Everyone loves indulging in a plate of flatbread from time to time, and when made with nutritious ingredients, flatbread can be part of a healthy, balanced diet. If you're searching for the latest and greatest flatbread toppings, you've come to the right place. This article will discuss the many types of flatbread available and how to top each. From dried fruits to exotic cheeses, there's no shortage of pairing options when it comes to flatbread.
What Is Flatbread?
Flatbread has been around since bread was invented and is defined as a thin bread made from flour, water and salt. Other enriching ingredients like milk and yogurt can be included. However, they're not always required.
Flatbread Is Usually Unleavened
Most flatbreads are unleavened, meaning that they do not contain yeast. Made with just a few ingredients, flatbread is one of the simplest forms of bread, making it increasingly popular in countries where baking ingredients are scarce. Though most flatbreads are yeast-free, flatbreads like pita and naan do require a leavening agent and are a bit fluffier than other varieties.
Flatbread Is an International Dish
A dish enjoyed worldwide, almost every country has a flatbread recipe unique to them. When enjoying different cuisines, you'll find flatbread in various shapes, sizes, thicknesses and flavors.
Tasty Flatbread Topping Ideas
Are you looking for unique ways to top your favorite flatbread? From tortillas to focaccia, these flatbread recipes feature delicious toppings to create a dish overflowing with taste and texture. Try one out for yourself today!
Bacon, Goat Cheese and Mixed Greens Flatbread
For a dish that is sure to impress, create this Bacon, Goat Cheese and Mixed Greens Flatbread. The ideal appetizer, this dish is excellent for individuals looking to take their weeknight meals up a notch. So whether you're planning a date night or hoping to wow guests at your next gathering, this dish's mix of savory and salty ingredients will satisfy everyone's cravings. Fluffy on the inside and crispy on the outside, this home cooked flatbread is covered in melted cheese and flavorful toppings. What's more, it's also easy to make and serve.
Rosemary and Sea Salt Gluten Free Focaccia
Focaccia is a widely loved flatbread known for its airy and bubbly texture. While making focaccia at home might seem challenging at first, it can be a simple and fun process with the right recipe. To create a flatbread that everyone can enjoy, try your hand at making this Rosemary and Sea Salt Gluten Free Focaccia. A tasty bread that tastes like traditional focaccia, it's naturally casein-free and uses a unique flour blend to replicate the same chewy texture that you know and love. Topped with just a bit of rosemary, sea salt and thinly sliced red onion, it's light, refreshing and delicious.
Shrimp Tacos with Homemade Corn Tortillas
Tortillas are one of the most popular foods worldwide. In fact, they're enjoyed in so many cultures that we often forget they are a type of flatbread. Tortillas can be topped and stuffed with just about anything. Meat, vegetables and seafood all make for excellent tortilla toppings. Not fully convinced? Make these Shrimp Tacos with Homemade Corn Tortillas. The perfect way to take taco Tuesday to the next level, this recipe makes making fresh tortillas and tacos easier than ever.
Easy Chickpea Flatbread with Vegetables
Looking for an excellent flatbread topping? Vegetables and flatbread are two ingredients that go hand in hand. Though any type of vegetable can be paired with flatbread, we recommend choosing seasonal vegetables that are locally sourced. Not only will you help out a local farmer with your purchase, but you'll also notice an added boost of flavor when using in-season veggies. Simple to make, this Easy Chickpea Flatbread with Vegetables is an excellent way to place something fantastic on the table in under an hour.
Additional Flatbread Topping Combinations
Are you searching for more flavor flatbread toppings? Here's a quick list of our favorite flatbread pairings.
- Steak and Gorgonzola
- Mozzarella and Tomato
- Steak, Egg and Arugula
- Caramelized Mushrooms
- BBQ Sauce, Chicken and Cheese
- Grilled Sausage and Apple
The Different Types of Flatbread
Curious to learn more about making flatbread at home? When making flatbread, there are several types to choose from. The most common types of flatbread include tortillas, naan, pita bread and focaccia. Here's a quick overview of each.
Tortillas
Tortillas are one of the most popular types of flatbread. A staple in several cuisines, tortillas can be made from several different ingredients, the two most common being corn and wheat.
Corn Tortillas
Corn tortillas are typically made from processed corn, known as hominy. White maize, yellow maize and black maize are all used to create tortillas, producing different colors and slightly different textures. White and yellow corn are the two most commonly grown.
How to Make Corn Tortillas
Corn tortillas are made by pressing dough into very thin patties using a specific rolling pin or tortilla press. The dough is then cooked on a terracotta grill or hot pan until it produces a thin, flexible and chewy flatbread. Best served warm, corn tortillas are used in several dishes—the most popular being tacos.
For great tasting homemade tortillas, follow this Corn Tortilla Recipe.
Flour Tortillas
Flour tortillas are made from finely ground wheat flour and follow a process similar to corn tortillas. The tortilla dough is first made from flour, water, fat and salt and then pressed into a thin round shape before being cooked on a grill.
Taste of Flour Tortillas
Though the texture is similar to corn tortillas, flour tortillas produce a very different taste and a softer, more pliable texture. Flour tortillas' neutral flavor makes them excellent for use in traditional Mexican dishes like quesadillas, enchiladas and tostadas.
Take Taco Tuesday to the next level and add these Oat Flour Tortillas to your list of go-to taco recipes.
Pita Bread
Pita bread is another popular type of flatbread that's enjoyed regularly. Pita bread differs from other types of flatbread in that it often contains a leavening agent like yeast. The yeast allows the dough to rise in the oven and form a large air pocket. This air pocket creates a double-layered flatbread that can be stuffed with all kinds of ingredients.
The History of Pita Bread
Pita bread most likely originated in the Middle East. However, there are also early signs of it in the Fertile Crescent and Greece. Though there's no way to determine the exact origin of pita bread, we know it was already being made around 4000 years ago.
How Pita Bread Is Made
Like other types of bread, pita bread is traditionally made from flour, yeast, water and salt. Depending on the region, it may contain various other ingredients and flavorings. Once the basic dough is formed, it is shaped into flat round discs and allowed to proof for a short amount of time. The dough is then baked or cooked in a hot oven on a preheated tray. A preheating process allows the air pocket to form. Then once the heat is applied, the flatbread puffs into shape. As the pita bread cools, it deflates, and the two layers remain separated.
Served in several ways, pita bread's crispy outside and chewy centers make it the perfect flatbread to hold all of your favorite savory fillings. Pita bread also tastes great when accompanied by dips and sauces such as hummus.
Naan
Like pita, naan is a leavened flatbread that's enjoyed in several cultures. Originating in India, Asia, Mesopotamia and ancient Egypt, naan was first mentioned in about 1300 A.C. Though it was likely made well before then.
How Naan Is Made
Naan is typically associated with Indian cuisine and is a thicker flatbread that produces an oblong, oval shape. Made from flour, water, salt and yeast, several ingredients and methods are used to create this bread and boost its overall flavor. One of the most common types of naan features a dough made of self-rising flour and yogurt. Though naan is traditionally served hot and brushed with ghee, it can be used to make tacos, pizzas, paninis and more.
And that's a wrap—literally! From goat cheese to shrimp, use the topping ideas on this list to help inspire your next flatbread recipe. Whether you choose to make pita bread, naan, tortillas, or all of the above, we are sure your baking journey will be a success. From the Bob's Red Mill family to yours, happy baking!
Do you make flatbread at home regularly? We'd love to hear more about the unique ingredients you choose for toppings. Share your favorite flatbread topping combinations with us in the comments below. We can't wait to hear from you.
