Easy Sourdough Flatbread Recipe (5 Ingredients) - A Quaint Life (2024)

This Easy Sourdough Flatbread Recipe takes just 5 ingredients to make and creates the most fluffy, soft flatbreads with all the wonderful benefits of a sourdough starter.

It is just about sourdough season. Well, maybe that’s just me but come the cooler months, my starter is out on the counter ready to go and fed daily. We use it for so many things it truly is quite astounding and when it cools out, having the oven on consistently is no problem. Or in this case, standing over a hot skillet cooking up these soft, fluffy flatbreads.

I will say, I have a very simple and easy Sourdough Artisan Loaf that is normally my go-to recipe for sourdough bread. However, since making this sourdough flatbread recipe, I just might have found a new go-to favorite. These are so versatile and absolutely delicious warm out of the pan.

Plus, this is an easy recipe that has all of the health benefits of using a sourdough starter and a long fermentation process. I like mixing the dough up the night before and cooking it the next day. But you can mix them in the morning, place them in a warm spot in your kitchen, and cook them later in the day for dinner if you’d prefer.

Easy Sourdough Flatbread Is…

• Made with 5 simple ingredients
• Results in a soft, fluffy delicious flatbread
• A great way to use your sourdough starter
• Filled with all the benefits for sourdough
• A good source of phytic acid
• Easy to make and a great recipe for a fresh bread alternative

Ingredients

Flour- I like to use my trusty organic unbleached all-purpose flour to make these however, bread flour or regular all-purpose works great too. Use whichever one you have on hand.

Sourdough Starter- Make sure your starter has been fed and is nice and bubbly. Otherwise, using an unfed starter will take longer.

Salt-I prefer sea salt in my kitchen but regular table salt works fine.

Oil- This recipe calls for olive oil but I have also used avocado oil with the same results. You can also use vegetable oil for this recipe.

Butter- Brushing the flatbreads with butter is optional but highly recommended. It keeps them soft and gives them a nice buttery finishing touch.

What You Will Need To Make Them

3 cups all-purpose flour plus more for rolling

1 cup fed starter

1 tsp sea salt

2 tbsp. olive oil

1 cup filtered water

3 tbsp. salted butter (for brushing)

Tools

Rolling Pin

Cast-iron skillet or Griddle

Mixer (optional, see notes)

*Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive commissions if you choose to purchase through the links I provide (at no cost to you).

Directions

In a mixer bowl, combine the flour, oil, water, salt, and active starter with a paddle until it just comes together. Switch to a dough hook and knead the dough on low for 6 minutes.

When ready the dough should have a very soft and supple feel. It should spring back immediately when lightly pressed. Place kneaded dough in a greased bowl and cover with a tea towel. Leave it to rest at room temperature overnight (about 8 hours).

When ready. generously flour a work surface. Place the dough on the board and shape it back into a dough ball.

Use a knife or a dough scraper to cut the dough into 8 equal pieces. The flatbread dough will be sticky so be sure to sprinkle them with flour as needed. Melt the butter in a separate saucepan to brush the flatbreads.

Heat a large cast iron skillet over medium heat. Don’t add any oil or butter. While the pan heats roll out the first flatbread (about 6 inches wide). You want them flat but not thin like a tortilla. Place the rolled-out flatbread into the hot pan and cook for about a minute until the first side is done.

Flip and cook for another minute or so to finish cooking. Roll out the second flatbread while the other finishes cooking. Roll each flatbread out as you go to avoid them sticking to the dough board. Remove the flatbread, place it on a nearby platter, and brush with butter.

Repeat the steps of rolling, flipping, and brushing until all the flatbreads are done. Enjoy!

Cooking Notes

• Roll out each flatbread as you go, this will avoid sticking to the board.You can also use a little bit of parchment paper to place them on.
• The dough is sticky, so have extra flour handy while you work. Add flour to each flatbread when rolling out.
• Dough rest times can vary with sourdough. Be sure to use an active sourdough starter when making this recipe.
• To help the dough rise quicker, place the flatbread dough to rest in a warm place.
• Using a cast-iron skillet or griddle is best when making these.
• Make sure the pan is hot before adding the first flatbread to the pan.

How To Store

Store in an airtight container or storage bag on the countertop for up to 3 days or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Be sure to reheat on the stovetop or microwave when serving.

How To Enjoy Flatbread

Flatbread can be enjoyed in many ways. Here are some suggestions to try.

• Enjoy it Mediterranean-style with slices of grilled meat, tzatziki sauce, chopped cucumbers, and tomatoes.
• Serve as a bread for soups, or to scoop up thick sauces. I like to cut it into triangles, and serve it with some butter.
• Use it to make traditional wraps.
• These make the perfect pizza base for homemade pizzas! Try this Sun-Dried Tomato Pizza recipe. It is so yummy with this sourdough flatbread recipe.

Benefits Of Sourdough

Of course, we love the taste but sourdough is a healthier alternative to eating regular bread such as white or wheat loaves. The lower phytate levels in sourdough make for an easier-to-digest food and result in a better more nutritious bread.

It is a good alternative for those who are sensitive to gluten as sourdough is a fermented food that has a bacteria-to-yeast composition that works on breaking down the starches found in the grain before it’s even eaten. Sourdough is also known as a prebiotic food that simply put, will help keep your gut bacteria healthy.

FAQs

What flour works best for these sourdough flatbreads?

I like to use unbleached all-purpose flour for this sourdough flatbread recipe but bread flour works great too! So use whichever you have on hand.

What is the best pan to make flatbread with?

Hands down a cast iron skillet. It heats evenly and cooks the flatbread without any extra oils. It also creates a lovely browning effect on the ridges of the flatbread. But if you don’t own one, there is no need to go out and purchase one. A griddle works perfectly or even a heavy-bottomed hard anodized pan will work.

Is flatbread the same as naan bread?

In appearance, both this sourdough flatbread and naan can look quite similar. However, there is a difference in these two breads. Sourdough flatbread is made with 5 simple ingredients (except for water) flour, starter, oil, and salt. Whereas naan is made with an egg and yogurt base that thickens the bread.

How can I make these quicker?

This recipe calls for a long fermentation process which I usually do about 8-10 hours or so but can be longer if desired. However, if you are looking to make these same day, you totally can! Place the dough in a warm spot in your kitchen to help the rising process along. If your starter is bubbling and ready to go, you can make these up in as little as 4 hours by placing them in the warm spot.

Other Sourdough Recipes To Try

Sourdough English Muffins

Homemade Sourdough Pancakes

Sourdough French Bread

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