We'd be lying if we said there was anything on this Earth better than pizza. But when you break it down, even the best flatbread recipes are comprised of just a few basic ingredients: bread, sauce, and toppings.
On those days when you don't feel like dealing with a complicated sauce or dough, why not try a simple flatbread instead? We've get more than a few recipe ideas up our sleeve. Tell pizza to move on over — these flatbread recipes will totally earn a place in your heart.
What are the best flatbread toppings?
Photo by Calum Lewis / Unsplash
Few things can ruin a meal faster than eating bland, boring food. That's why some of our favorite healthy snacks involve flatbread with whole grains and healthy toppings such as herbs, vegetables or hummus. It's quick, easy, and you get the nutrients you need. Plus, flatbread can be refrigerated for about a week as leftovers! Need even more inspiration?
Here are some of our favorite toppings for adding to flatbread:
- Tomatoes
- Basil
- Cheese
- Onions
- Black beans
- Hummus
- Pickled vegetables
- Pears
- Figs
- Apples
- Almond butter
- Peanut butter
- Cashew butter
- Tahini
- Spices
- Fresh herbs
- Meat
- Avocado
- Roasted vegetables
- Tapenades
- Peppers
- Peanuts
- Cashews
- Almonds
- Roasted nuts
What types of flatbread are there?
Photo by Gabrielle Cepella / Unsplash
Now that you have some recipes for inspo, let's get specific about the myriad options out there when it comes to flatbread. What makes a flatbread, well, a flatbread? Well, it's kind of like it sounds... it's bread that generally doesn't rise and therefore stays flat, making it the perfect vehicle for toppings and sauces.
Here are some of the most popular types of flatbread around the world, according to The Spruce:
- Chepati (South Asian and African)
- Focaccia (Italian)
- Frybread (Native American)
- Lavash (Armenian)
- Matzah (Jewish)
- Naan (West and South Asian)
- Pita (Mediterranean)
- Roti (South Asian)
- Tortillas (Central American)
Hummus Flatbread Pizza
When we eat lunch, we usually have our potato chips on the side, but this genius flatbread recipe puts them directly on the pizza. We will be doing that from here on out, thank you very much. (via Brit + Co)
Indian Flatbread and Dip
This flatbread recipe is the definition of comfort food. While naan normally features yogurt, we swapped it for cashew yogurt to make a vegan flatbread that everyone can enjoy. It's more flaky than chewy, filled with vegan mozzarella, and tastes uh-maze-ing when paired with our coconut chickpea curry dipping sauce. (via Brit + Co)
Football Field Flatbread
This flatbread recipe is extra fun and can be used year-round! Finely chopped broccoli makes up the 'grass' on the football 'field.' Once you have that spread out, melt some cream cheese until it's soft and use a plastic bag with a corner cut off to draw the yard lines. (via Brit + Co)
Thanksgiving Flatbread Recipe
It doesn't have to be November to enjoy this flatbread recipe — it'll put you in the holiday spirit any time of year. We didn't know Thanksgiving food could get any better, but you can't beat this combo of turkey, cranberry sauce, sweet potatoes, and balsamic vinegar green beans. (via Brit + Co)
Artichoke A La Mode Flatbread Pizza
This flatbread features an ingredient we've never thought to pile on before: cream cheese. With the tomatoes and the artichokes, the cream cheese rounds out the saltiness in a very tasty way. And of course, you can't forget basil! (via Culinary Hill)
Chipotle Avocado + Cucumber Flatbread
Avo and cukes bring a fresh crunchiness to your flatbread. Though the toppings stray from tradition, they taste wonderful. (via Averie Cooks)
Smoked Salmon Flatbread
We could eat smoked salmon by the handful, and now that this flatbread recipe has been introduced into our lives, that dream can be a reality! This flatbread recipe is ideal for brunch-time feasts. (via Kathryn's Kitchen)
Grilled Steak + Gorgonzola Flatbread
This hearty flatbread delivers on flavor and texture – perfect for chewing on during hot summer nights! (via The Girl On Bloor)
Roasted Vegetable Flatbread
This flatbread recipe will be a great addition to all your summer picnics this year. You'll want to add *all* your favorite veggies onto this flatbread, overtop cheese and dill, and then brush them with olive oil. Bake everything for around 25 minutes – just enough time to watch your favorite episode of The Office! It's a win-win. (via A Spicy Perspective)
Pear, Brie + Caramelized Onion Flatbread
Has there ever been a flatbread topping combo better than this one? We think not. The pears and brie reach a melt-in-your-mouth level of yumminess, elevating each bite you take. (via Pink Owl Kitchen)
Skinny Buffalo Chicken Flatbread Pizza
If you're not a huge fan of just-vegetable flatbreads, make one with chicken instead! This is perfect for anyone and everyone who loves buffalo chicken wings, and the Greek yogurt drizzle and avocado tone down the spiciness a bit. You can mix up the ratio of yogurt to buffalo sauce depending on how spicy you like it! (via Salt & Lavender)
Blue Cheese and Roasted Grape Flatbread
Roasted grapes add sweetness to this easy flatbread recipe, which is balanced with some pungent blue cheese. Red onions, honey, and herbs bring it all together. We love unique flatbread ideas like this one that stand out for their creativity and flavor! (via Spiced)
Loaded Hot Honey + Apple + Brie Flatbread
If you haven't given your flatbread a lil' drizzle of hot honey before, you're sorely missing out. In this recipe, its spice partners up with the sweetness of apple and tangy brie to form the rich flavors! (via Rachel Mansfield)
Mediterranean Baba Ghanoush Flatbread
In this flatbread, the tomatoes are on top, not in the sauce. Smokey baba ghanoush takes the place of marinara, while a scattering of hazelnuts add some *crunch* to the dish. You won't be able to resist the nutritious (and fresh) toppings, like herbs and tomatoes. Bon apetit! (via Veggies by Candlelight)
Hot Pastrami Easy Flatbread Recipe
Salty cured pastrami makes its way from rye bread to flatbread in this recipe idea. Top it with all the usual sandwich suspects: Swiss cheese, pickles, and a creamy dressing. It all comes together for a creative take on flatbread that any pastrami lover would be proud of. (via Belly Full)
Pide (Turkish Flatbread Pizza)
Pide is a boat-shaped flatbread that gets filled generously with toppings. In this recipe, you could stuff your pide with ground, spiced beef, or cheese and eggs. (via Give Recipe)
Meyer Lemon + Goat Cheese + Kale Flatbread Recipe
The lightness of lemon and goat cheese make this flatbread recipe an excellent, refreshing summer dinner. We would eat the whole thing if we could! (via Two Peas & Their Pod)
Spinach-Artichoke Flatbread with Sun-Dried Tomatoes + Feta
This Mediterranean-inspired flatbread recipe achieves the *best* balance of ingredients. Spinach, artichoke, sun-dried tomatoes, and feta cheese will always work well together. Now, just pass the vino! (via Whole and Heavenly Oven)
Naan Flatbread with Hummus and Kale
We don't know about you, but we think salad is always better when it’s paired with carbs. The greens are even more interesting in this easy flatbread recipe, because instead of lettuce, you’ve got hearty kale, which can stand up to the crunch of roasted chickpeas. Delicious and nutritious? Sign us up! (via The Pastiche)
Brussels Sprouts and Bacon Flatbread
You really can’t go wrong with adding bacon. It truly does make for one of the best flatbread recipes. It adds a smokey saltiness that’s the perfect balance to the rest of the toppings, including Brussels sprouts and balsamic vinegar. (via Gimme Some Oven)
Arugula + Peach + Ricotta Flatbread with Bacon
Peaches are the star of this flatbread recipe, adding some tender sweetness to a meal that would've been left without much flavor. (via Half Baked Harvest)
Vegan Spicy Butternut Squash Flatbread with Za'atar + Miso Garlic Sauce
This flatbread carries a lot of warmth in flavor, but also gives a kick of spice in each mouthful. (via The First Mess)
Lamb Salad Flatbread
Take a trip around the world and try one of our favorite flatbread ideas! Similar to Turkish pizza, this meal features za’atar-spiced lamb. Complete the dish with creamy sumac yogurt and a fresh vegetable salad. We don't know about you, but the added freshness component of this flatbread recipe is enough to have our mouths watering. (via My Kitchen Love)
Flatbread Recipe with Grilled Zucchini
This flatbread is the perfect way to use up extra zucchini. It’s jazzed up with flatbread toppings like hemp seed oil, lemon, yogurt, and fresh herbs for a bright Mediterranean meal that begs to be served with a cold glass of wine. We'll be eating this one alfresco. (via Heinstirred)
Very Veggie Flatbread
For a flavorful burst of fresh veggies, opt for this bright flatbread that hosts only the best veggies of them all. (via Clean Cuisine)
Flatbread with Pesto + Asparagus + Mushrooms + Feta
This flatbread makes it easy to get those greens in! Simply shave some asparagus over your dough using a veggie peeler, and pile on the rest of the fresh toppings. (via Vanilla and Bean)
Broccoli Garlic Naan Pizza
Tender naan is one of our favorite kinds of flatbreads. Add garlicky toppings alongside broccoli, ricotta, and olives, and you’ve got dinner. This recipe is so delicious, it's sure to become a go-to fave. (via Umami Girl)
Jambalaya Flatbread Recipe Idea
Chicken, shrimp, andouille sausage, and peppers — this jambalaya-inspired flatbread idea has it all. Just swap the rice for a flatbread and you’ve got the perfect Louisianan finger food. Serve this one at parties for a serious crowd-pleaser that's sure to keep guests coming back for more. (via Pepper Delight)
Vegan Potato Habanero Flatbread
Potatoes have a surprising creaminess that can help temper the fire of habanero peppers. Add a little vegan cream cheese and you’ve got the ultimate comfort food with a kick. We love how creative and unique this flatbread recipe is! (via This Savory Vegan)
Steak, Goat Cheese, and Roasted Brussels Sprouts Flatbread
Juicy steak makes this dish a proper entree. Bright balsamic and smooth honey goat cheese add tangy and sweet flavors that brighten up the whole meal. (via The Creative Bite)
Mediterranean Flatbread Pizza
This vegan-friendly flatbread pizza is designed for you to incorporate your personal preferences while making it. You may want to add more vegan feta cheese or roasted garlichummus for a flavor combination that has a serious wow-factor. (via This Wife Cooks)
Quinoa Flatbread
Quinoa can be cooked numerous ways, especially if you're looking for a gluten-free meal. The key to achieving a flawless flatbread base is to make sure you blend the quinoatogether in a blender! (via Veggie Society)
Easy Naan Pizza
You could bake your very own naan recipe, but let's be real here – using store-bought breads for this pizza variation will be much easier. (via Live Eat Learn)
Cauliflower Flatbread with Cashew Parsley Pesto
This homemade flatbread recipe comes together in under an hour, plus it supplies an ultra-healthy option when you feel like feasting on the lighter side. (via Two Spoons)
Chickpea Flatbread Pizza with Crunchy Green Salad
This unique riff on traditional flatbread recipes feels like a healthy hug for your tummy. (via Rachel Mansfield)
Caprese Flatbread
This cheese-covered flatbread could make for a great sharable appetizer, or you could keep the culinary goodness all to yourself. (via A Spicy Perspective)
We hope one of these flatbread recipes sounds good enough to test in the dinner rotation this week. Share your comments or ideas below and follow us on Pinterest for more recipe ideas, and don't forget to subscribe to our newsletter or check out our online cooking and baking classes.
This article has been updated.
