Fresh Herb and Tomato Flatbread

Name: Fresh Herb and Tomato Flatbread
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 3/4 cup warm water; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1/2 cup fresh herbs (basil, rosemary, oregano), chopped; 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1 tablespoon olive oil for drizzling; Sea salt to taste

Highlighted under: Balanced Meal Recipes

I love making this Fresh Herb and Tomato Flatbread when I want something light and delicious to enjoy with friends. It combines the vibrant flavors of fresh herbs and juicy tomatoes, creating a perfect appetizer or side dish. The best part? It only takes about 30 minutes to prepare and bake! I often garnish with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of sea salt for extra flavor. Each bite transports me to a sunlit garden, making it a delightful addition to any gathering.

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-01-13T12:19:32.003Z

Making this fresh herb and tomato flatbread is always a joy for me. The process is simple, yet the outcome is bursting with flavor. I like to use a mix of rosemary, basil, and oregano, which gives the flatbread an aromatic profile that’s hard to resist. Each herb adds its unique touch, and I find that using freshly picked ones elevates the dish even further.

One of my favorite tips is to let the dough rest for a few minutes before rolling it out. This allows the gluten to relax, resulting in a wonderfully chewy texture. With a sprinkle of cheese and a touch of garlic, this flatbread is sure to impress anyone at my table!

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Bursting with fragrant herbs and ripe tomatoes
Crispy edges with a soft and chewy interior
Perfect for picnics, snacks, or as a side dish

      

The Role of Fresh Herbs

Using a variety of fresh herbs greatly enhances the flavor profile of this flatbread. Each herb contributes unique notes: basil provides a sweet, peppery touch, rosemary adds aromatic woodiness, and oregano delivers earthy undertones. The freshness of these herbs guarantees that the flatbread tastes vibrant and fragrant. If you're in a pinch or prefer a different flavor, feel free to substitute with other fresh herbs like thyme or parsley, but maintain the same volume to ensure balance.

To maximize the flavor of your herbs, chop them just before adding to the flatbread. This releases essential oils and helps retain their bright color and aroma. Avoid chopping too early, as this can cause them to wilt and lose their potency. When sprinkling the herbs, make sure every slice gets a bit, ensuring that every bite is packed with flavor.

Perfecting the Dough

The dough for this flatbread is quite forgiving, but achieving the right texture is key. Knead the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic, which usually takes about five minutes. If your dough feels too sticky after kneading, incorporate a little more flour while working it. Conversely, if it’s too dry, add water one tablespoon at a time until it reaches the right consistency.

Once the dough has rested, rolling it out evenly is essential for uniform baking. Aim for a thickness of about 1/4 inch, which allows the edges to crisp up nicely while keeping the center chewy. If you prefer a thicker flatbread, adjust the baking time slightly to ensure it cooks through without burning the edges.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

While this flatbread is delightful on its own, consider pairing it with a dip, like hummus or tzatziki, for added flavor. It also makes an excellent base for other toppings such as roasted vegetables, seasoned olives, or even a drizzle of balsamic glaze to enhance the taste. For a more substantial meal, top it with arugula and a poached egg for brunch.

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container to maintain freshness. Reheat in the oven at a low temperature for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through. This flatbread can also be made ahead of time; simply follow all steps up to baking, wrap it tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, bake directly from the fridge for 20-25 minutes, ensuring a hot, crispy flatbread.

Ingredients

Gather these fresh ingredients to create your flatbread:

Flatbread Dough

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon olive oil
3/4 cup warm water

Toppings

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 cup fresh herbs (basil, rosemary, oregano), chopped
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 tablespoon olive oil for drizzling
Sea salt to taste

These ingredients will create a delightful flatbread.

Instructions

Follow these steps to make your flatbread:

Prepare the Dough

In a large bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, and salt. Add the olive oil and warm water, stirring until a dough forms. Knead on a lightly floured surface for about 5 minutes until smooth.

Cover and let it rest for 10 minutes.

Shape the Flatbread

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Roll out the dough on a floured surface into a rectangle or circle, about 1/4 inch thick. Place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Add Toppings

Spread the halved tomatoes evenly over the dough. Sprinkle the chopped herbs and mozzarella cheese on top. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with sea salt.

Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the edges are golden and the cheese is bubbling.

Serve

Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Cut into squares and serve warm. Enjoy!

Your delicious flatbread is now ready to be enjoyed!

Pro Tips

For an extra flavor boost, try using a mixture of cheeses like feta or goat cheese. You can also experiment with different herb combinations based on your preference.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your flatbread isn't rising properly, it could be due to old baking powder that has lost its potency. Always check the expiration date before using it. Another common issue is a tough texture, which can arise from over-kneading. Aim for just enough kneading to create a smooth dough—approximately five minutes is usually ideal.

For a flatbread that’s chewy but not dense, ensure that your oven is fully preheated before baking. If you notice the edges browning too quickly while the center remains undercooked, try placing the baking sheet on a lower rack to even out the heat distribution.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you're looking for a gluten-free option, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free 1:1 baking flour. However, you may need to adjust the amount of water slightly, as gluten-free flours can have different absorption rates. Keep an eye on the dough and adjust until you achieve a soft but not sticky consistency.

Feel free to swap out the mozzarella cheese with feta for a tangier flavor or a dairy-free alternative like nutritional yeast for a vegan version. Just ensure whatever cheese you choose has good melting properties to maintain that irresistible gooey texture.

Make-Ahead Tips

To make this recipe even easier, prepare the dough up to two days in advance and store it in the refrigerator wrapped tightly. Allow it to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before rolling it out. This helps the dough relax, making it easier to shape without tearing.

You can also bake the flatbread, let it cool, and then freeze it. To reheat, simply pop it in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes. This way, you can always have a delicious homemade flatbread ready to enjoy anytime!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use store-bought dough?

Yes, feel free to use store-bought flatbread or pizza dough to save time.

→ What other toppings can I add?

You can add vegetables like bell peppers or onion, or even variations of cheese for different flavors.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftover flatbread in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.

→ Can I freeze the flatbread?

Yes, you can freeze the baked flatbread. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil to maintain freshness.