Simple Tomato Basil Flatbread (Printable)

Golden flatbread topped with juicy tomatoes and fragrant basil for a light, flavorful snack.

# What You'll Need:

→ Dough

01 - 2 cups all-purpose flour (250 g)
02 - 1 teaspoon instant yeast
03 - 1/2 teaspoon sugar
04 - 3/4 teaspoon salt
05 - 2/3 cup warm water (160 ml)
06 - 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus extra for brushing

→ Topping

07 - 2 medium ripe tomatoes, thinly sliced
08 - 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves (15 g), torn
09 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
10 - 1/2 teaspoon flaky sea salt
11 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

# How to Make It:

01 - In a large bowl, mix the all-purpose flour, instant yeast, sugar, and salt together.
02 - Add warm water and 2 tablespoons olive oil to the dry mix; stir until a shaggy dough forms.
03 - Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 5 minutes until smooth and elastic. Shape into a ball, cover, and let rest for 10 minutes.
04 - Preheat the oven to 430°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
05 - Roll the dough into a rough oval or rectangle about 1/4 inch thick and transfer it to the prepared baking sheet.
06 - Brush the dough surface with olive oil. Arrange tomato slices evenly on top, then sprinkle with flaky sea salt and freshly ground black pepper.
07 - Bake for 18 to 20 minutes until the crust is golden and crispy.
08 - Remove from oven, scatter torn basil leaves over the flatbread, drizzle with additional olive oil, slice, and serve warm.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • It comes together in under an hour with ingredients you probably already have.
  • The crust gets beautifully crisp without any special equipment or stone.
  • You can dress it up or keep it minimal and it still tastes like something you ordered out.
02 -
  • If the water is too hot, it will kill the yeast and your dough wont rise, so always test it on your wrist first.
  • Dont overload the flatbread with toppings or the crust will steam instead of crisp.
  • Add the basil after baking, not before, or it will turn dark and lose its fresh flavor.
03 -
  • Let the dough rest after kneading, even just ten minutes makes it easier to roll out and gives a better texture.
  • Use a pizza stone if you have one, it makes the bottom even crispier and more evenly baked.
  • Brush olive oil all the way to the edges so the crust gets golden and doesnt dry out.
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