What Is Flatbread and How Is It Used? (2024)

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What Is Flatbread and How Is It Used? (1)

Flatbread is popping up on grocer's shelves and in restaurants across the country from gourmet restaurants to franchise sub shops. It's become a bit of a trend, but flatbread has been around since the days of the ancient Egyptians. It's really no new concept.

Traditional Flatbread

Traditionally, flatbread is basically unleavened bread, which is made without yeast. Flour, water, and salt are the main ingredients. It's rolled out flat and cooked, usually in a brick oven. While it originated in ancient Egypt, many cultures have versions of flatbread. From naan in Afghanistan and India to the tortilla in Central and South America to the piadina in Romagna, Italy, the flatbread has been produced just about everywhere.

Other Commercial Flatbreads

Popular flatbread is a lot like a cross between pita bread and naan. There really is no such thing as an American flatbread, but the flatbread you see everywhere looks, feels, and tastes a lot like pita and naan. For some, it tastes too much like it's baked in a commercial bakery with extra ingredients. They prefer the taste and cost of making it at home.

How to Use Flatbread

You can do a lot with flatbread. You can eat it plain, which is tasty or use it in place of any other type of bread. A lot of people like to make their own pizza with flatbread. Just add sauce, cheese, and toppings. Cook in the oven for about 10 minutes at 350F and you will have delicious results. It will remind you of the pizza in Europe. By the way, pizza dough is a type of flatbread, as well.

Aside from pizza, flatbread sandwiches are another great way to use flatbread. Flatbread makes an excellent sandwich because it's hardy. It can hold a lot of meat or veggies and any sauce you add does not make the bread soggy. Try adding garlic sauce used in gyros on white bread.

Never pay $2 for two pieces of flatbread, especially when you can make it at home for much less. Homemade naan will yield you about a dozen or more pieces of flatbread for $2. Plus, you can always freeze it if you have made too much.

What Is Flatbread and How Is It Used? (2024)

FAQs

What is flatbread used for? ›

Enjoy flatbread as is for a tasty treat, or use it in place of other types of bread. One of the most common ways to use flatbread is as a pizza crust. Though they're not entirely the same, a sturdy flatbread dough is an excellent option for the base of your favorite pizza toppings.

What does flatbread mean? ›

A flatbread is bread made usually with flour; water, milk, yogurt, or other liquid; and salt, and then thoroughly rolled into flattened dough. Many flatbreads are unleavened, although some are leavened, such as pita bread.

How are you supposed to eat a flatbread? ›

You can eat it plain, which is tasty or use it in place of any other type of bread. A lot of people like to make their own pizza with flatbread. Just add sauce, cheese, and toppings.

Why is flatbread popular? ›

Flatbreads feature a crispy dough that adds an amazing texture to every bite, and they can be customized with a variety of sauces and toppings to take the flavor to the next level.

Is flatbread healthy? ›

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.

Is flatbread better than pizza? ›

Flatbread pizza often has a thinner crust compared to traditional pizza. A thinner crust can result in a lower calorie and carbohydrate content, making it a potential choice for those looking to reduce their calorie intake.

What is an example of a flatbread? ›

Due to their geometry and structure, tortillas, pizza crust, English muffins, crumpets, and pretzels can be considered flat breads. Tortillas are flat breads traditionally made from wheat flour or maize and are indigenous to Mexico, Central America, and the southwestern United States.

What's the difference between flatbread and bread? ›

Definition of flatbread

a bread (such as focaccia or naan) that has a wide surface and little thickness.

Is flatbread a pancake? ›

Flatbreads are made from dough, whereas pancakes are made from batter. They can be categorized into four groups: fermented single layer flatbreads, not-fermented single-layer flatbreads, fermented double-layer flatbreads, and pancakes.

Do flatbreads have to be heated? ›

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.

Does flatbread taste like pizza? ›

It's in the Toppings

Flatbreads sometimes use different sauces, from classic tomato, to alfredo, to balsamic glaze, to plain olive oil, to even barbecue sauce. Flatbreads frequently use more exotic varieties of cheese like goat's cheese or blue cheese that wouldn't typically be found on your pizza.

Do you heat flatbread? ›

Simply dampen a paper towel and wrap it around the flatbread or pita. Place it in the microwave and heat on high for 10-20 seconds. The moisture from the damp towel prevents the bread from drying out, keeping it soft and pliable. Be careful not to overheat, as this can make the bread rubbery.

Is flatbread technically bread? ›

"But flatbread is bread," you might be thinking. Technically, you're right.

Is flatbread like a tortilla? ›

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.

What is flatbread called? ›

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.

Where is flatbread eaten? ›

Traditional flatbreads include those consumed in the Middle East, North Africa, the Indian subcontinent, Central America, China, and Europe. In many of these countries, flatbreads are an important food staple.

What's the difference between flatbread and regular bread? ›

Naan is a flatbread, whereas bread comes in loaves. Naan is higher in fat, protein, and carbohydrates than loaf bread. The higher protein content of naan will allow you to feel fuller for longer and curve cravings.

What is the difference between flatbread and tortillas? ›

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.

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