Homemade Flour Tortillas, Naan Flatbread and Pita Bread

Homemade Flatbreads: Tortillas, Pita Bread & Naan

Learn how to make three essential flatbreads from scratch: soft flour tortillas, fluffy pita bread, and delicious naan. These are simple, homemade recipes with everyday ingredients!

Flour Tortilla Recipe

Ingredients:

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 2/3 cups hot water
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
2. Add the hot water and melted butter. Mix with your hands until a cohesive dough forms. Add more flour 1 tablespoon at a time if the dough is too sticky.
3. Knead the dough on a clean surface about 10 times until smooth.
4. Divide the dough into 12 equal balls. Flatten each slightly into a puck shape. Lightly flour each side and cover with a towel.
5. Heat a large nonstick pan over medium-high heat.
6. Roll out one dough ball into an 8-inch circle and cook in the hot pan for 1 minute. Flip and cook another 30 seconds or until golden brown spots appear.
7. Transfer to a towel and keep warm. Repeat with the remaining dough.

Easy Pita Bread Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 3/4 cup warm water (about 100°F / 38°C)
• 2 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions:

1. In a small bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until frothy.
2. In a large bowl, mix flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil. Stir to form a shaggy dough.
3. Knead for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise until doubled — about 1 hour.
5. Punch down and divide into 6–8 balls. Flatten each into a 1/4-inch thick circle.
6. Heat a heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Cook each pita 1–2 minutes per side until puffed and golden.
7. Wrap warm pitas in a towel to keep soft.

Homemade Naan Flatbread

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
• 2 teaspoons sugar
• 1 teaspoon instant or active dry yeast
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup warm water
• 2 tablespoons plain yogurt
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter

Optional (for brushing):

• Melted butter or garlic butter
• Chopped fresh cilantro

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, whisk flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. Add warm water, yogurt, and oil. Stir to form a rough dough.
2. Knead on a floured surface for 5–7 minutes until smooth. Adjust with flour or water as needed.
3. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise until doubled — about 1 hour.
4. Punch down the dough and divide into 6–8 pieces. Roll each into an oval or tear-drop shape about 1/4 inch thick.
5. Heat a cast iron or heavy pan over high heat. Cook each naan for 1–2 minutes until bubbles form, then flip and cook another 30–60 seconds.
6. Brush hot naan with melted butter or garlic butter and sprinkle with cilantro if desired.

Ways to Use Flatbreads

Classic Dipper:

• Serve warm with hummus, tzatziki, or baba ganoush.
• Perfect for scooping up Indian curries like butter chicken or tikka masala.

Wraps & Sandwiches:

• Use naan or pita as a wrap for gyros, shawarma, or falafel.
• Try chicken Caesar naan wraps or roasted veggie sandwiches.

Naan Pizza:

• Top naan with tomato sauce, cheese, and your favorite toppings.