If you love warm, flavorful bread that’s bursting with richness and a touch of herbaceous brightness, you’re going to adore this Garlic and Butter Flatbread Recipe. It’s the kind of recipe that feels like a cozy hug from the inside out — soft, golden flatbreads brushed with melted garlic-infused butter and topped with fresh parsley. Whether you’re serving it alongside dinner or simply enjoying it as a snack, this recipe combines simple ingredients into an irresistible treat you’ll find yourself craving again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Garlic and Butter Flatbread Recipe stands on the strength of a handful of straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients. Each component plays a vital role, lending texture, flavor, or that irresistible golden hue that makes flatbread so special.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The base of your dough, providing structure and that pleasing chewiness.
- 1 tsp instant yeast: Activates the dough, helping it rise into a light, airy delight.
- 1 tsp sugar: Feeds the yeast and adds a subtle touch of sweetness.
- 3/4 tsp salt: Balances flavors and enhances the overall taste.
- 3/4 cup warm water: Hydrates the flour to bring the dough to life.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: Adds richness and helps create a tender texture.
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter (melted): The star when it comes to that luscious garlic butter glaze.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced): Infuses the butter with aromatic intensity and savory depth.
- Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish): Offers a fresh, vibrant pop of color and flavor.
How to Make Garlic and Butter Flatbread Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by combining your flour, instant yeast, sugar, and salt in a large bowl. Slowly add the warm water while mixing, allowing the dough to come together gradually. Knead on a lightly floured surface for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic — this is the moment where the magic starts to form a soft, pliable dough that will rise beautifully. Place it in an oiled bowl, cover with a towel, and let it rest for an hour or until doubled in size. This resting time gives the bread its lovely airy texture.
Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter
While your dough is happily rising, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté just enough for the garlic to release its fragrance without browning — about 1 to 2 minutes. This mixture is what transforms simple flatbread into a decadent treat, so savor the aroma as you prepare.
Step 3: Shape the Flatbread
Once your dough has doubled, gently punch it down to let out the air, then divide it into two equal portions. Roll out each portion into a circle or oval roughly 1/4 inch thick—thin enough to get that perfect golden crisp on the outside while remaining tender inside. This hand-rolled step makes all the difference in texture.
Step 4: Cook the Flatbread
Preheat a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Place a dough round in the hot pan and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until you see golden brown spots developing on the underside. Flip and cook the other side for another 2 to 3 minutes until it’s cooked through with an irresistible toasted crust. Repeat for the second piece. The quick cooking keeps the bread soft but pleasantly crisp on the outside.
Step 5: Add Garlic Butter
As soon as the flatbreads come off the heat, generously brush each one with the warm garlic butter mixture. The butter soaks into the crevices and adds a rich, savory layer that makes every bite downright addictive — this step is the heart of the Garlic and Butter Flatbread Recipe.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Finish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley. This simple garnish brightens both the flavor and appearance, giving your flatbreads a fresh, herbaceous lift and a splash of green that’s just as delightful for the eyes as it is for the palate. Slice, share, and serve immediately for the best experience.
How to Serve Garlic and Butter Flatbread Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a classic choice for this dish, but feel free to experiment with other herbs like finely chopped rosemary, thyme, or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat. A light dusting of parmesan cheese right after brushing with garlic butter adds a lovely savory crunch as well.
Side Dishes
This flatbread pairs wonderfully with nearly anything—think creamy hummus, vibrant tomato salsa, or a chilled tzatziki sauce for dipping. It’s also a perfect companion to hearty soups and stews or alongside your favorite roasted vegetables for a simple but satisfying meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party, cut the flatbread into bite-sized wedges and arrange them on a platter with bowls of dips and garnishes. You can also use the flatbread as a base for quick pizzas — just add tomato sauce, cheese, and toppings before finishing under the broiler. The possibilities with this Garlic and Butter Flatbread Recipe are endless, and each variation is just as pleasurable as the last.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, wrap them tightly in foil or place them in an airtight container. Stored at room temperature, the flatbreads stay fresh for about 1 to 2 days without losing too much of that fresh-out-of-the-pan softness.
Freezing
To enjoy this Garlic and Butter Flatbread Recipe at a later time, freeze the flatbreads in a sealed bag or container. Separate each piece with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They’ll keep well in the freezer for up to 2 months, ready to bring back to life on busy days.
Reheating
Reheat leftover flatbreads in a hot skillet or oven to restore their crisp edges and soft insides. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it tends to make bread chewy or rubbery. A quick warm-up restores much of the original charm of fresh flatbread.
FAQs
Can I use regular active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?
Yes, you can. Just remember to activate active dry yeast in warm water for about 5-10 minutes before adding it to the flour mix. This extra step ensures your dough will rise properly.
How thick should I roll out the flatbread dough?
About 1/4 inch thick is ideal. This thickness offers the perfect balance between a tender interior and a nicely browned, lightly crisp exterior when cooked.
Can I make this flatbread vegan?
You can! Substitute the butter with a plant-based margarine or olive oil and ensure any optional garnishes are vegan-friendly. The bread itself isn’t reliant on dairy, so this swap is straightforward.
Is it necessary to let the dough rise for an hour?
While the one-hour rise helps develop better texture and flavor, if you’re short on time, you can let it rise for 30 minutes. The final flatbread will be less airy but still delicious.
What’s the best way to store the garlic butter flatbread if I want to bring it to a picnic?
Wrap each flatbread tightly in aluminum foil and place them in an insulated container or cooler. This keeps them warm and fresh until you’re ready to enjoy them outdoors.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the simple pleasure of homemade flatbread, especially when it’s laced with garlic and butter like in this Garlic and Butter Flatbread Recipe. It’s approachable, quick, and utterly satisfying — perfect for a casual weeknight dinner or an impressive appetizer for guests. I can’t wait for you to give it a try and make it your own beloved staple!
Print
Garlic and Butter Flatbread Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 large flatbreads
- Category: Bread
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Description
This Garlic and Butter Flatbread recipe creates soft, flavorful flatbreads infused with aromatic garlic butter and fresh parsley. Perfect as an appetizer, side, or snack, these flatbreads are easy to prepare using simple ingredients and cooked on the stovetop for a quick, delicious treat.
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp instant yeast
- 1 tsp sugar
- 3/4 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup warm water
- 2 tbsp olive oil
For the Garlic Butter
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter (melted)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
For Garnish
- Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the dough: In a large bowl, combine the flour, instant yeast, sugar, and salt. Gradually add the warm water while mixing until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Shape into a ball, place in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a towel, and let it rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Make the garlic butter: While the dough rises, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Shape the flatbread: Once risen, punch down the dough to release air and divide into 2 equal portions. Roll each portion into a circle or oval about 1/4 inch thick on a floured surface.
- Cook the flatbread: Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Place one dough round into the hot skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes until golden brown spots appear on the bottom. Flip and cook the other side for 2-3 minutes until golden and cooked through. Repeat with the second piece of dough.
- Add garlic butter: Brush the cooked flatbreads generously with the prepared garlic butter while still hot to infuse them with flavor.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the flatbreads for freshness and color. Slice and serve immediately for best taste.
Notes
- Allowing the dough to rise properly is key to soft and airy flatbreads.
- You can adjust garlic quantity according to your preference for stronger or milder flavor.
- Serve these flatbreads warm for the best texture and flavor.
- These flatbreads pair well with dips like hummus, tzatziki, or as a side to soups and salads.
- Store any leftovers wrapped tightly in foil or plastic wrap at room temperature for a day, then reheat in a skillet or oven.
