One rainy afternoon, I opened my old wooden recipe box—the one with faded cards, flour smudges, and notes scribbled in pencil from decades ago. Hidden behind a sticky note labeled “Grandkids’ Favorites” was a recipe I hadn’t seen in years. It wasn’t from my grandmother or mother—but mine
A humble flatbread I first made in my tiny kitchen after retiring, experimenting with pantry staples and craving something warm and comforting. No yeast. No fuss. Just a dough that came together like magic and filled the house with that unbeatable scent of garlic and butter.
It was a chilly fall day, and I’d promised my neighbor, a new mom next door, a quick meal she could grab between baby naps. I made this flatbread on a whim, wrapped it in foil, and left it on her doorstep. Hours later, I got a text: “What was that bread? My husband thought it came from a restaurant!” That’s when I knew this recipe had to be shared—not just for its simplicity but for the joy it brings to any table.
This garlic and butter flatbread has become one of my most requested recipes—by my grown kids, neighbors, and even folks at our local potluck. It’s soft and chewy with golden edges, and that buttery garlic topping is enough to stop conversation at the table.
Short Description
This easy, no-yeast garlic and butter flatbread is soft, chewy, and loaded with flavor. Made with Greek yogurt and brushed with melted garlic butter, it’s a quick side or snack that comes together in under 30 minutes.
Key Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt
- 3/4 cup milk (plus more if needed)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Tools Needed
- Large mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk
- Rolling pin
- Non-stick skillet or cast iron pan
- Silicone brush or spoon for garlic butter
Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined.
Step 2: Form the Dough
Add the Greek yogurt, milk, and olive oil to the bowl. Stir with a wooden spoon until a soft, shaggy dough forms. If the dough feels dry, add 1 tablespoon of milk at a time until it comes together.
Step 3: Knead and Rest
Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 2–3 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover with a clean kitchen towel and let it rest for 10 minutes to relax the gluten.
Step 4: Divide and Roll
Cut the dough into 6 equal portions. Roll each into a ball, then flatten into 6–7 inch circles using a rolling pin on a floured surface. Aim for about 1/8 inch thick.
Step 5: Cook the Flatbreads
Heat a non-stick or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, place one flatbread at a time in the pan. Cook for 1–2 minutes per side, until golden brown spots appear and the bread puffs slightly. Adjust heat as needed to avoid burning.
Step 6: Make the Garlic Butter
In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with the minced garlic and chopped parsley (if using). Let it sit for a minute so the garlic softens in the warmth.
Step 7: Brush and Serve
As soon as each flatbread comes off the skillet, brush it generously with the garlic butter while it’s hot. Serve warm, stacked and wrapped in a clean towel to keep them soft.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Quick & Easy: Ready in 30 minutes, no yeast or rising time required.
Minimal Ingredients: Made with pantry staples.
Versatile: Great as a side, snack, or wrap.
Soft & Flavorful: Chewy interior, crispy edges, and garlic butter topping.
Better-for-You: Includes Greek yogurt and olive oil for a light but satisfying bite.
Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions
1. Dough too dry or crumbly?
Solution: Add 1 tablespoon of milk at a time until the dough is soft and pliable.
2. Dough sticking to the rolling pin?
Solution: Lightly flour the rolling pin and surface before rolling.
3. Flatbread not puffing up?
Solution: Make sure your skillet is properly preheated and hot before cooking.
4. Burnt or undercooked bread?
Solution: Adjust the heat as needed. Medium-high heat works best; if it browns too quickly, reduce the heat.
5. Garlic burning in butter?
Solution: Don’t cook the garlic directly on heat. Let it sit in the warm melted butter to infuse instead.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
This flatbread shines in just about any setting. Serve it:
– Alongside soups like lentil, tomato basil, or creamy mushroom.
– As a base for flatbread pizzas—top with mozzarella, veggies, or chicken.
– With dips like hummus, tzatziki, baba ganoush, or herbed cream cheese.
– Wrapped around grilled veggies, falafel, or shawarma-style chicken.
– Cut into strips for cheese boards or antipasto platters.
Perfect for dinner parties, potlucks, family-style meals, or cozy nights at home.
Storage and Reheating Tips
To store: Let the flatbreads cool completely, then wrap in foil or place in an airtight container. Keep at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
To freeze: Stack between parchment sheets and store in a freezer bag for up to 2 months.
To reheat: Warm in a skillet over medium heat for 1–2 minutes per side or in a 350°F oven wrapped in foil for 10 minutes. Avoid the microwave—it can make them rubbery.
FAQs
1. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough up to 24 hours ahead. Wrap tightly in plastic and refrigerate. Bring to room temp before rolling.
2. Can I use whole wheat flour?
You can substitute up to half the flour with whole wheat, but the bread will be slightly denser. Add a bit more milk if needed.
3. Is this recipe vegan-friendly?
Swap the yogurt with a plant-based yogurt and use non-dairy milk and vegan butter to make it vegan.
4. What if I don’t have Greek yogurt?
You can use sour cream or plain regular yogurt, though you might need slightly less milk since regular yogurt is looser.
5. Can I bake the flatbread instead of using a skillet?
Yes, bake at 450°F on a preheated baking sheet or pizza stone for about 5–7 minutes per side. It won’t puff the same, but the flavor holds up beautifully.
Tips & Tricks
Resting the dough helps prevent shrinking while rolling.
Use a cast-iron skillet for even browning and that slight crisp on the edges.
Don’t skip brushing with butter while still hot—it helps soak in the flavor.
Want more garlic punch? Add roasted garlic or a pinch of garlic powder to the dough.
Stack the cooked flatbreads in a clean towel to keep them warm and soft.
Recipe Variations
Cheesy Garlic Flatbread
Add 1/3 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar into the dough before kneading. Cook as directed. The cheese melts into the dough, adding richness and flavor.
Spicy Chili Flatbread
Add 1/4 teaspoon red chili flakes and a pinch of cumin to the dry ingredients. Brush with garlic butter and a dash of hot sauce.
Herbed Yogurt Flatbread
Mix 1 tablespoon of finely chopped fresh herbs (like dill, chives, or thyme) into the dough. Great with creamy dips or grilled fish.
Sweet Cinnamon Flatbread
Omit garlic and salt. Add 1 tablespoon sugar to the dough. After cooking, brush with melted butter and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar. It’s like a soft churro!
Final Thoughts
This garlic and butter version has become my weeknight comfort, especially when I want something fresh without turning on the oven. I’ve made it for family dinners, surprise guests, and even camping trips with a portable skillet. It’s the kind of recipe that becomes second nature, that you can pull together while your soup simmers or your salad chills.
Each time I flip a golden round in the skillet, I’m reminded how beautiful simplicity can be. If you try this recipe, make it yours. Add a pinch of your personality—whether it’s extra herbs, cheese, or spice. That’s how flatbread, like memories, should be made: warm, a little messy, and shared with the ones you love.
Garlic And Butter Flatbread
Print ThisIngredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt
- 3/4 cup milk (plus more if needed)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients
Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl until well combined.
Step 2: Form the Dough
Add yogurt, milk, and olive oil. Stir until a shaggy dough forms. If dry, add milk 1 tablespoon at a time.
Step 3: Knead and Rest
Knead on a floured surface for 2–3 minutes until smooth. Cover and let rest for 10 minutes.
Step 4: Divide and Roll
Split dough into 6 pieces. Roll each into a 6–7 inch circle, about 1/8 inch thick.
Step 5: Cook the Flatbreads
Heat a skillet over medium-high. Cook each flatbread 1–2 minutes per side, until golden with puffed spots.
Step 6: Make the Garlic Butter
Stir melted butter, minced garlic, and parsley in a small bowl. Let sit for a minute.
Step 7: Brush and Serve
Brush hot flatbreads with garlic butter. Keep warm in a clean towel until serving.
