If you love the idea of crafting a delicious pizza right at home with simple ingredients and a crust that’s perfectly thin and crisp, then you’re in for a treat with this Homemade Flatbread Pizza Recipe. It’s wonderfully versatile, pairs beautifully with all kinds of toppings, and is so satisfying to make from scratch. Whether you’re a pizza enthusiast or someone who enjoys a comforting homemade meal, this recipe brings together the best of fresh flavors and easy techniques for an irresistible flatbread pizza experience.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Trust me when I say, the magic of this Homemade Flatbread Pizza Recipe lies in its straightforward, everyday ingredients. Each one plays a vital role, from the delicate yeast that helps achieve the perfect rise to the olive oil that adds richness and crispness to the crust. These are pantry staples that come together effortlessly to produce a truly memorable pizza base.
- Active dry or instant yeast – The tiny powerhouse that makes your dough rise and get that amazing texture.
- Granulated sugar – Just a pinch helps feed the yeast so it blooms beautifully.
- Warm water (100-110°F, 38-43°C) – The ideal temperature to activate yeast without killing it.
- All-purpose or bread flour – The foundation of your dough, providing structure with a nice chew.
- Olive oil – Adds moisture, flavor, and helps crisp the flatbread crust.
- Salt – Essential for flavor depth and balancing the dough.
- Optional garlic powder or minced garlic – Brings a fragrant, savory kick right into the dough.
- Optional Italian seasoning – Infuses the crust with herby warmth for extra flavor layers.
How to Make Homemade Flatbread Pizza Recipe
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Start by whisking together the yeast, sugar, and warm water. This step is crucial because it gets the yeast bubbling and frothy, showing that it’s alive and ready to work its magic in the dough. If you don’t see a foam layer after 10 minutes, your yeast might be inactive and it’s best to try again with fresh yeast.
Step 2: Mix the Dough
Next, add flour, olive oil, and salt to the yeast mixture. If you’re using garlic or Italian seasoning, toss that in now too. Mix everything on low speed with a dough hook or combine by hand with a wooden spoon. The dough should come together into a thick but soft ball that slightly sticks to the bowl—perfect for kneading.
Step 3: Knead the Dough
Knead the dough for 6 to 8 minutes until it becomes elastic and smooth. This develops the gluten, which is responsible for that chew we all adore in a great flatbread pizza crust. If it’s too sticky, sprinkle a little flour but be careful not to overdo it because a tender dough is what you want.
Step 4: First Rise
Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover it tightly. Let it rest in a warm spot for about 45 minutes until it has risen slightly and feels pillowy. This resting period is where the dough gets its airy lightness and depth of flavor.
Step 5: Shape the Flatbread
After the rise, punch the dough down and divide it into two portions. On a floured surface, gently stretch or roll out each piece until about 1/4 inch thick. Don’t stress about perfect circles—a rustic shape adds charm! Transfer the shaped dough to parchment-lined baking sheets or a pizza stone for baking.
Step 6: Add Olive Oil and Toppings
Brush each piece lightly with olive oil and prick the surface with your fingers or a fork to prevent large bubbles from forming. Now is the time to get creative with your favorite toppings, from classic mozzarella and tomato to fresh basil or even some roasted veggies.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake your flatbread pizza at a high temperature (475°F) for 15 to 20 minutes. You want the crust edges to turn golden and the toppings to bubble and caramelize beautifully. The result is a crisp, flavorful flatbread pizza that’s hard to resist.
How to Serve Homemade Flatbread Pizza Recipe
Garnishes
Finishing touches like a sprinkle of fresh Parmesan, handfuls of peppery arugula, or a drizzle of quality extra virgin olive oil elevate your flatbread pizza to gourmet heights. Fresh basil leaves also add a vibrant, herbaceous pop that perfectly complements the warm crust and melty toppings.
Side Dishes
A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette, roasted garlic hummus, or a light antipasto platter pairs well with this Homemade Flatbread Pizza Recipe. These sides balance the richness of the pizza and add variety to your meal that will impress anyone you share it with.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun family-style meal, slice the flatbread into strips or small squares and serve it tapas-style with assorted dips. Wrapping leftovers in foil and reheating for a picnic or casual lunch is another clever way to enjoy the flavors on the go.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers, store them wrapped tightly in the refrigerator for up to one week. This keeps the crust from drying out and the toppings fresh for quick reheating.
Freezing
You can freeze the prepared dough after the first rise by dividing and wrapping it well. It will keep perfectly for up to three months, making it easy to pull out for spontaneous pizza nights. Just thaw overnight in your fridge and let it come to room temperature before shaping.
Reheating
Reheat slices in a hot oven or a skillet to bring back that crisp texture without sogginess. Avoid the microwave as it tends to make the crust rubbery. A few minutes at 375°F works wonderfully.
FAQs
Can I make this flatbread pizza dough without a stand mixer?
Absolutely! You can mix the dough by hand using a large wooden spoon or silicone spatula. It will require a bit more arm strength, especially during kneading, but it’s completely doable and just as rewarding.
What can I substitute for olive oil in this recipe?
While olive oil adds great flavor and texture, you can use any neutral-flavored oil like canola or vegetable oil if needed. Just keep the quantity the same to maintain the dough’s moisture.
Can I add whole wheat flour to make this recipe healthier?
You could try replacing some all-purpose flour with whole wheat, but be aware the dough might need a touch more water and will be denser. Experiment with ratios and adjust as you go for the best results.
What toppings do you recommend for this flatbread pizza?
The possibilities are endless! Classic favorites include fresh mozzarella, tomato slices, and basil. You can also go adventurous with caramelized onions, roasted garlic, olives, or spicy sausage. Just keep toppings light to ensure the crust bakes evenly.
How thin should I roll out the dough?
About a 1/4 inch thickness is perfect for that ideal crisp-yet-chewy flatbread crust. Thinner dough will crisp up nicely, but watch the baking time closely to avoid burning.
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to try this Homemade Flatbread Pizza Recipe. It’s such a satisfying way to enjoy pizza made from scratch with wholesome ingredients and your favorite toppings. Once you master this dough, the creative possibilities are endless and every bite will feel like a special occasion. Happy baking and even happier eating!
PrintHomemade Flatbread Pizza Recipe
This homemade flatbread pizza recipe offers a simple, versatile dough that can be shaped thin and topped with your favorite ingredients. Using basic pantry staples like yeast, flour, and olive oil, the flatbread is soft yet slightly crispy, perfect for quick pizzas or snacks. The dough is easy to prepare with options for kneading by hand or using a mixer, and it rises in under an hour, making it a great choice for a quick homemade pizza night. You can customize toppings freely or enjoy it plain with garlic and olive oil.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (includes 45 min rise time)
- Yield: Makes 2 medium flatbread pizzas
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon active dry or instant yeast
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup (180ml) warm water (between 100-110°F, 38-43°C)
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour or bread flour (spooned & leveled), plus more for hands and surface
- 1 tablespoon (15ml) olive oil, plus 2 teaspoons for brushing the dough
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Optional: 1 teaspoon garlic powder or 1 clove minced garlic
- Optional: 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or dried oregano, basil, parsley)
Toppings (examples)
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella, sliced or shredded
- Fresh tomato slices
- Chopped fresh basil
- Fresh parmesan cheese, for sprinkling
- Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
- Fresh arugula (optional, after baking)
Instructions
- Prepare the dough: In a stand mixer bowl or large mixing bowl, whisk together the yeast, sugar, and warm water. Cover loosely and let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy and frothy on top, indicating the yeast is activated.
- Mix the dough: Add the flour, olive oil, salt, and optional garlic powder or Italian seasoning to the yeast mixture. Using the dough hook attachment on low speed, mix until combined, about 2 minutes. The dough should be thick, soft, and slightly sticky, pulling away from the bowl sides. If too sticky, add flour one tablespoon at a time until manageable.
- Knead the dough: Continue kneading in the stand mixer for 6-8 minutes or knead by hand on a floured surface for 6-8 minutes until the dough passes the windowpane test (stretch a small piece thinly without tearing). The dough should be soft and elastic.
- Let dough rise: Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap or a clean towel, and let rest at room temperature for 45 minutes until slightly risen. You can also refrigerate the covered dough for up to 2 days to use later.
- Preheat oven: Set your oven to 475°F (246°C) and prepare a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat, or use a pizza stone.
- Shape the dough: Punch down the dough to release air and divide into two portions. On a floured surface, shape each piece into a thin flatbread about 1/4 inch thick using your hands or a rolling pin. Transfer carefully to the prepared baking sheet or pizza stone.
- Poke and oil: Prick holes in the dough surface with your fingers or a fork. Brush each flatbread with 1 teaspoon olive oil to enhance browning and flavor.
- Add toppings: Place your favorite toppings evenly over each flatbread. Examples include sliced mozzarella, tomato slices, basil, garlic, or cheese.
- Bake the flatbread pizza: Bake in the preheated oven for 15–20 minutes until the crust is browned and toppings are cooked to your liking.
- Serve and store: Remove from the oven, slice, and serve warm. Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Notes
- Make Ahead & Freezing: After rising, the dough can be refrigerated for up to 2 days. For freezing, wrap divided dough tightly and freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and let rest 1 hour at room temperature before shaping.
- Flour options: Recipe works best with all-purpose or bread flour. Whole wheat flour may require extra liquid and has not been tested.
- Yeast: Active dry or instant yeast can be used interchangeably. One teaspoon is less than a standard yeast packet.
- Optional flavorings: Garlic powder, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning add flavor to the dough but can be omitted.
- Double batch: Easily doubled by doubling ingredients, extending rise time to about 1 hour.
- Testing dough readiness: Use the windowpane test to check kneading effectiveness—dough should stretch thin without tearing.
