Flatbreads are among the oldest and most beloved types of bread across cultures. Whether baked, grilled, or pan-fried, they offer a quick and delicious way to enjoy bread with minimal ingredients. Ready to bring these classics into your home? Let’s dive in.

What Are Flatbreads?

Flatbreads are unleavened or slightly leavened breads made from simple dough, often using flour, water, and salt. They're rolled or pressed flat and cooked quickly. You’ll find versions of flatbread in almost every cuisine—Middle Eastern pita, Indian naan, Mediterranean lavash, and Mexican tortillas are just a few examples.

Spicy Flatbread Recipe by Bhorta Bari
In Bangladsh we call it Chapri. We usually have them for breakfast.
CookpadBhorta Bari

Global Flatbread Favorites to Try

1. Pita Bread (Middle Eastern Classic)

Pita is a soft, round flatbread known for its iconic pocket. Bake it in a hot oven, and watch it puff up!

Ideas for serving:

  • Fill with falafel, veggies, and hummus
  • Use as a scoop for baba ghanoush or tzatziki
  • Make mini pizzas with your favorite toppings
Tip: For a fluffier pita, let the dough rise twice before baking.
Greek Pita Bread Recipe by Tom Jacobs
Great recipe for Greek pita bread.
CookpadTom Jacobs
Parma Ham & Mozzarella Pitta Pizza’s Recipe by Sonia
These little pitta pizzas take just a few minutes to prepare and are perfect for a light lunch, served with a bowl of fresh salad. I make these with my children and they love to choose their own healthy toppings. Variation – for a child friendly version, you could top the pitta pizza with cooked pea…
CookpadSonia

2. Naan (Indian Flatbread)

Naan is rich and chewy, often cooked in a tandoor or hot skillet. Traditionally made with yogurt or milk, it has a soft texture and is great with saucy dishes.

Delicious variations:

  • Garlic naan brushed with butter and herbs
  • Cheese-stuffed naan with melting mozzarella
  • Sweet naan with raisins and coconut
Serve with: Butter chicken, dal, or spicy curry.
Sheermal Bread (Persian Naan Sheermal)#Familyfriendly Recipe by Rozina Dinaa
Sheermal/shirmal bread naan نان شیرمال is a traditional mildly sweet flatbread in Iran. Sheer means milk in Persian language,and because the dough is kneaded with milk instead of water , it’s called sheermal, means a bread made with milk. Sheermal bread is popular in Iran, India, Pakistan and Bangla…
CookpadRozina Dinaa
Super Simple Garlic Naan Bread Recipe by Jennifer Su
This naan bread is so easy to make. It doesn’t only go well with curry but also can be a perfect pizza base. It has a fluffy texture. Kids love it. 😊
CookpadJennifer Su

3. Stuffed Flatbreads (Like Gözleme or Paratha)

Stuffed flatbreads are a filling meal in one. They come from many cultures—think Turkish gözleme or Indian aloo paratha.

Stuffing ideas:

  • Spinach and feta
  • Mashed potato with spices
  • Ground beef or lamb with onions
Cooking tip: Roll out thinly and cook on a dry pan until golden and crisp.
Lamb Gozleme Puffs Recipe by Jake
Authentic lamb gozleme made in crispy puff pastry, served with tzatziki. Unbelievable.
CookpadJake
Dhaba Stle Aloo Paratha Recipe by Sarvat Hanif
Who does not love aloo paratha? The next question: What is there not to love aloo paratha? If you have not tried aloo paratha, you don’t know what you are missing! Aloo paratha is flatbread filled with soft, spicy mashed potatoes wrapped with homemade dough, called atta in Punjabi, Hindi and Urdu. A…
CookpadSarvat Hanif

4. Lavash (Thin & Crispy Flatbread)

Lavash is a thin Armenian flatbread that can be soft or crispy depending on baking time.

Use it for:

  • Wrapping grilled meats or veggies
  • Making flatbread chips for dips
  • Rolling into pinwheels for party snacks
Lavash And Mint Flavoured Hummus Recipe by Purvi Modi
#new We always gain a deep satisfaction whenever we prepare international food recipes at our home. Isn’t it? Here I made lavash and Hummus- the all time Mediterranean favourite. This lavash chips are baked until crispy and golden topped with sesame seeds and Nigella seeds ( kalonji). It goes well w…
CookpadPurvi Modi
3 Ingredient 3 Minute Lunch Flatbreads Recipe by Sonia
We are getting a lot of requests for easy #lunchideas using common storecupboard ingredients. These flat breads are so easy to make. Only 3 ingredients needed and one of those is water! Top them with pate or jam, dip them in hummus or just eat them plain with a sprinkling of salt. Fun for kids to ma…
CookpadSonia

5. Tortillas

Soft and flexible, tortillas are perfect for wrapping and folding. You can make them with corn or wheat flour for different textures and flavors!

Try these tortilla uses:

  • Homemade quesadillas with cheese and salsa
  • Breakfast burritos with eggs and beans
  • Thin-crust tortilla pizzas
Tip: Use a cast iron skillet for best texture.
Homemade Corn Flour Tortillas Recipe by Felice
These tortillas are made with 50% corn flour and 50% regular wheat flour which will give the tortillas a nice toasty corn flavor, yet they’re still soft and easy to make. You don’t need a fancy tortilla press - just your hands and a frying pan ;) Of course, these are great for Mexican-style fillings…
CookpadFelice
Tortilla Wraps Recipe by Malin Morgan
Great recipe for Tortilla wraps.
CookpadMalin Morgan

Tips for Making Flatbread at Home

  • Use warm water to activate yeast quickly (if using).
  • Rest the dough to make it easier to roll.
  • Use a hot surface — griddle, cast iron, or oven stone.
  • Brush with butter or oil after cooking for flavor and softness.
Spinach, Cheese & Sun Dried Tomato Stuffed Flatbreads Recipe by Natalie Marten (Windsor__Foodie)
These stuffed flatbreads are pretty simple to make and make a delicious summertime lunch. Oozy gooey garlicky cheese melts out - and you get the contrast of salty feta and mild mozzarella with sweet sun dried tomatoes and garlic and slight bitterness of the spinach. Gorgeous. Approx: 569 kcals per s…
CookpadNatalie Marten (Windsor__Foodie)

Flatbreads Are the Perfect Canvas

Whether you're looking for a quick side or a meal centerpiece, flatbreads offer endless variety. With a handful of ingredients and global inspiration, you can turn simple dough into something extraordinary.