Homemade Flatbread
These homemade flatbreads are soft, fluffy, and wonderfully versatile. Cooked right on a skillet with no oven required, they develop golden-brown spots and a tender texture that makes them perfect for wraps, sandwiches, dipping, or serving alongside soups, curries, and grilled dishes. With simple pantry ingredients and easy preparation, this recipe is beginner-friendly and delivers bakery-style flatbreads fresh from your kitchen.
The dough is light, elastic, and easy to work with, while the combination of warm milk and olive oil creates a soft texture that stays delicious even after cooling.
Prep & Cook Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Rise Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
Servings
Makes 8–10 flatbreads.
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 2 tsp instant yeast
- 1 cup warm water
- 1/4 cup warm milk
- 2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
Instructions
1. Make the Dough
In a large bowl, combine:
- flour
- salt
- sugar
- yeast
Add warm water, warm milk, and olive oil. Mix until a soft dough forms.
2. Knead
Transfer dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
If the dough feels sticky, add a little extra flour gradually.
3. Let It Rise
Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl and cover with a towel or plastic wrap.
Allow it to rise for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
4. Shape the flatbreads.
Punch down the dough and divide it into 8–10 equal portions.
Roll each piece into a circle about 1/4 inch thick.
5. Cook
Heat a dry skillet or pan over medium heat.
Cook each flatbread for 1–2 minutes on one side until bubbles appear, then flip and cook another 1–2 minutes until golden brown spots form.
Repeat with remaining dough.
Description
These skillet flatbreads are soft, chewy, and slightly fluffy with beautiful golden charred spots from the hot pan. They are similar to naan or pita-style breads and can be enjoyed warm with butter, garlic, dips, or savoury fillings.
The simplicity of the recipe makes it ideal for everyday cooking, and the flatbreads stay soft enough for wraps and sandwiches.
Tips
- Use warm—not hot—liquids to activate the yeast properly.
- Cover cooked flatbreads with a clean towel to keep them soft.
- Brush with garlic butter for extra flavour.
- A cast-iron skillet gives the best texture and browning.
- Freeze extra flatbreads in airtight bags for later use.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per flatbread)
- Calories: 180
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Protein: 5g
- Fat: 3g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sodium: 240mg
Health Benefits
- Homemade & Fresh: Fewer preservatives than store-bought breads.
- Energy Source: Provides carbohydrates for daily energy.
- Versatile Meal Option: Works with healthy proteins and vegetables.
- Customizable: Can be made with whole wheat flour for added fiber.
- Budget-Friendly: Uses simple pantry staples.
Recipe Notes
These flatbreads are best enjoyed warm but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave before serving. You can also add herbs, garlic, or spices directly into the dough for extra flavour.
Q&A
Can I make this without yeast?
Yes, but the texture will be less fluffy. Baking powder can be used as a substitute.
Can I use whole wheat flour?
Absolutely. Replace half or all of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour.
Why didn’t my dough rise?
Your yeast may be expired, or the liquids may have been too hot or too cold.
Can I freeze flatbread?
Yes. Freeze cooled flatbreads in airtight bags for up to 2 months.
What can I serve with flatbread?
They pair perfectly with curries, soups, grilled meats, hummus, salads, or sandwich fillings.