If you’ve ever wanted to whip up a delicious homemade bread without the fuss of yeast and rising times, this Easy Soft Flatbread (No Yeast) Recipe is going to become your new best friend. These flatbreads are wonderfully tender, slightly pillowy, and perfect for wrapping, dipping, or simply enjoying on their own. Best of all, the straightforward ingredients and quick process mean you can have warm, fresh bread ready in under 30 minutes—making it ideal for any weeknight or impromptu gathering.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity—just a handful of pantry staples come together to create something truly comforting. Each ingredient has a role that enhances the bread’s flavor, texture, or color, making the final product irresistible.
- All-purpose flour (2½ cups, plus extra for dusting): The foundation that gives the flatbread its structure and tenderness.
- Baking powder (2½ teaspoons): The leavening agent that provides just the right lift without yeast.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Balances flavors and enhances the overall taste.
- Plain yogurt (¾ cup, Greek or regular): Adds moisture and tenderness for a soft, slightly tangy crumb.
- Warm water (½ cup): Brings the dough together and helps activate the baking powder.
- Olive oil or melted butter (optional, for brushing): Adds richness and a beautiful sheen after cooking.
How to Make Easy Soft Flatbread (No Yeast) Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Dough
Begin by combining all the dry ingredients—flour, baking powder, and salt—in a large bowl. Then add the yogurt and warm water, stirring gently until you get a shaggy dough. This first step is crucial to bring all the elements together without overworking the mixture.
Step 2: Knead the Dough
Turn your dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 2 to 3 minutes. You want the dough to become smooth and soft but not sticky, so sprinkle a little extra flour if it feels too tacky. This brief kneading develops just enough gluten for structure while keeping the flatbreads tender.
Step 3: Divide and Roll
Divide the dough into six equal portions and roll each into a ball. Then, flatten and roll each ball into a thin round about 6 to 7 inches wide. The size makes for perfectly portioned flatbreads that cook evenly and fit great in your hand or on a plate.
Step 4: Cook the Flatbreads
Heat a dry skillet over medium-high heat—no oil needed. Cook each flatbread for about 1 to 2 minutes on each side until you see golden brown spots and the bread puffs up slightly. This quick cooking method locks in softness and gives you those classic flatbread charred bits.
Step 5: Serve Warm
Stack the flatbreads as you cook them and cover with a clean towel to keep them warm and soft. If you like, brush the warm flatbreads with melted butter or olive oil for extra flavor and a glossy finish. Serve immediately for the best texture.
How to Serve Easy Soft Flatbread (No Yeast) Recipe
Garnishes
These soft flatbreads shine with simple garnishes like a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, minced fresh herbs such as cilantro or parsley, or a drizzle of garlic-infused olive oil. These toppings elevate the flavors without overpowering the subtle tanginess from the yogurt in the dough.
Side Dishes
Serve your flatbreads with a variety of warm or cold sides—think creamy hummus, spicy chutneys, or even a fresh cucumber and tomato salad. Their mild flavor pairs beautifully with bold dips, grilled meats, or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Get creative by using the flatbreads as a base for mini pizzas, folding them into wraps filled with your favorite grilled chicken or falafel, or cutting into wedges to serve as dippers with soups and stews. Their versatility means you can customize them to suit any occasion.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover flatbreads, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or place in an airtight container and keep them at room temperature for up to two days. This helps maintain their softness and fresher taste.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the flatbreads stacked with parchment paper between each to prevent sticking. Seal them in a freezer bag and store for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw at room temperature or in the fridge overnight.
Reheating
Reheat flatbreads gently in a warm skillet over medium heat or wrap them in foil and warm in a 350°F oven for about 5-7 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it can make them chewy rather than soft and tender.
FAQs
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour, though the texture will be denser and the flavor nuttier. You might want to start with a mix of half whole wheat and half all-purpose for a lighter flatbread.
Do I have to use yogurt in this recipe?
The yogurt adds moisture and slight tang, which contributes to softness. If you prefer, you can try sour cream or buttermilk as a substitute, but the texture and flavor may vary slightly.
Can I make these flatbreads vegan?
Absolutely! Replace the yogurt with a plant-based alternative like coconut yogurt or soy yogurt, and use olive oil instead of butter for brushing. The texture might differ a bit but will still be delicious.
How thin should I roll the dough for cooking?
About 1/8 inch thick is ideal—thin enough to cook through quickly yet thick enough to stay soft and not tear. Rolling too thin may make them crispy instead of soft.
Why does the flatbread puff up while cooking?
As the dough heats, steam forms inside, causing the bread to puff slightly. This is a good indicator that it’s cooking properly and helps create a lovely light texture inside.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Easy Soft Flatbread (No Yeast) Recipe enough—it’s one of those simple yet game-changing dishes that lifts even the most casual meal. Whether you’re pulling together a quick lunch, a tasty snack, or a side for dinner, these flatbreads will impress with their fluffy texture and subtle flavor. Give it a try, and I promise it’ll become a staple in your kitchen too!
Print
Easy Soft Flatbread (No Yeast) Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 flatbreads
- Category: Bread
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Easy Soft Flatbread recipe is a quick and simple yeast-free bread perfect for wraps, sandwiches, or as a side to any meal. Made with basic pantry ingredients and cooked on the stovetop, these flatbreads come out soft, fluffy, and full of flavor in just 25 minutes total.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
- 2½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- ¾ cup plain yogurt (Greek or regular)
- ½ cup warm water
Optional
- Olive oil or melted butter for brushing
Instructions
- Mix the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Add the plain yogurt and warm water, then stir with a spoon until a shaggy dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 2–3 minutes until it becomes smooth and soft but not sticky. Add additional flour as needed to prevent sticking.
- Divide and Roll: Divide the dough into 6 equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball, then flatten and roll each ball into thin rounds approximately 6 to 7 inches wide.
- Cook the Flatbreads: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook each flatbread for 1 to 2 minutes on each side until golden spots appear and the bread puffs slightly, indicating it is cooked through.
- Serve Warm: Stack the cooked flatbreads and cover them with a towel to keep them soft. Optionally, brush with melted butter or olive oil before serving for added flavor and moisture.
Notes
- Use warm water to help the dough come together easily.
- Knead the dough just until smooth to keep the flatbreads soft.
- If dough is sticky, add a little more flour sparingly.
- Cook flatbreads on a preheated skillet for best results and even cooking.
- Store leftovers wrapped in foil or an airtight container to retain softness.
