Name: Garlic Herb Flatbread Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 2 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 packet active dry yeast (2 1/4 tsp); 3/4 tsp sea salt; 1/2 tsp organic cane sugar; 1 1/4 cups Bob’s Red Mill Unbleached All-Purpose Flour; 3/4 cup Bob’s Red Mill Spelt Flour (or substitute more all-purpose flour); 2 cloves garlic, minced (about 1 Tbsp or 6 g); 1 Tbsp minced herbs (rosemary and thyme); 1 Tbsp olive oil (plus more for coating bowl and skillet); 3/4 cup warm water (approx. 110°F/43°C)

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 88 reviews

If you’re craving a warm, fragrant, and delightfully soft bread that pairs perfectly with everything from soups to salads, then this Garlic Herb Flatbread Recipe is going to become your new go-to. Infused with fresh garlic and fragrant herbs like rosemary and thyme, each bite delivers an inviting warmth and a rustic charm that feels both comforting and fresh. The combination of unbleached all-purpose flour and spelt flour gives the flatbread an irresistible texture that is tender yet sturdy enough for dipping or layering. Trust me, once you try this Garlic Herb Flatbread Recipe, you’ll wonder how you ever got along without it.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A mint green bowl is filled with pale beige dough that has risen, showing bumpy and airy texture with small holes. The dough slightly overflows from the bowl's rim and is topped with a few small green herb leaves scattered on the surface. The bowl is set on a wooden table with some green herbs around it, while the background is replaced with a white marbled texture photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Garlic Herb Flatbread Recipe calls for simple, wholesome ingredients that you likely already have on hand. Each one plays a vital role—from the yeast that works its magic to give the bread a lovely rise, to the olive oil that enriches the dough and keeps it soft. The garlic and herbs are the real stars here, packing a punch of flavor that elevates this flatbread from ordinary to extraordinary.

Active dry yeast (1 packet): Ensures a perfect rise for light, airy flatbread.
Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Adds a bold, aromatic punch that’s essential for that signature flavor.
Minced herbs (1 Tbsp rosemary and thyme): Bring a fresh, earthy fragrance that complements the garlic beautifully.
Sea salt (3/4 tsp): Enhances all the flavors and balances the dough’s texture.
Organic cane sugar (1/2 tsp): Feeds the yeast gently, encouraging perfect dough rising.
Unbleached all-purpose flour (1 ¼ cups): Forms the foundation of the dough, giving it structure.
Spelt flour (3/4 cup): Adds a subtle nuttiness and extra tenderness to the flatbread.
Olive oil (1 Tbsp plus extra for coating): Keeps the dough moist and adds a silky richness.
Warm water (3/4 cup): Activates the yeast and binds all the ingredients together.

How to Make Garlic Herb Flatbread Recipe

Step 1: Mix Dry Ingredients

Start by whisking together the yeast, minced garlic, rosemary, thyme, sea salt, organic cane sugar, all-purpose flour, and spelt flour in a large mixing bowl. This ensures all your dry components are evenly distributed, giving your flatbread consistent flavor and texture.

Step 2: Add Wet Ingredients and Form Dough

Make a well in the center of the dry mix and add the olive oil along with two-thirds of the warm water to begin. Stir gently with a wooden spoon, gradually incorporating the flour until a dough begins to form. Add more water if the dough feels too dry—this step is all about balance.

Step 3: Knead Until Smooth

Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 2 minutes. The goal is a smooth, elastic texture that’s soft but not sticky—sprinkle on extra flour as you knead to keep it manageable without drying it out.

Step 4: First Rise

Clean out your mixing bowl and add a teaspoon of olive oil. Roll your dough around in the bowl to coat it evenly with oil, then place it seam-side down. Cover the bowl with a damp towel or plastic wrap and set it somewhere warm to rise for about one hour, or until it has doubled in size. This rise is what makes your flatbread light and airy.

Step 5: Portion and Rest Dough

Once doubled, punch down your dough gently and cut it into six equal pieces. Lay these out on a clean surface and cover again with a damp towel, letting them rest for a bit to relax the gluten and make rolling easier.

Step 6: Preheat Your Skillet

While the dough rests, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat—ideally cast iron or electric—until it reaches around 375°F (190°C). A well-heated pan is essential for that perfect flatbread with a golden, slightly crispy exterior.

Step 7: Roll Out the Dough

On a lightly floured surface, roll each piece of dough into a circle less than 1/8 inch thick. It should be thin but still sturdy enough to hold its shape during cooking—think delicate but firm.

Step 8: Cook the Flatbreads

Grease your hot skillet lightly, then cook each flatbread one at a time. Place it in the pan and cook for 2 ½ minutes without disturbance, until the bottom is golden and bubbly. Flip and cook the other side for another 2 ½ minutes. Add more oil as needed to keep the flatbread from sticking and to develop that irresistible crust.

Step 9: Enjoy Fresh or Store

Serve your flatbread immediately to enjoy warm and soft, or let it cool completely and store in a sealed bag or container for up to three days. While fresh is best, leftovers can be a dream when reheated.

How to Serve Garlic Herb Flatbread Recipe

A stack of four flatbreads with a light golden brown color and slightly uneven round shapes is shown from above. The top flatbread has small browned spots and a few green herb leaves scattered on it. Around the stack, there are garlic cloves and green herb sprigs placed on a white marbled surface. The flatbreads have a soft, slightly puffy texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkle your flatbread with flaky sea salt, a drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil, or a scattering of fresh herbs like parsley or chives for a pop of color and extra flavor boost.

Side Dishes

This flatbread pairs wonderfully with Mediterranean dips such as hummus, baba ganoush, or tzatziki. It also shines alongside hearty soups, fresh salads, or grilled vegetables—its garlicky, herbaceous notes elevate any meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Try layering slices with roasted veggies and soft cheeses to make warm flatbread sandwiches, or use it as a base for personalized mini pizzas. You can also tear it into pieces to serve as a rustic appetizer with olive oil for dipping—perfect for sharing!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap any leftover flatbread tightly in aluminum foil or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This keeps the bread moist without getting soggy.

Freezing

You can freeze cooked flatbreads by wrapping them individually in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag. They keep well for up to two months and thaw quickly when needed.

Reheating

Reheat flatbreads in a warm skillet over medium heat for a couple of minutes on each side to restore their softness and crispness. Alternatively, a toaster oven works beautifully for quick, even reheating.

FAQs

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

Absolutely! While spelt flour adds a pleasant nuttiness and tenderness, you can substitute it entirely with all-purpose flour without compromising the flatbread’s texture or flavor.

Do I need to proof the yeast before mixing?

In this recipe, the yeast is mixed directly with the dry ingredients and warm water, which activates it during the initial mixing step. No separate proofing is necessary.

Can I add other herbs to the flatbread?

Definitely. Feel free to experiment with basil, oregano, or parsley depending on your taste preferences. Just be mindful of herb quantities so they don’t overpower the garlic flavor.

What’s the best way to store leftover dough?

If you want to delay baking, you can refrigerate the dough tightly wrapped for up to 24 hours. Let it come to room temperature before shaping and cooking.

How thin should I roll the dough?

Roll the dough until it is under 1/8 inch thick but not paper thin. This balance gives you a tender flatbread that holds together well during cooking without being too dense or too crispy.

Final Thoughts

This Garlic Herb Flatbread Recipe is one of those kitchen wins that quickly becomes a staple. It’s simple, flavorful, and versatile—perfect for busy weeknights or leisurely weekend cooking. Give it a try and watch how it brings people to the table with happy smiles and full hearts.