Ingredients
- Flatbread: The foundation of our pizza, the flatbread is crucial. You have several options here, each offering a slightly different texture and flavor profile:
- Pre-made Flatbread: This is the ultimate convenience and perfect for busy weeknights. You can find pre-made flatbreads in various sizes, shapes, and flavors at most grocery stores. Look for varieties like naan bread, pita bread, or dedicated flatbread pizza bases. Consider whole wheat options for added fiber and a nuttier flavor, or garlic and herb infused flatbreads for an extra layer of taste. When choosing pre-made flatbread, check the ingredients list for minimal additives and preservatives if that’s a concern.
- Homemade Flatbread (Quick Version): If you have a little more time and want a truly fresh experience, you can whip up a quick flatbread dough. A simple recipe using flour, water, yeast (optional for unleavened), olive oil, and salt can be ready in minutes. While it won’t be as thin and crispy as some store-bought options, homemade flatbread offers a delightful chewiness and fresh-baked aroma that’s hard to beat. You can even involve the family in the dough-making process, making it a fun activity.
- Pizza Dough (Pre-made or Homemade): While technically not flatbread, pre-made pizza dough or even homemade pizza dough can be rolled out thinly to mimic a flatbread base. This option provides a slightly different texture – often chewier and slightly thicker than dedicated flatbreads. It’s a great choice if you prefer a more substantial base for your toppings.
- Pizza Sauce: The sauce is the flavor binder that brings all the elements together. Again, you have choices to suit your taste and time constraints:
- Jarred Pizza Sauce: For convenience and consistency, jarred pizza sauce is an excellent choice. There are countless brands and flavors available, from classic marinara to spicy arrabiata and even white garlic sauces. Experiment with different brands to find your favorite. Look for sauces with simple ingredient lists, focusing on tomatoes, herbs, and spices, and minimal added sugar or preservatives.
- Homemade Pizza Sauce (Quick & Easy): Making your own pizza sauce is surprisingly easy and allows you to control the flavor profile. A simple homemade sauce can be made by simmering crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. You can adjust the herbs and spices to your liking and even add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat. A quick simmer for 15-20 minutes will develop a rich and flavorful sauce.
- Pesto: For a non-traditional twist, pesto makes a fantastic base for flatbread pizza. Its herbaceous and nutty flavor pairs beautifully with mozzarella, tomatoes, and grilled vegetables. Use store-bought pesto for convenience or make your own homemade pesto for an even fresher taste.
- Olive Oil and Garlic: For a lighter, white pizza style, simply brush the flatbread with olive oil and minced garlic. This allows the flavors of the toppings to shine through and creates a delicious, crispy crust.
- Cheese: Cheese is the melty, gooey goodness that we all crave on pizza. Mozzarella is the classic choice, but don’t be afraid to experiment:
- Shredded Mozzarella: Low-moisture, part-skim mozzarella is ideal for pizza as it melts beautifully and doesn’t release excessive moisture. Pre-shredded mozzarella is convenient, but for the best melt and flavor, consider shredding a block of mozzarella yourself.
- Fresh Mozzarella: Fresh mozzarella balls, sliced or torn, offer a softer, creamier texture and a delicate milky flavor. If using fresh mozzarella, be mindful that it contains more moisture, so pat it dry with paper towels before adding it to the pizza to prevent a soggy crust.
- Provolone: For a slightly sharper and tangier flavor, provolone is a great alternative or addition to mozzarella. It melts well and adds a pleasant complexity to the pizza.
- Fontina: Fontina cheese is known for its incredible melting properties and nutty, buttery flavor. It’s a delicious choice for a gourmet flatbread pizza.
- Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan cheese adds a salty, umami punch and a slightly nutty flavor. Sprinkle it on top of your pizza before or after baking for an extra layer of flavor.
- Combination: Don’t be afraid to mix and match cheeses! A combination of mozzarella and provolone, or mozzarella and Parmesan, can create a more complex and satisfying flavor profile.
- Toppings (Get Creative!): This is where your creativity can truly shine! Flatbread pizzas are incredibly versatile, and you can use almost any toppings you desire. Here are some ideas, categorized for inspiration:
- Vegetables:
- Sliced Bell Peppers (red, yellow, green, orange)
- Sliced Onions (red, white, yellow)
- Mushrooms (sliced or quartered)
- Black Olives or Kalamata Olives (sliced)
- Cherry Tomatoes or Roma Tomatoes (halved or sliced)
- Spinach or Arugula (fresh or wilted)
- Artichoke Hearts (canned or marinated)
- Roasted Vegetables (zucchini, eggplant, asparagus, broccoli)
- Sun-dried Tomatoes (oil-packed or rehydrated)
- Jalapeños (fresh or pickled, for spice)
- Pineapple (for a controversial but delicious Hawaiian twist)
- Proteins:
- Cooked Italian Sausage (crumbled or sliced)
- Pepperoni (sliced)
- Cooked Chicken or Shredded Chicken
- Cooked Ground Beef or Turkey
- Bacon or Prosciutto (cooked and crumbled or sliced)
- Shrimp or Prawns (cooked)
- Canned Tuna or Anchovies (for a more adventurous flavor)
- Herbs & Spices:
- Dried Oregano
- Dried Basil
- Dried Thyme
- Garlic Powder
- Onion Powder
- Red Pepper Flakes (for heat)
- Fresh Basil (for garnish)
- Fresh Parsley (for garnish)
- Fresh Rosemary (for garnish)
- Oils & Vinegars (for finishing):
- Olive Oil (extra virgin)
- Balsamic Glaze or Balsamic Vinegar
- Chili Oil (for heat)
- Vegetables:
Instructions
- Preheat Your Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Preheating is crucial for achieving a crispy crust and ensuring the toppings cook evenly. If you have a pizza stone or baking steel, place it in the oven while it preheats. This will help create a crispier bottom crust. If not, a regular baking sheet will work just fine.
- Prepare Your Flatbread: While the oven is preheating, prepare your flatbread bases. If you are using pre-made flatbreads, simply lay them out on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or directly on your pizza stone/baking steel. If you are using homemade flatbread dough or pizza dough, roll it out thinly to your desired shape and thickness and place it on the baking sheet. For pre-made flatbreads, lightly brush the edges with olive oil for extra crispness and flavor during baking.
- Sauce It Up: Spread your chosen pizza sauce evenly over each flatbread base, leaving a small border around the edges for the crust. Use a spoon or spatula to distribute the sauce in a thin, even layer. Don’t overload the flatbread with sauce, as too much sauce can make the crust soggy. About 2-3 tablespoons of sauce per flatbread is usually sufficient, depending on the size of your flatbread. If you are opting for pesto or olive oil and garlic, spread these evenly over the base instead of pizza sauce.
- Cheese, Please!: Sprinkle your chosen cheese or cheese combination evenly over the sauce. Ensure the cheese covers the sauce completely, but again, don’t overload it. A generous layer of cheese is desirable, but too much cheese can prevent the toppings from cooking properly and can also make the pizza greasy. Aim for a nice, even layer that will melt beautifully in the oven.
- Add Your Toppings: Now comes the fun part – adding your toppings! Arrange your desired toppings over the cheese. Distribute them evenly to ensure every bite is flavorful. If using vegetables that take longer to cook, such as bell peppers or onions, consider slicing them thinly or sautéing them lightly beforehand to ensure they become tender in the oven. For meats like sausage or bacon, make sure they are pre-cooked before adding them to the pizza. Consider layering your toppings strategically. For example, placing heavier toppings like meats closer to the cheese can help them adhere better and prevent them from sliding off.
- Bake to Perfection: Carefully place the baking sheet with the assembled flatbread pizzas into the preheated oven. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and crispy and the cheese is melted and bubbly, with slightly browned spots. The exact baking time will depend on your oven and the thickness of your flatbread. Keep an eye on the pizzas during baking to prevent burning. Rotating the baking sheet halfway through baking can help ensure even cooking.
- Finishing Touches (Optional): Once the pizzas are baked, remove them from the oven. Now is the time to add any fresh toppings or finishing touches. Fresh herbs like basil or parsley can be sprinkled over the hot pizzas for a burst of freshness and aroma. A drizzle of olive oil, balsamic glaze, or chili oil can add extra flavor and visual appeal. If you like, you can also sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese over the top after baking for an extra salty and umami kick.
- Slice and Serve: Let the flatbread pizzas cool slightly for a minute or two before slicing them. This will make them easier to handle and prevent the toppings from sliding off. Use a pizza cutter or a sharp knife to slice the pizzas into wedges or squares. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious homemade Easy Flatbread Pizzas!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: one normal portion
- Calories: 250-350 kcal
- Sugar: 3-5g
- Sodium: 400-600mg
- Fat: 12-18g
- Saturated Fat: 5-8g
- Carbohydrates: 25-35g
- Fiber: 2-4g
- Protein: 10-15g
- Cholesterol: 30-50mg