Unleavened bread insanely good comfort food upgrade

Make insanely good unleavened bread in minutes with simple pantry ingredients, plus pro tips, variations, and serving ideas for cozy comfort meals.

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 15

Total Time 30

Course Bread, Side Dish

Cuisine Mediterranean-inspired, Modern

Servings 8 flatbreads

Calories 150 kcal

Before we dive into the step-by-step method let’s set up your workspace with everything you need. One of the best things about this easy unleavened bread is that it relies on simple pantry ingredients you probably already have on hand.

These are the basics for a soft flexible no yeast bread:
All-purpose flour – the foundation of the dough giving you a tender, easy-to-roll flatbread.
Fine salt – wakes up the flavor so the bread doesn’t taste flat or bland.
Olive oil or melted butter – adds richness keeps the bread soft, and helps create those lovely golden spots in the pan.
Warm water – brings the dough together and makes it smooth and pliable.
Baking powder optional – not traditional, but a small amount gives a gentle lift and extra softness if you want a slightly puffier flatbread.
If you prefer you can swap part of the all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour to create a heartier, more rustic unleavened bread recipe. Just be prepared to add a touch more water, as whole wheat absorbs more moisture.

This is where the “insanely good comfort food upgrade” really happens. A few small add-ins can transform a simple flatbread into something unforgettable:
Garlic fresh or garlic powder – for a savory, cozy aroma and flavor that pairs beautifully with soups and stews.
Dried herbs oregano, thyme, rosemary, or Italian seasoning – sprinkled into the dough or over the top for an herby flatbread feel.
Fresh herbs parsley, cilantro, or chives – stirred in at the end or used as a garnish for a bright, fresh finish.
Grated cheese Parmesan, cheddar, or mozzarella – folded into the dough or sprinkled on top for a cheesy comfort food twist.
Honey or a pinch of sugar – a small amount in the dough for a subtle sweetness that balances savory toppings and dips.

You don’t need any fancy gear for this simple unleavened bread:
A mixing bowl and spoon to bring the dough together.
A rolling pin or a clean bottle to roll out the flatbreads.
A cast-iron skillet or non-stick pan to cook them until golden and soft.
Once these ingredients and tools are in front of you you’re just a few minutes away from warm, homemade flatbread that feels like a true comfort food upgrade to any meal.

Ready to make some warm, homemade flatbread? Here’s a simple, step-by-step way to bring this easy unleavened bread to life. Think of me as right there in the kitchen with you, talking you through each move.

In a medium mixing bowl, add your flour, salt, and baking powder (if you’re using it).
Whisk or stir everything together so the salt and leavening are evenly distributed.
Tip: Taking a moment to combine the dry ingredients well helps your no yeast bread cook evenly and keeps the flavor balanced.

Make a small well in the center of the dry ingredients.
Pour in the warm water and olive oil or melted butter.
Use a spoon or your hand to gently stir from the center outward until the mixture starts to look shaggy and moist.
If the dough feels too dry and crumbly, add a tiny splash of water. If it’s sticky and hard to handle, sprinkle in a little more flour. You’re aiming for a soft, smooth dough that doesn’t cling aggressively to your fingers.

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface.
Knead gently for a minute or two, just until it becomes smooth and elastic.
You don’t need an intense workout here—this unleavened bread dough is meant to be quick and fuss-free. A few folds and presses are enough.

Shape the dough into a ball and place it back in the bowl.
Cover with a clean kitchen towel and let it rest for about 10–15 minutes while you heat your skillet.
This short rest helps the gluten relax, making the dough easier to roll and giving your flatbread a softer bite.

Once rested, divide the dough into equal pieces (four to eight, depending on how big you want your flatbreads).
Roll each piece into a small ball, then flatten it gently with your hand.
On a lightly floured surface, use a rolling pin to roll each ball into a thin circle or oval, about the thickness of a tortilla.
Don’t worry if they’re not perfectly round—imperfect shapes are part of the charm of homemade flatbread.

Heat a cast-iron or non-stick skillet over medium to medium-high heat until it’s nice and hot.
Place one rolled-out piece of dough into the dry skillet.
Cook for 1–2 minutes, until you see bubbles forming and the underside develops golden brown spots.
Flip and cook the other side for another 1–2 minutes, pressing gently with a spatula to help it cook evenly.
Repeat with the remaining pieces of dough, adjusting the heat as needed so the bread doesn’t burn before the center cooks through.

As each flatbread comes off the heat, you can brush it with melted butter or olive oil.
Sprinkle on garlic, herbs, or a pinch of salt if you’d like an extra comfort food upgrade.
Serve your warm unleavened bread right away, or keep the pieces stacked and wrapped in a clean towel to stay soft until you’re ready to eat.
Visual cues to watch for:
The dough should be soft, smooth, and easy to roll.
The flatbread should puff slightly in places and show scattered golden brown spots.
The texture should be flexible enough to fold or tear, perfect for scooping up sauces, dips, or stews.
With this simple method, you’ll have a reliable, go-to no yeast bread that feels special enough for guests but easy enough for any weeknight.

*Depends on how much salt you add to the dough and on top.

Keyword Comfort Food, easy unleavened bread, homemade flatbread, no yeast bread, unleavened bread