You can find unleavened bread in stores without palm oil. However, I’m in the habit of making bread at home. This bread recipe is easy to make and also fast because the dough doesn’t need to rise. The important thing is to make sure it cools. You can use a cooling rack or set them on your oven grates to cool off.
Unleavened bread, or “Matzah” in the Jewish community, is typically associated with the Passover and Feast of Unleavened Bread that follows. However, it’s a delicious quick bread you can have with any meal. It is great for sandwiches.
Here’s how to make unleavened bread to enjoy all year. You likely already have the 4 ingredients: flour, olive oil, water, and salt.
Unleavened Bread Recipe
In addition to being easy to make, it’s very easy to customize according to your tastes. Add some Italian seasoning, minced garlic, or rosemary and thyme for a little more flavor. If you want something a little sweeter, add a bit of honey – you may have to add a little more flour to compensate.
You can also divide your dough into several smaller portions and press them flat then cook in a pan on the stove – about 2 – 3 minutes on each side over medium-high heat.
Unleavened Bread Ingredients
- 1 cup whole wheat flour (or unbleached flour)
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- ½ cup water
- Pinch of kosher salt
How to Make Unleavened Bread
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
- Combine all ingredients in medium-sized bowl. Optional: If you are adding herbs and spices or honey, add them in now.
- Turn dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes.
- Roll the dough out so that it is about ⅛ inch thick.
- Place on a heated baking stone, parchment paper, or a greased cookie sheet and bake at 350ºF for 20 minutes.
- Let cool on a rack, and take apart by hand to serve.
Serves 6
Cooling
It’s important to cool the flatbreads after taking them out of the oven to provide air circulation. If you leave them on the tray or set them on a plate, the heat won’t be able to escape, and they likely will become moist and soggy. Removing them from the baking pan also stops them from overbaking.
If you don’t own a cooling rack, you can remove a wire rack from your oven before preheating and set it on the countertop. You can also set them on top of your oven if you have raised burners.
Tips for Making Unleavened Bread
Some tips for making unleavened bread include:
- Use whole wheat or unbleached all-purpose flour
- Rolling the dough thin and evenly
- Do not overbake; you don’t want it to dry out
- If you want to make gluten free unleavened bread, use one-for-one gluten free flour from Bob’s Red Mill or King Arthur.
How to Make Unleavened Bread with Honey
To make unleavened bread with honey, simply add 2 tablespoons of honey to the recipe. Because the honey will add moisture to the recipe, add flour (2 tablespoons to start). Form into a dough ball. Add more flour or more honey as necessary.
Instead of incorporating honey into the recipe, you can follow the instructions above, and serve with honey on the side as you would with butter.
Making Unleavened Dough in Advance
The dough doesn’t need to rise, so in my experience it’s best to make the dough and then bake it right away. This will prevent the dough from acquiring moisture due to temperature changes.
However, you can store the dough and bake later. Be sure to store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator so it doesn’t dry out. You can also seal it in a Zip-loc bag, being sure to squeeze the air out before storing. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
FAQs
What kind of bread is unleavened?
Unleavened bread is bread that is made without using any leavening agents such as yeast, baking powder, or baking soda.
Is pita bread unleavened bread?
No, typically pita bread is considered leavened bread because most recipes require leavening agents. However, some pita bread recipes are unleavened. Tortillas is a better example of an unleavened bread.
What is unleavened bread made of?
Unleavened bread is typically made of flour, water, and salt. Other ingredients such as oil, sugar, and spices can also be added depending on the recipe.
What are 3 examples of unleavened bread?
Three examples of unleavened bread are matzo, chapati, and naan. Many flatbreads are unleavened.
What do you do with unleavened bread?
You can enjoy this bread in a variety of ways including as a wrap for sandwiches or as a side dish to accompany meals. Enjoy it with honey or butter for a quick breakfast or snack.
What do you eat with unleavened bread?
You can enjoy it with a variety of dishes such as stews, soups, and salads.
Is unleavened bread just a tortilla?
No, unleavened bread isn’t just a tortilla. There are many different types of unleavened bread from different cultures and regions, each with their own unique characteristics and flavors.
Should unleavened bread be stored in a bread box?
Unleavened bread can be stored in a bread box, but it is not necessary as it does not contain yeast and does not require the same conditions as leavened bread. Airtight containers or plastic bags are also suitable for storing unleavened bread at room temperature.
How do you store unleavened bread?
Unleavened bread should be stored in an airtight container or plastic bag at room temperature. It can also be stored in the refrigerator for longer shelf life.
Can you freeze unleavened bread?
Yes, you can freeze unleavened bread for up to 3 months. Wrap it in plastic wrap and place it in an airtight container or plastic bag before freezing. If using a plastic freezer bag, remove all the air before sealing. To thaw, remove from the freezer, and let it come to room temperature before reheating in the oven or microwave.
Homemade Unleavened Bread
This is an easy bread recipe that is versatile. You can add herbs and spices to the dough if you want or enjoy it “plain” and use toppings for additional flavor.
Baking at home gets easier the more you do it. Start with this simple recipe. Do you bake breads at home often? Try these other bread recipes:
- Irish soda bread
- Hawaiian bread
- Pumpkin bread
- French bread
- Coconut bread
- Banana bread
- Buckwheat bread
- Focaccia
Unleavened Bread Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup whole wheat flour or unbleached flour
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- ½ cup water
- Pinch of kosher salt or table salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350ºF.
- Combine all ingredients in medium-sized bowl. If adding herbs and spices or honey, add them in now.
- Turn dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes.
- Roll the dough out so that it is about ⅛ inch thick.
- Place on a heated baking stone, parchment paper, or a greased cookie sheet and bake at 350ºF for 20 minutes.
- Cool on cooling rack. After cooling, take apart by hand to serve.
Notes
- Be sure to cool the flatbread so it doesn't become soggy.
- If using honey, add a bit more flour because honey will add moisture to the bread.
- Store in airtight container on the counter.