Lebanese Garlic Flatbread is a simple, aromatic bread made with a soft dough, fresh garlic, olive oil, and herbs. Cooked at high heat, it develops lightly crisp edges while staying soft and tender in the center.

It is wonderful alongside hummus, labneh, grilled meats, soups, or simply enjoyed warm on its own.


What Makes Garlic Flatbread Special?

The secret is the garlic topping.

Freshly crushed garlic is mixed with olive oil and herbs, then spread over the dough before cooking. As the flatbread bakes, the garlic becomes fragrant and slightly roasted, creating an irresistible aroma.

For a Lebanese-inspired flavor, add a little za'atar or dried thyme to the garlic mixture.

Ingredients

For 6 flatbreads:

For the dough

  • 500 g bread flour
  • 325 ml warm water
  • 1½ teaspoons instant yeast
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the garlic topping

  • 5–6 garlic cloves, finely crushed
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon za'atar
  • 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh parsley
  • A small pinch of salt

How to Make Lebanese Garlic Flatbread

1. Prepare the Dough

Add warm water, yeast, and sugar to a large bowl.

Stir and let it stand for about 5 minutes.

Add the flour, salt, and olive oil.

Mix until a soft dough forms.

Knead for approximately 8–10 minutes, until smooth and elastic.

2. Let the Dough Rise

Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl and cover it.

Let it rise for 1–1½ hours, or until it has roughly doubled in size.

3. Make the Garlic Mixture

While the dough rises, combine the crushed garlic, olive oil, thyme, za'atar, parsley, and salt.

Set aside for a few minutes.

This gives the garlic and herbs time to infuse the olive oil.

4. Shape the Flatbreads

Place the risen dough on a lightly floured surface.

Divide it into 6 equal portions and shape each into a ball.

Let the balls rest for about 10 minutes.

Roll or stretch each piece into a thin round.

Don't worry if the edges aren't perfectly even—rustic shapes are part of the charm.

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5. Add the Garlic Topping

Place each flatbread on a baking tray or hot baking surface.

Spread a thin layer of the garlic and olive oil mixture over the top.

For extra flavor, sprinkle a little additional za'atar or sesame seeds over the surface.

6. Bake

Preheat the oven to 240–250°C (465–480°F).

Bake the flatbreads for approximately 4–7 minutes, depending on their thickness and your oven.

The edges should become lightly golden while the center remains soft.

For a more toasted finish, place the bread under the broiler for the final minute—but watch it carefully because garlic can burn quickly.

Pan-Cooked Version

You can also cook the flatbread in a hot skillet.

Heat a heavy skillet over medium-high heat.

Place the rolled dough in the dry skillet and cook for about 1–2 minutes.

Turn it over, spread the garlic mixture on the cooked side, and continue cooking until the bottom is golden and the bread is cooked through.

This method gives the bread a wonderful slightly charred flavor.

How to Serve Garlic Flatbread

Serve it hot with:

  • Hummus
  • Labneh
  • Baba ghanoush
  • Grilled chicken
  • Shawarma
  • Grilled vegetables
  • Lentil soup
  • Lebanese salads
  • Olives and pickles

You can also cut the flatbread into triangles and serve it as a flavorful appetizer.

Tips for the Best Garlic Flatbread

Use fresh garlic. It gives a much stronger and fresher flavor than garlic powder.

Don't use too much topping. A thin layer is enough. Too much garlic mixture can make the bread oily and prevent the center from cooking properly.

Bake very hot. High heat helps create those delicious golden edges while keeping the center soft.

Serve immediately. Garlic flatbread is at its best straight from the oven.

Storage

Store leftover flatbreads in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

To reheat, place them in a hot oven or skillet for a few minutes. You can also freeze them and reheat directly from frozen.

A Fragrant Lebanese Favorite

Lebanese Garlic Flatbread is proof that you don't need complicated ingredients to make something incredibly flavorful. Fresh garlic, good olive oil, herbs, and homemade dough are all it takes.

Serve it warm, tear it with your hands, and let the aroma of garlic fill the kitchen.