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Who doesn’t love a good pizza? This Margherita Pizza Flatbread is the perfect quick and easy meal for any foodie. You only need 15 minutes to make this delicious flatbread, and it’s perfect for any occasion. Plus, the balsamic vinegar adds a delicious touch of flavor. So why not give it a try? Your taste buds will thank you!
What is in Margherita flatbread?
Margherita flatbread is a type of pizza that is typically made with a thin crust and topped with tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and basil leaves. The classic margherita pizza is said to have been created in 1889 in honor of Queen Margherita of Savoy, and the colors of the dish (red, white, and green) are meant to represent the Italian flag.
While margherita pizzas are often made with traditional round crusts, the flatbread version of the dish offers a more rustic presentation. The toppings are usually applied directly to the flattened dough, which is then cooked in a hot oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Margherita flatbread can be enjoyed as an appetizer or main course, and it makes an excellent accompaniment to a glass of red wine.
Is Margherita flatbread healthy?
While diet culture has many people afraid of carbs, they’re actually necessary for energy and overall good health. And flatbread is no exception. Depending on the brand, flatbread can offer nutrients such as protein, B complex vitamins, folate, certain minerals and fiber.
I like using Greek pita flatbread, such as this one, since it also has Omega-3 fatty acids, is high in protein, plus it’s made with oat bran, flaxseeds, whole wheat and plant sterols. So yes, a Margherita flatbread can be a part of a healthy, balanced diet!
Is flatbread and pizza dough the same?
This margherita pizza flatbread recipe is basically a flatbread pizza, but it’s easier to make. The difference between flatbread and pizza dough is that flatbread is thinner and has a crispier texture, whereas pizza dough tends to be chewier and has a thicker dough.
If you’re short on time, flatbread can be a speedy option since it “cooks” faster than pizza dough. That is, after a few minutes in the oven, it’s nice and crispy and ready for devouring. Pizza crust, especially in uncooked dough form, can take much longer. And like I mentioned above: flatbread can be easily found with nutrient dense ingredients such as whole wheat flour, healthy fats and plant based protein.
What’s the difference between pita and flatbread?
The main difference between pita and flatbread is that flatbreads are often unleavened while pita is slightly leavened. This makes pita somewhat softer and thicker than traditional flatbread. (Pita is a type of flatbread, btw). Pita is also largely used in Mediterranean, Balkan and Middle Eastern cuisine, whereas flatbreads per se are used as a staple food in many cultures.
As for ingredients, pita is generally made with flour, water, salt, and yeast; flatbread is typically made with flour, water, and salt.
These flour-based foods such as pita, tortilla, paratha, roti, chapati, naan, etc. are all types of flatbreads. In fact, any of them can be used for this easy flatbread pizza recipe, based on your personal preference.
What do you put on flatbreads?
Flatbreads are as versatile as they are tasty! Flatbreads can be used:
- As sandwiches
- To scoop up dips
- In gyros
- Cut up and baked into chips
- As pizza
- As a wrap for kabobs
Flatbreads are a blank canvas for any topping you can think of. They’re great for using up leftover meats or veggies. You can also top them with cheeses, herbs, dried fruit, pesto and even scrambled eggs. Feel free to use your creativity!
How to Make an Easy Margherita Flatbread Pizza
I made this easy flatbread recipe with store bought pita flatbread, like the one I mentioned above. After preheating the oven to 500°F, line a flat baking pan with parchment paper. Place the flatbreads on it, and brush with olive oil. Make sure to brush the edges, for a crispy crust.
Next, spread the sun-dried tomato pesto evenly over the flatbread rounds. Then, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the pesto, following with the chopped basil leaves.
Bake in the oven for 10 minutes, or until flatbread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
Making the Balsamic Reduction
While the flatbread pizzas are baking, make the balsamic glaze. Heat the balsamic vinegar in a heavy bottomed pan at medium low heat. Stir occasionally as the vinegar starts to thicken. Remove from heat once it reaches a syrupy consistency.
Once the flatbreads are ready, drizzle with the balsamic glaze and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Add more chopped fresh basil, if desired. Cut into strips ( I used a pizza slicer) and serve.
Additional Mediterranean recipes
- Mediterranean Charcuterie Board
- Vegetarian Skillet Lasagna
- Mediterranean Vegetarian Picnic Sandwich
- Caprese Panini Recipe
- Remy’s Ratatouille Recipe
- Non-Alcoholic Sangria
- Vegan Chickpea Salad
15 Minute Easy Margherita Pizza Flatbread
Ingredients
- 2 flatbread rounds, your choice of brand and flavor
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ cup sun-dried tomato pesto
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
- ½ cup balsamic vinegar
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 handful fresh basil, chopped optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 500°F.
- Place flatbread rounds on a parchment lined baking sheet. Brush with olive oil (don't forget the edges!).
- Spread the tomato pesto evenly over each round.
- Sprinkle each round with mozzarella cheese, then sprinkle with basil.
- Bake in oven for 10 minutes, or until flatbread is golden brown and cheese is melted.
- Drizzle flatbread rounds with balsamic glaze* and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
- Add more chopped fresh basil, if desired. Cut into strips and serve.
Notes
Hi! I’m Melissa, Registered Dietitian and mother of two dragons. When I’m not talking nutrition you can find me rolling around the floor with my kids, sewing, crafting, cooking or missing the 90s (seriously, music just isn’t the same). Read More…
