If you’re a fan of warm, fragrant bread that’s crispy on the outside and tender inside, this Garlic Herb Flatbread Recipe is going to become your new favorite go-to. Bursting with the fresh flavors of minced garlic and a lovely blend of rosemary and thyme, each bite is a delightful experience that pairs beautifully with everything from soups to salads or just by itself. This recipe is wonderfully simple yet impresses with its rustic charm and aromatic allure, inviting you to bring that cozy artisan bakery feel right into your own kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white bowl filled with a thick, light beige dough that has risen and expanded to overflow the bowl's edge slightly, showing small air holes on its bubbly and spongy surface; a few small green herb leaves are scattered on top, and the bowl sits on a white marbled surface with a few more tiny herb sprigs lying nearby. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Garlic Herb Flatbread Recipe calls for a handful of simple, staple ingredients that each play a crucial role in bringing the bread to life. From the active dry yeast that helps it rise perfectly to the fragrant herbs that infuse every bite with flavor, every component is thoughtfully chosen.

Active dry yeast (1 packet): This is the magic that makes your flatbread light and airy by helping the dough rise beautifully.
Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Fresh garlic gives a pungent, savory depth that sets this bread apart from the ordinary.
Minced herbs (1 Tbsp rosemary and thyme): These herbs add an earthy, fresh aroma and a subtle woody note that makes the flatbread unforgettable.
Sea salt (3/4 tsp): Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness from the sugar.
Organic cane sugar (1/2 tsp): Feeds the yeast gently and helps develop a lovely crust color.
Bob’s Red Mill Unbleached All-Purpose Flour (1 ¼ cups): Provides the structure and softness for the dough to hold its shape and texture.
Bob’s Red Mill Spelt Flour (3/4 cup): Adds a subtle nutty flavor and wholesome texture; you can substitute with all-purpose flour if you prefer.
Olive oil (1 Tbsp plus more for coating): Brings moisture, richness, and gives the flatbread a wonderful golden hue once cooked.
Warm water (3/4 cup): Activates the yeast and softens the dough for kneading and rising.

How to Make Garlic Herb Flatbread Recipe

Step 1: Combine Dry Ingredients

Start by whisking together your yeast, minced garlic, herbs, sea salt, sugar, and both flours in a large mixing bowl. This ensures that the flavor-packed garlic and herbs are evenly distributed and your yeast is ready to do its job.

Step 2: Add Wet Ingredients and Form Dough

Make a well in your dry ingredients and pour in the olive oil along with two-thirds of the warm water. Stir steadily with a wooden spoon, adding a little more water if needed until the dough starts coming together. This initial mix forms the base of a soft and pliable dough.

Step 3: Knead Until Smooth

Transfer your dough to a floured surface and knead for about 2 minutes until it feels smooth and elastic. Adding a little extra flour as you go helps prevent sticking and gives your dough strength without drying it out.

Step 4: Let Dough Rise

Lightly oil your mixing bowl, then place your kneaded dough in it, seam side down. Cover it with a damp towel or plastic wrap and leave it in a warm spot to rise for about an hour. It will double in size, becoming soft and bouncy—a sign that your yeast is hard at work.

Step 5: Divide and Rest Dough Pieces

Once risen, punch down the dough and cut it into 6 equal pieces. Place them on a clean surface and cover with a damp towel to rest. This short rest helps relax the gluten, making the flatbreads easier to roll out evenly.

Step 6: Preheat Skillet

While the dough rests, heat a large electric or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat, around 375°F (190°C). A hot skillet is essential to getting that perfect golden crust.

Step 7: Roll Out the Flatbreads

On a lightly floured surface, roll each dough piece out to a thin circle—aim for less than 1/8th inch thick but not paper-thin. This thickness ensures a perfect balance between crisp edges and a tender bite.

Step 8: Cook Flatbreads

Grease your preheated skillet lightly and lay down a flatbread. Cook for 2 and a half minutes without touching it, then flip and cook the other side for another 2 and a half minutes. Repeat with the remaining pieces, adding more olive oil to keep the skillet greased. The result is a beautifully golden, herb-flecked flatbread.

Step 9: Enjoy or Store

Serve your Garlic Herb Flatbread Recipe straight off the skillet for the best experience. If you have leftovers, let them cool completely before storing in an airtight container for up to 3 days, though they taste best fresh.

How to Serve Garlic Herb Flatbread Recipe

The image shows a stack of four round flatbreads with an uneven golden-brown pattern on their light beige surface, placed on a white marbled texture. The flatbreads have a soft and slightly fluffy texture with small spots and blisters from cooking. Around the stack, there are sprigs of fresh green rosemary and a whole bulb of garlic with several cloves still attached, adding a natural touch to the scene. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt right after cooking can elevate the flatbread’s flavor. Fresh herbs like additional rosemary or chopped parsley add a fresh, vibrant note that beautifully complements the garlic and thyme within the bread.

Side Dishes

This flatbread is an absolute champion alongside soups like tomato bisque or creamy mushroom. It also pairs wonderfully with Mediterranean dips such as hummus, tzatziki, or a smoky baba ganoush for an irresistible appetizer or snack.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut the flatbread into triangles or strips for serving tapas-style with an assortment of cheeses, olives, and charcuterie. You can even use it as a base for quick pizzas: top with fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil for a speedy Margherita.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can keep leftover flatbreads in a tightly sealed bag or container at room temperature for up to three days. To maintain freshness, wrap them in a clean kitchen towel to retain moisture without becoming soggy.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze the flatbreads in a resealable bag with parchment paper between each piece to prevent sticking. They’ll keep well for up to two months, allowing you to enjoy this Garlic Herb Flatbread Recipe anytime without extra effort.

Reheating

Reheat your flatbreads on a hot skillet for a few minutes per side or wrap them in foil and warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. Avoid microwaving as it can make the bread chewy and lose its lovely texture.

FAQs

Can I use all-purpose flour instead of spelt flour?

Absolutely! If you don’t have spelt flour on hand, use all-purpose flour in the same quantity. The flatbread may be a little less nutty in flavor but will still turn out delicious and soft.

What if I don’t have fresh herbs?

While fresh herbs give the best flavor, dried rosemary and thyme can be used instead. Use about one-third of the amount called for fresh herbs since dried herbs are more concentrated.

Is it necessary to let the dough rise for an hour?

Allowing the dough to rise for about an hour ensures that the yeast activates properly, giving you soft and airy flatbread. Rushing this step may result in a denser texture, which isn’t as pleasant.

Can I make the dough in a bread machine?

Yes, you can prepare the dough in a bread machine using the dough cycle. Just add ingredients as instructed and proceed with shaping and cooking the flatbreads manually afterward.

How thin should I roll the dough?

A thickness just under 1/8th inch is ideal, providing a crispy exterior while maintaining a soft and chewy interior. Rolling too thin may make it cook too quickly and become brittle.

Final Thoughts

This Garlic Herb Flatbread Recipe is a delightful, approachable bread that transforms simple kitchen staples into something special and memorable. I encourage you to whip up a batch today and savor the warm, fragrant flavors that will have you coming back for more. It’s perfect for sharing but tricky to keep all to yourself!