There’s something magical about the smell of freshly baked bread, and when that bread is lightly charred and warm from the grill, it’s enough to make anyone’s mouth water. Grilled flatbread, a staple in many cultures, is surprisingly easy to make at home. It’s incredibly versatile, serving as a delicious side to dips like hummus or baba ghanoush, a base for grilled pizzas, or even a wrap for grilled meats and veggies.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the simple steps of making grilled flatbread that’s soft on the inside and perfectly charred on the outside. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this crowd-pleasing treat!
Gather Your Ingredients
The beauty of flatbread lies in its simplicity. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Flour: 2 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting (you can also experiment with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor)
- Water: ¾ cup warm water
- Yeast: 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons, plus extra for brushing
- Salt: 1 teaspoon
- Sugar: 1 teaspoon (this helps activate the yeast)
Optional ingredients for added flavor:
- Fresh herbs (like rosemary or thyme), finely chopped
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
Tools of the Trade
- Large bowl: For mixing the dough
- Plastic wrap: To cover the dough while it rises
- Rolling pin: To roll out the flatbread (if you don’t have a rolling pin, you can use a wine bottle!)
- Grill: Gas or charcoal works great
- Pastry brush: For brushing the flatbread with olive oil
Let’s Get Grilling!
1. Wake Up the Yeast:
In the large bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Give it a gentle stir and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes. You’ll know the yeast is active when it gets foamy on top.
2. Create the Dough:
Add the olive oil and salt to the yeast mixture. Gradually add in the flour, one cup at a time, mixing until a dough forms.
3. Knead It Real Good:
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic.
Pro Tip: If the dough feels sticky, add a sprinkle of flour at a time until it’s no longer sticking to your hands.
4. Time to Rise:
Place the dough back in the bowl, cover it with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about an hour, or until it’s doubled in size.
5. Preheat Your Grill:
While the dough is rising, preheat your grill to medium heat.
6. Divide and Conquer:
Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 4-6 equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball.
7. Roll It Out:
On a lightly floured surface, roll out each dough ball into a thin circle or oval, about ⅛ inch thick.
Pro Tip: If you prefer a thinner, crispier flatbread, roll it out even thinner.
8. Grill to Perfection:
Carefully place the rolled-out flatbread on the preheated grill. Grill for 2-3 minutes per side, or until lightly charred and cooked through. You’ll know it’s ready when you see grill marks and air pockets puffing up on the surface.
9. Brush with Flavor:
As soon as you take the flatbread off the grill, brush it with a little more olive oil for extra flavor and to keep it from drying out.
Time to Enjoy!
Serve the grilled flatbread immediately while it’s still warm. You can enjoy it as is or get creative with toppings and fillings.
Here are some serving ideas:
- Dip it: Serve the flatbread alongside hummus, baba ghanoush, tzatziki sauce, or your favorite dip.
- Wrap it: Use the flatbread to wrap grilled meats or veggies, falafel, or even scrambled eggs for a delicious breakfast wrap.
- Top it: Get creative and use the grilled flatbread as a base for pizzas, flatbread tacos, or open-faced sandwiches.
Grilled Flatbread
Tips and Tricks:
- For a crispier flatbread: Roll the dough thinner and grill for a shorter amount of time.
- For a softer flatbread: Grill the flatbread for a shorter amount of time or wrap it in a clean kitchen towel as soon as it comes off the grill.
- Experiment with flavors: Add fresh herbs, garlic powder, or onion powder to the dough for an extra burst of flavor.
- Don’t overcrowd the grill: Grill the flatbreads in batches to ensure even cooking.
Flatbread Ingredients
Conclusion
Making grilled flatbread at home is easier than you might think, and the results are incredibly rewarding. It’s a fun and delicious way to elevate any meal, from casual weeknight dinners to special occasions. So fire up the grill and give it a try! You might just discover your new favorite bread recipe.
Did you enjoy this grilled flatbread recipe? Share your experience and photos with us in the comments below! And be sure to check out our other grilling recipes, like How to Make Grilled Kebabs and How to Make Samfaina, for more delicious inspiration.
