The Difference Between Flatbread and Pizza - Basta Pasta (2024)

FAQs

The Difference Between Flatbread and Pizza - Basta Pasta? ›

It's in the Shape

But the difference between the two really comes down to the ingredients, they both need flour, water, and salt, but pizza dough has an additional ingredient, yeast. Pizza dough is a leavened dough where flatbread is unleavened, giving it that flat texture.

Flatbreads made with whole grains or alternative flours can contribute more fiber and nutrients compared to traditional pizza crusts. Consider whole wheat or multigrain flatbreads for added nutritional value.

However, in most culinary circles, it is generally agreed-upon that the main difference is that flatbread is thinner and crispier than pizza crust. According to some, even thin-crust pizza should be thicker and chewier than flatbread, which should have a much more crusty, crumbly texture.

The doughs for both are almost identical, lean doughs made with flour, water, salt, and yeast. The difference is in how they are shaped and baked. Even store bought pizza dough can be used to make pita.

Many flatbreads also taste similar to pizza and are on the menu at pizza restaurants. Flatbreads and pizzas are also typically cooked in the same exact pizza ovens, whether they are elaborate brick ovens or basic pizza ovens.

The Crust:

In a classic pizza, yeast is added to the dough mixture, which allows it to rise and create a soft, airy texture as it bakes. On the other hand, flatbreads usually lack yeast or any kind of leavening agent, which creates its signature flat and crispy crust.

Flatbread can be a great choice that is part of a healthy, balanced diet. Homemade flatbread in particular is a great option so that you can control everything that goes into your flatbread, and use whole grains, and low fat options. You can also add in ingredients like flax seeds to give added nutrition as well.

The highly processed flour and additives in white, packaged bread can make it unhealthful. Consuming too much white bread can contribute to obesity, heart disease, and diabetes. However, buying bread with the word “whole” as the first ingredient still does not guarantee a healthful product.

A one-ounce slice of bread typically contains 75 to 100 calories. Corn tortillas, the traditional choice for tacos and enchiladas, generally have 60 to 65 calories in each small six-inch piece. Flour tortillas are slightly higher in calories because they contain added fat to make them softer and easier to roll.

Are flatbreads better than bread? ›

Not necessarily. While different doughs vary nutritionally, flatbread is generally just unleavened bread. In other words, bread dough that was not made to rise. Flatbreads may look smaller, but if it's the same dough, the nutritional contents are identical.

“Flatbreads are extremely versatile so it allows consumers to do different things with them at home whether it be for a sandwich carrier, a wrap or a pizza, something you can even top, something you can season, toast, cut it up or serve with soups and salads,” Ms. Rayo said.

Flat breads are made throughout most of the world. Examples are pita (from the Middle East), chapati and naan (India), tortilla (Mexico) and focaccia (Italy). The bread may be leavened (have a raising agent of yeast or sourdough) or unleavened.

This one is fairly straight forward. Pizzas are round, square or rectangular. Pizzas are not oval, which is traditional for flatbreads. Flatbreads also can be rectangular, but they're generally narrow rectangles, unlike the shape of a Detroit-style pizza.

Perfect for game day and a huge crowd-pleaser, stromboli is like a rolled-up version of pizza. An Italian-American dish that originated in the city of Philadelphia, stromboli is like a rolled-up version of pizza.

Focaccia (UK: /fəˈkætʃə/ fə-KATCH-ə, US: /foʊˈkɑːtʃ(i)ə/ foh-KAH-ch(ee-)ə, Italian: [foˈkattʃa]; Ligurian: fugassa, Ligurian: [fyˈɡasːa]; Barese: fecazze, Neapolitan: [fəˈkattsə]) is a flat leavened oven-baked Italian bread.

Other flatbread dough variations include a fat like olive oil or butter. Is flatbread healthy? Yes! It's one of the healthiest breads you can make because it's low in calories and fat but high in fiber.

Read our disclosure policy. Adapted from my favorite pizza crust, this homemade flatbread pizza bakes up into a thin and chewy base for your favorite flatbread toppings. Quicker, easier, and thinner than pizza, this flatbread dough takes about 1 hour start to finish and is perfect for beginners.

It doesn't toast it just warms it up enough so it's soft and doesn't break apart or crumble when they fold it or while you eat it. I know most people aren't use to being told they "have" to order something a certain way but believe me if you don't heat the flatbread it's not edible.

Tortillas are typically baked on a triple pass oven, while flatbreads are usually baked in a tunnel oven. Flatbreads may also require a proofing or resting period that varies based on the specific flatbread being made.