Cheese and Herb Flatbreads

These Cheese and Herb Flatbreads are savory, soft, and filled with a delightful combination of cheeses and fresh herbs. Perfect for breakfast, lunch, or as a side dish, these flatbreads are easy to make and packed with flavor. The combination of hard cheese, feta, and fresh herbs gives them a creamy and aromatic filling, while the dough turns out soft and fluffy, making each bite irresistible. The flatbreads can be enjoyed with a variety of dips or served alongside soups, stews, or salads.

Preparation, Cooking, and Total Times

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes
• Resting Time for Dough: 30-40 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Servings: 4 flatbreads
• Cuisine: Middle Eastern, Mediterranean

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 200 ml warm milk
• 1 teaspoon dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 280-300 g wheat flour

For the Filling:

• Green onions, finely chopped
• Fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 90 grams hard cheese, grated (such as cheddar or mozzarella)
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• Fresh herbs (your choice, such as dill or thyme)
• 90 g feta cheese, crumbled
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

For Cooking:

• Vegetable oil for greasing the pan
• 1 egg, beaten (for brushing the dough)

Step-by-Step Cooking Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. In a bowl, combine 200 ml warm milk, 1 teaspoon dry yeast, 1 teaspoon sugar, 0.5 teaspoon salt, and 1 tablespoon vegetable oil.
2. Stir the mixture well until the yeast is dissolved.
3. Gradually add 280-300 g wheat flour to the mixture, stirring constantly until a dough forms.
4. Once a dough forms, knead it on a lightly floured surface for about 3-4 minutes. The dough should be soft and slightly sticky, but not too wet.
5. Cover the dough with cling film or a clean towel, and let it rest for 30-40 minutes in a warm place to allow the dough to rise.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

1. In a bowl, combine finely chopped green onions, fresh parsley, 90 grams grated hard cheese, 1 chopped onion, and your choice of fresh herbs (such as dill or thyme).
2. Add 90 grams crumbled feta cheese and 0.5 teaspoon salt to the mixture.
3. Drizzle 1 tablespoon vegetable oil over the filling, and mix everything well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.

Step 3: Assemble the Flatbreads

1. Once the dough has rested and risen, divide the dough into 4 equal portions and roll each portion into a ball.
2. Lightly flour your work surface, and roll each dough ball into a thin disc, about 1 cm thick.
3. If you want to create a beautiful pattern, make cuts as shown in the video (optional).
4. Brush the surface of each dough disc with the beaten egg for a golden, glossy finish.
5. Spread the filling evenly over each rolled-out dough disc, leaving a small border around the edges.
6. Fold the dough over the filling, pressing gently to seal the edges into a pocket shape.
7. Repeat with the remaining dough and filling until all flatbreads are assembled.

Step 4: Cook the Flatbreads

1. Heat a pan over low heat and grease with vegetable oil.
2. Carefully place each filled flatbread into the pan, and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the flatbread is golden brown and crispy.
3. After flipping the flatbread, brush the top with a little more vegetable oil to help it crisp up and give it a rich golden color.
4. Cover the pan with a lid for 1-2 minutes to allow the filling to heat through and the flatbread to cook evenly.

Step 5: Serve

• Serve warm, straight from the pan, and enjoy the crispy, soft, and flavorful flatbreads. They can be eaten as a snack, appetizer, or as part of a meal.

Serving Suggestions

• With Yogurt Dip: Serve these flatbreads with a side of Greek yogurt or a garlic sauce for dipping.
• Pair with a Salad: These flatbreads are great when served with a fresh green salad, or you could serve them alongside hummus and tabbouleh for a Mediterranean-inspired meal.
• As a Side Dish: Serve with a bowl of soup or stew for a hearty, comforting meal.
• With More Cheese: For cheese lovers, top these flatbreads with extra grated cheese and bake for a minute or two to melt the cheese over the top.

Nutritional Information (Approximate per Flatbread):

• Calories: 250-300
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Protein: 7g
• Fat: 10g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sodium: 400mg

These flatbreads are a great source of fiber from the wheat flour and fresh herbs, and the cheese adds both protein and calcium to make them a well-rounded meal.

Origins and Popularity of the Recipe

Flatbreads are a staple in many Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisines, where they are often served with a variety of toppings or used as a vehicle for dipping sauces. This particular version, filled with cheese and herbs, is reminiscent of the classic Manakish from the Levant region, where flatbreads are baked with toppings like cheese, za’atar, or vegetables.

The idea of adding fresh herbs like parsley and green onions to the filling gives these flatbreads a refreshing taste, while the feta cheese adds a tangy, creamy flavor. Mozzarella cheese melts beautifully, creating a gooey texture that pairs perfectly with the crispy exterior of the flatbread.

Reasons Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Versatile and Customizable: You can easily swap in different herbs, cheeses, or vegetables to suit your taste preferences. Feel free to experiment with ingredients like spinach, cherry tomatoes, or olives.
• Easy to Make: Despite looking impressive, these flatbreads are simple to prepare and don’t require any fancy equipment or techniques.
• Healthy and Nutritious: The filling of fresh herbs and cheese provides a good balance of nutrients like vitamin C, protein, and calcium.
• Perfect for Sharing: These flatbreads make a great party appetizer or a meal to share with friends and family.

Health Benefits

1. Herbs and Green Onions: Fresh herbs are packed with antioxidants and vitamin C, supporting the immune system and helping to fight inflammation.
2. Feta Cheese: Provides calcium and protein, essential for bone health and muscle repair.
3. Mozzarella Cheese: A good source of calcium, helping to strengthen bones and teeth.
4. Whole Wheat Flour (Optional): If you choose whole wheat flour instead of refined flour, you’ll increase the fiber content of the flatbreads, which aids digestion and helps maintain a healthy gut.

Cooking Tips

1. Roll Thinly: For crispy flatbreads, roll the dough as thinly as possible. This will ensure the flatbread cooks evenly and crisps up nicely.
2. Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook the flatbreads in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. This allows them to cook evenly without becoming soggy.
3. Serve Immediately: These flatbreads are best served fresh and warm. Reheat leftovers on a hot pan or in the oven to bring back the crispiness.

Variations to Try

1. Vegetarian Version: Replace the cheese with vegetables like spinach, tomatoes, or mushrooms for a delicious vegetarian filling.
2. Meat Lovers: Add ground lamb or chicken to the filling for a more substantial meal.
3. Spicy Option: Add chili flakes or jalapeños to the filling for a spicy kick.
4. Vegan Version: Use vegan cheese or a mixture of mashed potatoes and herbs as the filling for a dairy-free version.

Conclusion

These Cheese and Herb Flatbreads are a delicious and versatile dish that combines the best of Mediterranean flavors with a simple, easy-to-make dough. The savory filling of cheese, fresh herbs, and onions is perfectly complemented by the soft, fluffy bread. Whether enjoyed as a quick snack, an appetizer, or a side dish, these flatbreads are sure to become a favorite in your household.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make these flatbreads ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the flatbreads and store them in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat them in a pan or oven before serving.

2. Can I freeze these flatbreads? Yes, these flatbreads freeze well. After cooking, let them cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 1 month. Reheat before serving.

3. Can I use a different type of cheese? Yes, feel free to swap the mozzarella for cheddar, goat cheese, or any other cheese you like.

4. How can I make these flatbreads gluten-free? You can use gluten-free flour in place of regular wheat flour to make these flatbreads gluten-free.

5. Can I add meat to the filling? Yes, you can add ground beef, lamb, or chicken to the filling for a heartier version.

6. Can I make the dough in advance? Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time, cover it with plastic wrap, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before rolling and cooking.

7. How do I store leftovers? Store leftover flatbreads in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for longer storage.

8. Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh herbs? Yes, you can use dried herbs, but use about half the amount compared to fresh herbs, as dried herbs have a more concentrated flavor.

9. How do I reheat these flatbreads? You can reheat the flatbreads in a hot pan over medium heat for a few minutes on each side, or in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for 5-10 minutes.

10. Can I make these flatbreads vegan? Yes, replace the dairy cheese with vegan cheese or a vegetable-based filling like spinach and mushrooms for a vegan version.