Sourdough Flatbread Recipe — Easy & Delicious!

Sourdough flatbread is the perfect way to use up your sourdough starter while creating something deliciously simple and satisfying. This easy sourdough flatbread recipe creates a  soft, chewy, and flavorful flatbread. It is a versatile addition to your meals. Enjoy it on its own with olive oil or use it as a wrap. It’s sure to impress!

Sourdough flatbread is one of those recipes I turn to when I want something quick and easy, yet packed with flavor. It uses simple ingredients and is a delicious way to use extra discard. The end result is a fluffy flatbread you can use as a pizza base, in place of pita bread, or topped with melted butter as a fresh bread with a meal. Basic ingredients meet simple processes, and the result is absolutely delicious!

Baking sourdough has become one of my favorite kitchen activities. We love to make and freeze everything from traditional sourdough bread to chocolate chip scones to garlic cheddar focaccia and even overnight English muffins. Sourdough bread products make our favorite recipes taste better! 

We use a stiff sourdough starter, so don’t usually have much discard. We we do have unfed sourdough starter, sourdough discard recipes are a great way to use it up—easy tortillas, pumpkin bread, and even cinnamon rolls to eat or freeze (no food waste here!). If all of this sounds overwhelming, make sure to check out the sourdough beginner guide!

Why You’ll Love This Sourdough Flatbread Recipe

Simple process. This recipe doesn’t need a ton of work. Mix, knead (use your mixer and a dough hook!), rise. Then cook!

Minimal ingredients. This flat bread recipe uses pantry staples like flour, oil and an active sourdough starter. Just a few ingredients to get homemade sourdough naan bread!

Versatile. Experiment with different flavors by adding parmesan cheese, fresh herbs, roasted garlic or garlic powder. You can even use this homemade flatbread as a pizza base.

What Is Sourdough Flatbread?

Sourdough flatbread is a simple, yeasted bread made with sourdough starter instead of commercial yeast. It’s a perfect blend of chewy and crispy, offering that signature tang that sourdough lovers enjoy. The dough is rolled out flat and cooked in a hot pan, giving it a quick cook time and the ability to be customized with various flavors, herbs, or seeds.

Sourdough Flatbread Recipe Ingredients

• Active Sourdough Starter: This is the star ingredient! Use a bubbly, active starter for the best flavor and rise. The starter contributes that signature sourdough tang and gives the bread a lovely chew.
• Olive Oil: A good quality olive oil will add richness to the dough, making it soft and flavorful.
• Honey (optional): Adds a slight sweetness to the dough, but feel free to skip it if you prefer a more savory flatbread.
• Bread flour: I prefer bread flour with a higher protein content. You can use all-purpose flour and still get a soft texture without being too heavy, but it will be a bit different. To make bread flour, mix 1 tablespoon vital wheat gluten to every 1 cup all-purpose flour in a small bowl before adding to the dough. If you want to substitute freshly milled flour, use half all-purpose and half freshly ground soft white wheat.

Tools You May Need

Cast-iron skillet — I prefer to use cast iron, but a non-stick pan or frying pan will work as well. 

Bench scraper — I like a bench scraper for dividing dough. You can also use a sharp knife.

Dough whisk — This makes mixing easier, but you an also use a wooden spoon or your hands!

How to Make Sourdough Flatbread

Ensure your sourdough starter is bubbly and active before starting. Feed it a 4-8 hours before you begin for the best results (exact time will depend on your specific starter and environment).

1. Mix the Dough. In a large mixing bowl, combine your sourdough starter with warm water, olive oil, salt, and honey. Gradually add the flour and baking powder, stirring until a dough forms. You can also use a stand mixer to mix and knead the dough.
2. Knead the Dough. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Add more flour as needed, but be careful not to overdo it.
3. Let the Dough Rest. Shape the dough into a ball and cover it with a damp towel. Let the sourdough flatbread dough rise at room temperature for about 8-12 hours or until doubled in size. Place the dough in a warm place to speed the rise. If desired, cover with plastic wrap, refrigerate and cook the next day. 
4. Roll the Dough. Once risen, divide the dough into equal pieces. Then create small dough balls and roll each one out into a thin circle, about 1/8-inch thick.
5. Cook the Flatbreads. Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Cook each flatbread in a hot skillet for 1-2 minutes on each side, until golden brown with bubbles on the surface.
6. Serve and Enjoy. Serve the flatbreads warm with dips, spreads, sour cream, greek yogurt & chicken, or your favorite main dish. They are delicious on their own or with a little bit of olive oil and a pinch of salt.

Recipe Tips

• For crispier flatbreads, roll the dough piece out thinner and cook them for a bit longer on each side.
• If your dough feels too sticky while kneading, don’t be afraid to add a bit more flour, but aim for a soft, pliable dough.
• Store leftover flatbread wrapped in parchment paper in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. You can also freeze for up to a month. I like to flash freeze on a baking sheet. Simply reheat in a cast iron pan or oven for the best results.

Sourdough Flatbread Recipe Variations

• Garlic and Herb Flatbread: Add finely minced garlic and your choice of herbs (like rosemary or thyme) to the dough for a flavorful twist. Use the toppings from our favorite garlic cheddar focaccia for inspiration!
• Cheesy Flatbread: Sprinkle shredded cheese like mozzarella or cheddar on the dough before cooking for a cheesy, indulgent treat.
• Sesame or Poppy Seed Flatbread: Brush the dough with olive oil and sprinkle sesame seeds or poppy seeds on top for added texture and flavor.
• Spicy Flatbread: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or chili powder to the dough for a spicy kick.

Sourdough Flatbread Recipe FAQs

I hope you love this sourdough flatbread recipe!

Other Sourdough Recipes You May Enjoy…

• Rosemary Sourdough Bread
• Easy & Delicious Oat Bread
• Sourdough Discard Buttermilk Cornbread
• Soft Sourdough Pita Bread
• Easy Sourdough Tortillas
• Overnight Sourdough Bagels

This post may contain affiliate links. Please see our full disclosure policy.