Description
Mediterranean flatbread pizza brings rustic Italian charm to your dinner table with crispy crust and zesty toppings. Fresh herbs and melted cheese create a perfect balance of flavors that will transport your palate to sunny coastal landscapes.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour or bread flour
- 3/4 cup (180 milliliters) warm water
- 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) olive oil
Yeast and Sweetener:
- 1 teaspoon active dry or instant yeast
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
Seasonings and Additional Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons olive oil (for brushing)
Optional Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 clove minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Activate the yeast by combining it with sugar and warm water in a mixing vessel. Allow the mixture to rest, developing a frothy texture that indicates active fermentation.
- Incorporate flour, olive oil, and salt into the yeast mixture. Blend the ingredients until a cohesive, slightly tacky dough emerges, ensuring all components are thoroughly integrated.
- Develop the dough’s gluten structure through vigorous kneading, either manually or using a stand mixer with a dough hook. Continue working the dough for 6-8 minutes, gradually adding flour to maintain an optimal texture.
- Evaluate the dough’s readiness by performing the windowpane test, stretching a small piece to check for translucent elasticity without tearing.
- Transfer the prepared dough to a lightly greased container, covering it to prevent moisture loss. Allow the dough to rise at ambient temperature, developing flavor and volume for approximately 45 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to a high temperature of 475°F, creating an ideal environment for crisp, golden flatbread.
- Deflate the risen dough and divide it into two equal portions. Roll each section into a thin, uniform flatbread approximately 1/4 inch thick.
- Carefully transfer the shaped dough to a lined baking sheet or preheated pizza stone, creating a foundation for your toppings.
- Prepare the surface by gently puncturing the dough with fingertips or a fork, preventing excessive bubbling during baking.
- Brush the flatbread with olive oil to enhance flavor and promote even browning. Distribute your chosen toppings across the surface with creativity and balance.
- Bake the flatbread pizza for 15-20 minutes, monitoring the crust’s golden-brown color and the toppings’ caramelization.
- Remove from the oven, allow to cool briefly, then slice and serve while warm, savoring the crisp texture and vibrant flavors.
Notes
- Experiment with alternative flour types like whole wheat, spelt, or gluten-free blends to accommodate dietary restrictions and add unique flavor profiles.
- Activate yeast precisely by ensuring water temperature is between 100-110°F, which creates optimal conditions for fermentation without killing the microorganisms.
- Develop deeper flavor complexity by incorporating herbs like rosemary, thyme, or basil directly into the dough mixture during the initial mixing stage.
- Enhance crispy texture by preheating a pizza stone or using a cast-iron skillet, which helps create a perfectly golden and crunchy bottom crust.
- Prep Time: 55 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2
- Calories: 285
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 360 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 51 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg