Easy Soft Flatbread Recipe (No Yeast) (2024)

By:Nagi

1,771 Comments

An easy, soft flatbread recipe that’s made without yeast, an excellent quick option when you don’t have hours for yeast dough to rise.You’ll love how soft and pliable this flat bread is, making it perfect to use as wraps forGyros,Shawarma and Doner kebabs. Or as naan to dunk into Tikka Masala orButter Chicken. The possibilities are endless!

Easy Soft Flatbread Recipe (No Yeast) (1)

Flatbread recipe

I love fresh homemade bread.And thoughI bake bread with yeast more frequently nowadays,I still find it easier and a general preference to make bread without yeast.

Maximum taste, most tasty outcome with minimum effort – but without compromising on the end result. That’s my ultimate goal and the ethos that underpins every recipe I share here on RecipeTin Eats.

Over the years, I have tried a lot of flatbread recipes. Flatbreads from many different cuisines, from blogs and cooking sites, by home cooks, from reality cooking shows (yes, Master Chef and My Kitchen Rules!), serious chefs and celebrity chefs.

But I always found they were too doughy (e.g. the ones that only use yoghurt as the wet ingredient) or too crisp to use as a wrapunless they were moistened with lashings of butter. Absolutely delicious, mind you. But not what I was after.So this recipe is my idea of a perfect flatbread recipe.

Easy Soft Flatbread Recipe (No Yeast) (2)

How to make Flatbread – with NO yeast

This flatbread recipe is made with no yeast. It is very easy to make, requiring just a minute or two of kneading.

And it honestly is beautifully soft and pliable. So soft you can use it as a wrap and it won’t crack.

Easy Soft Flatbread Recipe (No Yeast) (3)

And of course, it is perfectto be used as pita bread, for things like Greek Gyros and Greek Chicken Souvlaki.

Easy Soft Flatbread Recipe (No Yeast) (4)

And here I have used it as “naan” as a side for Butter Chicken. When I make it to be like “naan”, I cook it on a slightly higher heat to get larger and more brown bits on it – just like real naan! The crust gets slightly crispier so it’s not as suited to use as a wrap, like in the above photo. (PS If you’ve got the time to make proper naan, try my Naan recipe. It’s just like the real deal!)

Easy Soft Flatbread Recipe (No Yeast) (5)

If you’ve never tried homemade bread before, this flatbread recipe is a great oneto start with because it really is that easy. The worst that can happen with this flatbread recipe is that the heat is too high when you cook it so the exterior ends up a bit too crunchy and cracks when you roll it. If that happens, just spray it with olive oil or brush lightly with oil or butter and it will moisten the surface.

Try this once, and store-bought flatbreads will never be the same again. That I can promise! – Nagi x

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Watch how to make it

I’ve added oil but it’s not necessary. Please follow your recipe card below.

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Easy Soft Flatbread Recipe (No Yeast) (7)

Easy Soft Flatbread (No Yeast)

Author: Nagi | RecipeTin Eats

Prep: 5 minutes mins

Cook: 10 minutes mins

Resting: 30 minutes mins

Total: 45 minutes mins

Flatbread

Greek, Mediterranean

4.96 from 546 votes

Servings6 x 20cm / 8″ flatbreads

Tap or hover to scale

Print

Recipe video above. The dough for this recipe is ridiculously easy to make with only a minute or two of kneading. The bread is soft and pliable so it’s perfect for using as a wrap, stuffed with whatever takes your fancy. It’s also a great make ahead recipe – the dough keeps for around 3 days. See NOTES for substitutions, including using GLUTEN FREE flour. 30 minute resting time. Recipe VIDEO below.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups plain flour (all purpose flour) (level cups, unsifted, not packed), + keep 1/4 cup extra for dusting & adjusting dough
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 3 1/2 tbsp / 50g unsalted butter (1.75 oz)
  • 3/4 cup milk

Instructions

  • Melt butter in milk: Combine butter and milk and heat until butter is just melted – on stove or in microwave.

  • Combine Dry: Combine 2 cups flour, salt, butter and milk in a bowl.

  • Knead 2 minutes: Sprinkle work surface with flour then knead for a few minutes until it is smooth – it doesn't need much kneading. Add extra flour if the dough is too sticky.

  • Rest 30 minutes: Wrap with cling wrap and rest at room temperature for 30 minutes or so.

  • Roll into rounds: Dust bench top with flour, cut dough into 6 pieces, roll into balls, then roll out into 20cm / 8" rounds, 2 – 3 mm thick.

  • Heat pan: Heat a non stick pan over high heat (no oil). (Note 1)

  • Cook: Place one flatbread in the pan, cook for around 1- 1 1/2 minutes – it should puff up dramatically. Once the underside has nice golden patches on it, flip and cook the other side for 45 seconds to 1 minute until the underside has golden spots and it puffs up again.

  • Keep wrapped in tea towel: Stack the cooked bread and keep wrapped with a tea towel – the moisture helps soften the surface, making them even more pliable. Continue to cook with remaining pieces.

  • Brush with butter or oil (optional): Brush or spray bread with olive oil or melted butter, for a more luxurious finish. Or even with melted butter mixed with minced garlic for a garlic butter version!

Recipe Notes:

1. Higher heat and the thinner the dough = crispier crust, though still pliable inside, the thin crispy crust on the outside might crack when you roll it. This is how I make naan. The larger darker brown spots on the bread (see image in post) make it look like authentic naan, just like what you get at Indian restaurants! (If you got the time, here’s my proper naan recipemade with yeast. It’s just like you get at Indian restaurants – super soft and fluffy!)

2. STORING: Dough keeps in the refrigerator for around 3 days. Tip: Roll out the rounds, ready to cook. Just make sure you use baking paper or cling wrap to keep the pieces separated, flour will not suffice.

Cooked breads keep really well in the freezer!

3. Wholemeal flour – Works great with WHOLE WHEAT flour, does not work with almond flour. See note 4 for Gluten Free.

4. Dairy free / vegan substitutions: A reader tried the original recipe then reported back that it also worked just as great substituting the butter with olive oil and almond milk for the dairy milk to make it a vegan / dairy free version. Brilliant! Another reader has also made this with coconut oil and reported it works great.

5. Gluten free option – This works pretty well with Gluten Free flour. You may need a bit of extra flour to roll it out – just add more as required. The texture is a bit different – a bit chewy, and you may not be able to roll them out into neat rounds like pictured.

6. Use this for: Gyros, Souvlaki, as naan for curries like Butter Chicken, Chickpea Curry or Beef Rendang.

7. Recipe source:Based on this Flatbread by Julie Goodwin.

8. Nutrition per flatbread.

Nutrition Information:

Serving: 125gCalories: 370cal (19%)Carbohydrates: 49.9g (17%)Protein: 8.1g (16%)Fat: 15.2g (23%)Saturated Fat: 7.6g (48%)Polyunsaturated Fat: 7.6gCholesterol: 31mg (10%)Sodium: 386mg (17%)Fiber: 1.7g (7%)Sugar: 2.2g (2%)

Keywords: easy flatbread, flatbread, flatbread recipe, flatbread without yeast, no yeast flatbread recipe

Did you make this recipe?I love hearing how you went with my recipes! Tag me on Instagram at @recipe_tin.

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1,771 Comments

  1. Easy Soft Flatbread Recipe (No Yeast) (12)Carol says

    Easy Soft Flatbread Recipe (No Yeast) (13)
    I always wanted to make one but didn’t have the time or energy. I finally tried this last night, easy peasy! Thank you for sharing the recipe,Nagi!

    Reply

  2. Easy Soft Flatbread Recipe (No Yeast) (14)Deb Myers says

    Easy Soft Flatbread Recipe (No Yeast) (15)
    I’ve been making these flat breads for years now but reckon it was high time I put in a comment.
    *AWESOME*
    That’s it 🙂

    Reply

  3. Easy Soft Flatbread Recipe (No Yeast) (17)Savanna says

    Easy Soft Flatbread Recipe (No Yeast) (18)
    Hi! If i’m cooking them one day ahead of when I need them, should I freeze them, fridge them, or leave them out on the counter? Thank you!

    Reply

  4. Easy Soft Flatbread Recipe (No Yeast) (19)Sue Suitcase says

    Easy Soft Flatbread Recipe (No Yeast) (20)
    The flatbread was SO easy and was just like Naan with the Butter Chicken! Wonderfully easy and yummy flatbread!

    Reply

  5. Easy Soft Flatbread Recipe (No Yeast) (21)Emma says

    We had these last night with your chicken shwarma. My 9 yo made the flat breads and my 6 yo cried when they were all finished! Another big hit 🙏

    Reply

  6. Easy Soft Flatbread Recipe (No Yeast) (22)Chinwe Ogolo says

    I made this flat bread! This is delicious. I made it to eat with my butter chicken, but I ate it without it. Yum!

    Reply

  7. Easy Soft Flatbread Recipe (No Yeast) (23)Dave says

    Easy Soft Flatbread Recipe (No Yeast) (24)
    Love this recipe. I made it with half plain flour and half cornmeal flour (Masa Harina). Extra tasty with the cornmeal flour mixed in.

    Reply

  8. Easy Soft Flatbread Recipe (No Yeast) (25)Shelly says

    I I have gone over this recipe multiple times and I don’t know what I did wrong but mine came out super dense, did not puff up and only made 3 rounds. Thought u would try a new recipe but this one was not a winner.

    Reply

  9. Easy Soft Flatbread Recipe (No Yeast) (27)Christopher Davies says

    Easy Soft Flatbread Recipe (No Yeast) (28)
    So easy to make and nice thin & soft when eating. I no longer buy naan or wraps from the store.
    So many of your recipes are a hit in the house! Thank you.

    Reply

  10. Easy Soft Flatbread Recipe (No Yeast) (29)Sarah Hibbing says

    Easy Soft Flatbread Recipe (No Yeast) (30)
    SO delicious!! I have so many of your recipes saved in my app by now! You’re amazing!

    Reply

  11. Easy Soft Flatbread Recipe (No Yeast) (31)Marianne says

    So I just made 32 flatbreads (recipe x4 – dividing each instance of the recipe by 8) – each ball of dough was about 65-70 g. Flattened into discs then ran each through my pasta maker at dial mark 3 twice, rotating the doing on the second pass to keep the shape round instead of oblong. It worked!! Cooked them and I now have 32 flatbreads for my X-mas eve party next weekend. I’m going to freeze them and hope for the best when defrosting warming and serving. Will also be making Nagi’s lamb and chicken shawarma.

    Reply

      • Easy Soft Flatbread Recipe (No Yeast) (33)Mariette says

        I always make a large batch and freeze. Once cooled I place small sheets of baking paper (I reuse them a few times as they always stay in freezer) inbetween flatbreads. I put the whole stack in a ziplock bag and freeze. Then I either defrost in a wrapped tea towel at room temperature or warm in a pan.

        Reply

  12. Easy Soft Flatbread Recipe (No Yeast) (35)Naomi Stoeckigt says

    Easy Soft Flatbread Recipe (No Yeast) (36)
    I make these about once a fortnight. A double batch every time!! 😁 They’re a bit hit in our house. I make balls from 50g of dough and roll to fit my frying pan. When they’re cooked, the leftovers go in the freezer in my decor pastry storage box!! 🙃 Reheat either in the microwave in my tortilla warmer or directly in the frying pan.

    Reply

  13. Easy Soft Flatbread Recipe (No Yeast) (37)tania cox says

    Easy Soft Flatbread Recipe (No Yeast) (38)
    I always make these with the chicken shwarma and they elevate this dish to restaurant quality. Such an easy fail proof recipe and the flavour is sublime.

    Reply

  14. Easy Soft Flatbread Recipe (No Yeast) (47)Emily says

    Easy Soft Flatbread Recipe (No Yeast) (48)
    I ate 3 of these in the space of 5 minutes! Scratches the itch for naan and is ideal for scooping up curries:) Or just eating straight-up as a snack like I did with the first few!

    Reply

Older Comments
Easy Soft Flatbread Recipe (No Yeast) (2024)

FAQs

What makes bread rise without yeast? ›

By adding an acid to baking soda (such as lemon juice or cream of tartar) a chemical reaction occurs that produces carbon dioxide and fills your bread with air — much like yeast does. You can substitute yeast with equal parts lemon juice and baking soda.

What are the four types of flat breads? ›

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).

What is an easy to eat sandwich that is made with soft flat breads that are folded around the fillings? ›

Finger sandwiches are also sometimes used as appetizers. These easy-to-eat sandwiches are made with soft, flat breads that are folded, or wrapped, around the fillings. A wide variety of fillings can be used in these sandwiches.

Why are my flatbreads hard? ›

Cook the flatbread on medium heat – too high heat will burn them. And yet, too low heat will cause them to become too hard when cooled. It is very important to place the cooked flatbread wrapped in a clean kitchen cloth. This causes the steam in the bread to cool inside the bread and keeps it soft.

Do flatbreads contain yeast? ›

The primary difference between flatbread and pizza dough is that many flatbreads are unleavened, whereas pizza dough uses yeast. The yeast used in pizza dough requires the dough to rise for a certain amount of time before cooking and creates a fluffier, thicker crust.

What can I use if I don't have yeast for bread? ›

What Substitutes for Yeast?
  • Baking Soda and Lemon. If you are lacking yeast in your pantry or dry goods storage, try combining baking soda and lemon juice. ...
  • Baking Powder. The ratio to replace yeast with baking powder in a recipe is 1:1, making it much easier to substitute if you have baking powder on hand. ...
  • Whipped Eggs.

How did the pioneers make bread without yeast? ›

In the 18th and 19th centuries, sourdough bread became a staple food for the pioneers and settlers of the American West. The sourdough starter was easy to transport and could be used to make bread on the trail, without the need for commercial yeast.

What makes a flatbread a flatbread? ›

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.

What is healthier, flatbread or pita bread? ›

While similar in calorie content, one slice of wheat bread (29g) is higher in sugar and lower in dietary fiber than one small pita bread. It is also slightly higher in sodium and fat content. Since most people eat two slices of bread in one sitting and only one pita bread, pita bread may be a healthier option.

What kind of flour is used in flatbread? ›

The choice between one or the other is only complicated by the different nutritional benefits and recipe adjustments for each (via Healthline), leaving you with a lot of extra thinking to do. Fortunately, when it comes to baking flatbread, there's only one type of flour you need: barley flour.

What is a style of sandwich made with a soft flatbread rolled around a filling? ›

A wrap is a culinary dish made with a soft flatbread rolled around a filling.

What is a flat bread with a pocket that is perfect? ›

Pita bread. It is a yeast-leavened bread common in the Mediterranean region, Middle East, and their neighboring countries.

What kind of sandwich is easy on the stomach? ›

BREAD: whole grain bread that is low in fat is a good option. Try to go for a slice of bread with only 2g or less of fat in it. FILLERS: try to stick to meats lower in fat, such as chicken, turkey, ham or roast beef. Buy meats that haven't gone through a lot of processing.

What is the secret to softer bread? ›

The Magic Behind Soft Bread
  1. Oil or Butter: These fats coat the flour proteins, leading to a tender crumb. ...
  2. Sugar: Not only does it sweeten the bread, but sugar also retains moisture. ...
  3. Baking Soda: When added, especially in recipes with acidic ingredients, it can make bread soft and spongy.
Sep 26, 2023

How to keep flatbread soft? ›

I store the warm flat breads wrap in a cloth whilst the others cook to lock the moisture in, alternatively you can place it on baking paper in airtight container or ziplock bag. You are just looking to lock the moisture it as it cools so that it doesn't dry out and remain soft.

How to tell if flatbread is cooked? ›

When they begin to bubble and puff up they're ready! Cook directly on the grill over your hot coals. Making sure not to turn too soon or the dough may stick to the bars of your grill. When they begin to bubble and puff up they are ready.

How do you make bread soft and fluffy again? ›

If your bread is especially hard, brush the outside with water before wrapping it. Then, heat it on the center rack of your oven for about 30 minutes for a whole loaf; or 15 to 20 minutes for a partial loaf, or if you have a long, skinny loaf like a baguette.

What is the difference between naan and pita bread? ›

Naan bread is soft, fluffy, and chewy, whereas pita bread is denser with a slightly crispy texture on the outside. Naan bread also has a buttery flavor due to the ghee and buttermilk in the dough, which adds an extra dimension of flavor compared to pita bread's more neutral taste.

What type of bread is made without yeast? ›

Instead of using yeast to make the bread rise, quick breads rely on other leavening agents like baking soda and baking powder to get height. "Quick breads, like banana bread, zucchini bread, and cornbread are delicious and easy alternatives to yeast-based bread and can satisfy cravings in a pinch," says Tyler Lee.

Is there a substitute for yeast? ›

In baked goods, you can replace yeast with an equal amount of baking powder. Just keep in mind that the leavening effects of baking powder will not be as distinct as those of yeast. Baking powder causes baked goods to rise rapidly, but not to the same extent as yeast.

Is flatbread dough the same as pizza dough? ›

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.

What did the pioneers use instead of yeast? ›

Pioneers used both corn meal and wheat flours for bread. They baked bread in cast iron bake kettles set in the coals of the open hearth. Pearlash, eggs, saleratus, an early chemical leavening preceding baking soda, and home-created yeast starters were used to leaven bread.

How did they make bread rise before yeast? ›

The most common source of leavening in antiquity was to retain a piece of dough from the previous day to utilize as a form of sourdough starter. Pliny the Elder reported that the Gauls and Iberians used the foam skimmed from beer to produce "a lighter kind of bread than other peoples".

What is the main ingredient that makes bread rise? ›

Once reactivated, yeast begins feeding on the sugars in flour, and releases the carbon dioxide that makes bread rise (although at a much slower rate than baking powder or soda). Yeast also adds many of the distinctive flavors and aromas we associate with bread.

How did pioneers get yeast for bread? ›

Besides brewer`s yeast, homemakers in the 19th Century used specially brewed ferments to make yeast. The basis for most of these ferments was a mash of grain, flour or boiled potatoes. Hops were often included to prevent sourness. Salt-rising bread was made from a starter of milk, cornmeal and, sometimes, potatoes.

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