olive oil, or canola oil or avocado oil
- 1 tablespoon Instant yeast, dry
- 1 tablespoon Sugar, honey or maple syrup
- ¼ teaspoon Salt
Instructions
- Mix the wet base:In a large bowl, add sugar or honey and warm water. Stir to dissolve.Sprinkle instant yeast evenly over the top of the water. Let it sit for 2–3 minutes until slightly foamy.
- Add dry ingredients and oil:Add flour, salt, and 3 tablespoons olive oil to the bowl.Mix with a spoon until a dough forms — it will be slightly sticky at first.
- Knead the dough:Sprinkle about 2 tablespoons of flour on a clean surface.Transfer the dough and knead with the palm of your hand for 3–5 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
- Rest the dough (optional):Cover and let the dough rest for 5–10 minutes to make it easier to roll out.
- Shape into flatbreads:Divide the dough into 8 small balls, about 2 inches wide each.Using a rolling pin, roll each ball into a circle or oval — as thin or thick as you like.
- Cook the flatbreads:Heat a cast iron or nonstick skillet over high heat until very hot, then lower to medium or medium-low heat.Place one rolled-out flatbread onto the skillet. Cook for 30 seconds to 1 minute, until you see bubbles and light golden-brown spots underneath.
- Flip and add toppings (optional): Flip the flatbread. On the cooked side, spread za’atar paste, cheese, or a mix of both.For za’atar bread, brush on the paste evenly.For cheese, sprinkle it right after flipping so it melts as the second side cooks.You can also add pasta sauce + cheese to make a mini pizza pocket.
- Serve warm: Enjoy the flatbreads plain, or fold them in half to make a warm sandwich. Serve with labneh, yogurt, or fresh veggies.
Video
Notes
TIPS AND TRICKS
- High heat may make the skillet overheat causing a crunchier exterior and a doughy inside. So make sure you’re using medium to low heat.
- Use low heat if you want a more pliable bread that doesn’t crack.
- If you’re using yeast or any leavening agent, make sure the dough rests enough or place in fridge for at least fifteen minutes before use.
- For a thinner and more flexible bread, roll out the dough as thin as possible and cook over medium heat.
- For a thicker bread, you can opt out of putting the bread in the fridge and roll it out a little thicker for a fluffier outcome.
- To keep from getting too many bubbles on the exterior, you can press down on the dough with your spatula as it cooks in the skillet.
- Store leftover dough in the fridge up to three days (after ensuring get they’ve fully cooled). Bigger batches can be stored in the freezer in a airtight containers or bags up to three months.
- To reheat flatbread just preheat the skillet and heat for a couple minutes on each side!
Za’atar Paste
- 3 tbsp dry za’atar
- 3–4 tbsp olive oil (adjust for consistency)
- In a small bowl, combine dry za’atar with olive oil.
- Mix until you have a loose, spreadable paste. Add more oil if it’s too thick, or more za’atar if you want a stronger flavor.
- Set aside while you prepare the flatbread dough.
- Cook the first side: Add one flattened dough round to the skillet. After 30 seconds to 1 minute, peek underneath, when you see light golden brown spots, it’s ready to flip.
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Flip and add toppings: After flipping, spread your za’atar paste or cheese, and cheese on the cooked side.
- For za’atar flatbread, brush on the paste evenly.
- For cheese, sprinkle shredded cheese, or mix za’atar + cheese for more flavor.
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Optional variations:
- Add pasta sauce + cheese for a mini pizza pocket.
- Fold it in half after adding toppings to make a warm sandwich-style pocket.
- Serve hot: Enjoy right away with labneh, yogurt, or veggies on the side.
Really soft and can be used as a base for a pizza as well as many other options… i love it
So glad you love it and applying different variations!
Hi Lama. I wanna thank you for this ymmuy and easy recipe. Made these today and every one loved them. I will double the batch next time and freeze some
That is a terrific idea!!
Hi can I use easy bake / instant yeast instead of active yeast??
Hi! Yes you can!
This flat bread recipe was phenomenal. I used different toppings and they were scrumptious. A perfect Sunday breakfast!
This recipe didn’t take time at all. I whipped up a small batch to go with dinner! Every one enjoyed it!
Tastes so much better on a skillet! Happy to hear you tried this recipe 🙂
I always thought making bread was such a difficult task, but you made things much easier Lama! Using the skillet is a genius idea! Thank you
Exciting to hear that you find it easier now and enjoying it the best way… on a skillet!:)
OMG! This was sooo easy and yummy! Making your own bread at home is such a joy! Thanks for making complex things easier❤
This recipe was beyond my expectations! The bread was great and we ate the whole thing
Hi Lama! I’m making your dough recipe and it proofing now. Very easy and dough is very soft to work with! I’m wondering how many pitas does this recipe yield?
Hi Sahar! Glad to hear! Depending on how big or small you roll out your dough but it should make you about 5-7 flatbreads 🙂 Let me know how they turned out for you!
This flat bread was amazing and super easy! I made some with za’ater and cheese-so delicious! This will be my go to from now on! Thanks Lama!!
Hi Sue! This is music to my ears! I love when others find success using a recipe I have shared, especially one that involves dough! So glad you enjoyed this flatbread recipe!
Thank you for taking the time out and leaving a review!