Fresh Herb and Tomato Flatbread

Name: Fresh Herb and Tomato Flatbread
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon sugar; 1 envelope (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast; 3/4 cup warm water; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1 cup fresh mozzarella, sliced; 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves; 1 tablespoon olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: International Flavor Recipes

I absolutely love making this Fresh Herb and Tomato Flatbread—it’s a delightful way to celebrate the flavors of summer! Using fresh herbs and ripe tomatoes gives the flatbread a vibrant, aromatic taste that’s hard to resist. I find that letting the dough rise for a bit in a warm place really helps achieve that perfect, airy texture. Paired with a light drizzle of olive oil and mozzarella cheese, it creates a deliciously simple dish that's perfect for snacking or serving at gatherings.

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-01-13T14:19:28.224Z

After trying countless flatbread recipes, I finally settled on this one that combines fresh herbs and juicy tomatoes. The key is using the freshest ingredients possible; I often visit my local farmer's market for ripe tomatoes and fragrant basil. This not only enhances the aroma but also gives each bite a burst of flavor.

What sets this flatbread apart is its simplicity. I learned that pre-baking the flatbread before adding toppings helps avoid sogginess, ensuring every slice is crispy on the outside while soft inside. It’s a crowd-pleaser at gatherings, and I’ve even made it in larger batches for parties!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Fresh, vibrant herbs that brighten up every bite
Crisp base with a soft, bubbly texture
Customizable with your favorite toppings

      

The Importance of Fresh Ingredients

The success of the Fresh Herb and Tomato Flatbread relies heavily on the quality of your ingredients. Using ripe cherry tomatoes gives the dish a burst of sweetness that can elevate the overall flavor profile. When selecting your tomatoes, look for ones that are firm but yield slightly to pressure, indicating ripeness. Fresh mozzarella, on the other hand, contributes a creamy texture that contrasts beautifully with the crispy flatbread. Always opt for fresh mozzarella over pre-shredded cheese, as it melts better and creates the gooey, rich topping you want.

Fresh herbs play a crucial role in this recipe. The aromatic qualities of basil, coupled with an added layer of freshness, make every bite irresistible. Try experimenting with different herbs like thyme or oregano for a twist on the traditional flavor. While dried herbs can work in a pinch, they simply cannot replicate the vibrant taste and scent of fresh herbs. I recommend you pick your basil just before adding to the flatbread for maximum flavor release.

Mastering the Flatbread Technique

Kneading the dough is essential for developing gluten, which gives the flatbread its structure and chewy texture. Aim for a smooth, elastic dough that springs back slightly when pressed. If the dough feels too sticky, don't hesitate to add a little more flour, but keep it minimal to avoid a tough flatbread. After the initial rise, shaping your dough correctly can also impact the final texture; stretching it gently preserves the air bubbles formed during rising, leading to that desired airy finish.

When pre-baking the flatbread, keep a close eye on it. The goal is to achieve a light golden color, which typically takes around 7 minutes in a preheated oven. If baked too long, it can become overly dry and tough. A hot baking surface, like a pizza stone, helps achieve crisp edges, making it crucial to let your chosen baking sheet or stone preheat fully before placing the dough on it.

Ingredients

Gather these fresh ingredients for a delicious flatbread.

Flatbread Dough

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon sugar
1 envelope (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
3/4 cup warm water
2 tablespoons olive oil

Toppings

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup fresh mozzarella, sliced
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

Once you have all your ingredients, you’re ready to get started!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your Fresh Herb and Tomato Flatbread.

Prepare the Dough

In a bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy. In another bowl, mix flour and salt.

Gradually add the yeast mixture and olive oil, and knead until smooth. Cover and let rise for 20 minutes.

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) and place a baking sheet or pizza stone inside to heat up.

Shape the Flatbread

Once the dough has risen, stretch or roll it out into a rectangle on a floured surface. Make sure it’s about 1/4 inch thick for crispness.

Pre-bake the Flatbread

Remove the hot baking sheet from the oven, transfer the flatbread onto it, and bake for 7 minutes until lightly golden. Remove from oven.

Add the Toppings

Spread the cheese and tomatoes evenly on the pre-baked flatbread. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.

Final Bake

Return the flatbread to the oven and bake for an additional 8 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and bubbly.

Garnish and Serve

Once baked, top the flatbread with fresh basil leaves. Slice and serve warm!

Your Fresh Herb and Tomato Flatbread is now ready to enjoy!

Pro Tips

For a spicier kick, add some red pepper flakes to the toppings before the final bake.

Storage and Reheating Tips

If you have leftover flatbread, it's best to store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To keep it fresh, wrap it in foil to prevent it from drying out. If you’re looking to store it for a longer duration, consider freezing the flatbread before adding the toppings. You can freeze it for up to a month; just be sure to separate layers with parchment paper. When ready to eat, thaw and reheat at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes, until warmed through.

For reheating, you can use a toaster oven for a perfectly crisp result. Just keep an eye on it to prevent burning. If you're reheating an already topped flatbread, place a piece of foil over it for the first few minutes to avoid over-browning the cheese while the base warms up. If you prefer your flatbread slightly softened, microwaving for about 15-20 seconds will do the trick.

Customization Ideas

This flatbread is an excellent base for various toppings, so feel free to unleash your creativity! If you enjoy a kick of heat, add sliced jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. For a Mediterranean twist, try adding olives and feta cheese. You can also incorporate different vegetables like roasted bell peppers or zucchini slices for added flavor and nutrition. This versatility allows you to personalize your flatbread to suit the tastes of your guests or family.

Should you have dietary restrictions, gluten-free flour blends can also work wonderfully here. Look for a blend that contains a mix of rice flour and tapioca flour for the best results. Just keep in mind that the texture might vary slightly; you may need to adjust the liquid ingredients. Additionally, you can substitute olive oil with avocado oil for a different flavor profile, while still maintaining the light drizzle essential for flavor.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?

While fresh herbs are best for flavor, you can use dried ones. Just reduce the amount to about one-third.

→ How can I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to restore crispiness.

→ Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it overnight. Just let it come to room temperature before shaping.

→ What other toppings can I use?

Feel free to get creative! Roasted vegetables, olives, or even prosciutto work beautifully.