There’s something irresistible about the sizzling sound and warm aroma of a sourdough flatbread recipe coming to life in a hot skillet. It’s comfort food at its finest—simple, fast, and incredibly flavorful.

This sourdough flatbread recipe is perfect for anyone looking to turn their starter or discard into something truly special. With crispy edges, a chewy interior, and a deep, tangy flavor, it delivers artisan-quality bread in a fraction of the time.

Unlike traditional loaves that demand hours of proofing, this recipe comes together quickly—ideal for busy weeknights or last-minute cravings. Think wraps, soup dippers, or even a base for personal pizzas. It’s that versatile.

What truly sets this sourdough flatbread recipe apart is how it merges simplicity with the rich complexity of fermented dough. Every bite is layered with subtle sourdough tang and that unmistakable homemade warmth.

Whether you're just starting your sourdough journey or you're a seasoned baker looking for new ways to use your discard, this sourdough flatbread recipe is one you’ll come back to again and again.

Homemade sourdough flatbread recipe brushed with olive oil

Why Sourdough Flatbread is Worth Making

Flatbreads have stood the test of time across cultures—because they’re easy, endlessly versatile, and absolutely delicious. But when you add sourdough to the equation, something magical happens.

A great sourdough flatbread recipe doesn’t just taste amazing—it also packs in more nutrition. Thanks to natural fermentation, this dough becomes easier to digest and more nutrient-rich. It breaks down phytic acid and gluten, making it gentler on the gut for many people.

Unlike traditional sourdough loaves that demand precision, proofing, and shaping, this sourdough flatbread recipe is wonderfully forgiving. You don’t need fancy tools or expert skills. Just a skillet, a few minutes, and your sourdough starter or discard.

It’s the perfect solution for using up extra discard without waste—and it turns out soft, chewy flatbreads with a golden crisp that taste like they took hours to make.

Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned sourdough lover, this sourdough flatbread recipe will become your go-to. It combines practicality, health benefits, and flavor like nothing else.

Ready to transform your discard into something delicious? This sourdough flatbread recipe is calling your name.

Jump to:

Ingredients
Instructions
Equipment For Sourdough Flatbread Recipe
Recipe Variations
Storage
My Grandmother’s Secret Touch
FAQ
Your New Favorite Way to Use Sourdough Starter
Related
Pairing

Ingredients

For Basic Sourdough Flatbread

Active sourdough starter or discard
All-purpose flour
Whole wheat flour
Warm water
Olive oil
Salt
Baking powder

Optional Add-ins

Honey or maple syrup
Fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, or basil)
Garlic powder
Ground black pepper

Flat lay of sourdough flatbread ingredients

See recipe card for quantities.

Substitution Options

For a gluten-free sourdough flatbread: Gluten-free flour blend and xanthan gum
For dairy-enriched version: Plain yogurt
For a higher protein option: Ground flaxseed
For a purely whole grain version: Additional whole wheat flour

Instructions

Mixing the Dough

In a large bowl, combine your sourdough starter or discard with warm water and olive oil. Stir until smooth.
In a separate bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, salt, and baking powder.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until the dough comes together.
Knead the dough in the bowl for 2-3 minutes until it becomes smooth. It should be slightly tacky but not sticky - add a bit more flour or water if needed to reach this consistency.
Cover the bowl with a damp cloth and let rest for 30 minutes. This rest period isn't for rising but allows the flour to fully hydrate and the gluten to develop slightly.

Shaping the Flatbreads

After resting, turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and divide it into 6-8 equal portions (depending on how large you want your flatbreads).
Form each portion into a ball, then use a rolling pin to roll each ball into a thin circle, about ⅛-inch thick.
For rustic-looking flatbreads, don't worry about making perfect circles. The irregular shapes add character and show they're homemade.
If you're adding herbs or other mix-ins, you can either incorporate them into the dough or sprinkle them on top before cooking.

Cooking the Flatbreads

Heat a cast iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat until hot. No need to add oil to the pan if it's well-seasoned.
Place one flatbread in the hot skillet and cook for about 1-2 minutes, until bubbles form on the surface and the bottom develops golden-brown spots.
Flip and cook the other side for another 1-2 minutes.
Remove to a plate and cover with a clean kitchen towel to keep warm and soft while you cook the remaining flatbreads.
If desired, brush the hot flatbreads with melted butter or olive oil and sprinkle with flaky salt or additional herbs.

Mixing dough in a large bowl on white counter

Mixing the Dough : Mix sourdough starter, water, and dry ingredients in a bowl.

Rolled out dough rounds on floured surface

Shaping the Flatbreads: Roll out dough balls into thin, rustic circles.

Sourdough flatbread cooking in a hot skillet

Cooking the Flatbreads: Cook flatbreads in a hot skillet until golden spots appear.

Equipment For Sourdough Flatbread Recipe

Cast iron skillet: Provides even heat distribution and creates beautiful char marks on your flatbread. If you don't have cast iron, any heavy-bottomed skillet will work.
Rolling pin: Helps achieve even thickness. In a pinch, a wine bottle works too!
Kitchen scale: For the most accurate measurements, especially when working with sourdough.
Mixing bowl: A large bowl gives you room to mix and knead the dough without making a mess.
Bench scraper: Makes dividing the dough into portions much easier and cleaner.

Expert Tips for Perfect Sourdough Flatbread

Temperature matters: Your starter doesn't need to be at peak activity for this recipe, but room temperature starter will incorporate more easily than cold starter from the fridge.
Wait for the bubbles: The key to knowing when to flip your flatbread is watching for bubbles to form on the surface. These bubbles mean the heat is creating steam inside the dough.
Keep the stack covered: As you cook each flatbread, stack them under a clean kitchen towel. The residual heat and steam will keep them all soft and pliable.
Don't overwork the dough: Unlike traditional sourdough bread, these flatbreads don't benefit from extensive kneading. Just mix until combined for a tender result.
Consistency is key: The dough should be soft and slightly tacky but not sticky. If it sticks to your hands, add a bit more flour; if it feels stiff, add a touch more water.

Recipe Variations

Garlic & Herb Sourdough Flatbread

Add 2 minced garlic cloves and 2 tablespoons of fresh chopped herbs (rosemary, thyme, or parsley) to the dough for an aromatic twist.

Whole Grain Sourdough Flatbread

Replace all white flour with whole wheat, spelt, or a combination of whole grains. You may need to increase the water slightly, as whole grains absorb more moisture.

Vegan Sourdough Flatbread

This recipe is naturally vegan if you use olive oil for brushing instead of butter after cooking.

Sourdough Flatbread Pizza

Cook the flatbreads on one side, flip, then add toppings and continue cooking with a lid on the pan until the cheese melts. Alternatively, finish them under the broiler for a crispy top.

Sourdough Naan-Style Flatbread

Add ¼ cup yogurt to the dough and brush with garlic butter after cooking for a naan-inspired variation.

Gluten-Free Sourdough Flatbread

Use a gluten-free sourdough starter and replace the wheat flours with your favorite gluten-free flour blend. Add ½ teaspoon xanthan gum if your blend doesn't include it already.

Storage

Fridge Storage

Cooked sourdough flatbreads will keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Separate each flatbread with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Freezing Instructions

These flatbreads freeze beautifully! Allow them to cool completely, then stack with parchment paper between each flatbread and place in a freezer bag. They'll keep for up to 3 months.

Reheating

To reheat, warm them in a dry skillet for 30 seconds per side, or wrap in foil and heat in a 350°F oven for about 5 minutes. For a quick option, 10-15 seconds in the microwave works too, though the texture won't be quite as good.

Make Ahead

The dough can be made up to 24 hours ahead and stored in the refrigerator. This longer fermentation will actually enhance the sourdough flavor! Let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before rolling and cooking.

My Grandmother’s Secret Touch

There’s a quiet magic in the way my grandmother approached breadmaking—never rushed, always with love. One thing she always told me stuck: “Let the dough rest… it needs time to find its soul.”

That wisdom lives on in this sourdough flatbread recipe. For the best flavor and texture, don’t skip the resting stage. After mixing, let your dough sit for at least 30 minutes—but if you can, tuck it into the fridge overnight. This gentle, slow fermentation is the heart of its deep flavor.

When you bring it back to room temperature the next day, you’ll feel the difference in your hands—and taste it in every bite. Soft, flavorful, tangy flatbread with just the right chew… the kind that feels like home.

It’s a simple step, but it’s the one that transforms good flatbread into unforgettable. Just like Grandma used to make.

FAQ

Is sourdough flatbread healthy?

Yes, sourdough flatbread recipe is healthy! The fermentation process increases nutrient availability by breaking down phytic acid, making minerals more digestible. It contains beneficial bacteria that support gut health and has a lower glycemic index than regular bread. The simpler ingredient list avoids additives found in store-bought flatbreads. For maximum benefits, use whole grain flour in your sourdough flatbread recipe.

Can I make sourdough flatbread?

Absolutely! Sourdough flatbread recipe is one of the easiest sourdough recipes to master. You only need a basic sourdough starter (active or discard), flour, water, salt, and a hot skillet. Unlike traditional sourdough bread, flatbread requires minimal rising time and no special baking equipment. Even beginners can create delicious sourdough flatbread in under 30 minutes once the dough is mixed and rested.

Why is sourdough bread not fattening?

Sourdough bread isn't fattening because the fermentation process pre-digests starches, lowering its glycemic index compared to regular bread. This means slower blood sugar spikes and better satiety. The beneficial bacteria in sourdough also improve gut health, which research links to better weight management. Additionally, sourdough's distinctive tang often leads people to eat smaller portions while feeling more satisfied than with regular bread.

Is sourdough bread a healthier option?

Sourdough bread is definitely a healthier option than conventional bread. The fermentation process increases mineral absorption by reducing phytic acid, creates prebiotic compounds that feed beneficial gut bacteria, and breaks down gluten proteins (making it easier to digest for some people). Sourdough also has a lower glycemic index, helping maintain steadier blood sugar levels. Many people who have mild wheat sensitivities find they can enjoy sourdough without issues.

Your New Favorite Way to Use Sourdough Starter

This Sourdough Flatbread Recipe is more than just a way to use your starter—it's a celebration of simple ingredients, slow fermentation, and bold flavor. With its golden, crisp edges and chewy bite, it brings artisan-level bread to your table in record time. Whether you’re a longtime sourdough baker or just discovering the magic of discard recipes, this flatbread is your new go-to.

The best part? It’s incredibly versatile. Serve it warm with soups, fold it into wraps, or top it like pizza—whatever brings comfort to your kitchen. I’d love to know how your batch turns out! Did you try an overnight ferment? Add herbs? Pair it with something special? Share your experience in the comments and give the recipe a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ if it made your day a little more delicious.

And if you’re hungry for more bakes that bring flavor and heart to your home, don’t miss my Moist Lemon Blueberry Bread Recipe—a sweet, zesty treat perfect for spring—or the Easy Brioche Bread Recipe Bakery-Style, which delivers soft, buttery loaves with that classic golden crust.

Happy baking, and remember—every starter has a story. Let this one be yours.

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