This recipe provides instructions for making delicious and easy Cheesy Carrot Flatbreads, a savory and slightly nutritious snack or light meal option. These flatbreads feature a soft and slightly chewy base studded with shredded carrots and infused with the rich flavor of cheese, often a combination of cheddar and Parmesan. The addition of herbs and spices enhances the overall taste, creating a flavorful and satisfying bread that can be enjoyed on its own, with a dip, or as an accompaniment to soups and salads. The vibrant orange flecks of carrot add a touch of color and a subtle sweetness, while the cheese provides a savory and comforting element. These flatbreads are relatively quick to prepare and bake, making them a great choice for a simple yet flavorful homemade bread.
The base of these flatbreads is a simple dough typically made with all-purpose flour, which provides structure. Baking powder acts as a leavening agent, giving the flatbreads a slight rise and a tender crumb. Salt balances the flavors. Yogurt, often Greek yogurt for its thickness and tanginess, is a key ingredient that contributes to the dough’s soft texture and adds a subtle tang. Olive oil is included for moisture and richness, and it also helps to create a slightly tender crust.
The signature additions to these flatbreads are shredded carrots and cheese. Freshly shredded carrots add a mild sweetness, moisture, and a pleasant texture to the bread. A combination of cheeses, such as sharp cheddar for its bold flavor and Parmesan for its salty and nutty notes, is often incorporated into the dough, infusing it with a cheesy richness.
To further enhance the flavor profile, various herbs and spices are typically added. Garlic powder and onion powder provide a savory depth, while dried Italian herbs or a combination of oregano, basil, and thyme add an aromatic complexity. Black pepper contributes a subtle warmth.
The preparation involves mixing the dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian herbs, pepper) in one bowl and the wet ingredients (yogurt, olive oil) in another. The wet ingredients are then added to the dry ingredients and mixed until a dough forms. The shredded carrots and grated cheese are then kneaded into the dough until evenly distributed.
The dough is typically divided into portions, which are then rolled out into thin, oblong shapes or small rounds. These flatbreads are then baked on a baking sheet until they are lightly golden brown and slightly puffed up. The baking time is usually relatively short.
Once baked, the Cheesy Carrot Flatbreads can be enjoyed warm. They are delicious on their own as a snack, or they can be served with dips like hummus, tzatziki, or a simple yogurt-based dip. They also pair well with soups and salads, offering a flavorful alternative to plain bread. The image shows several oblong-shaped flatbreads on a black plate. The flatbreads have a golden-brown crust with visible shredded carrots and melted cheese incorporated throughout. They are also sprinkled with black specks, possibly black pepper or other seasonings, and some white sesame seeds. A hand is holding one of the flatbreads, showcasing its slightly irregular shape and texture.
The texture of Cheesy Carrot Flatbreads is soft and slightly chewy, with a tender crumb. The shredded carrots add a bit of moisture and a slightly fibrous texture, while the melted cheese contributes a gooey and slightly crispy edge in some parts. The crust is lightly golden and slightly crisp.
The flavor profile is a delightful combination of savory and slightly sweet. The cheese provides a rich and salty taste, the carrots offer a mild sweetness, and the herbs and spices (garlic, onion, Italian herbs, pepper) add an aromatic and savory depth.
Cheesy Carrot Flatbreads are soft and slightly chewy flatbreads made with flour, yogurt, olive oil, shredded carrots, and cheese (cheddar and Parmesan), seasoned with herbs and spices.
The preparation involves mixing dry and wet ingredients to form a dough, kneading in shredded carrots and cheese, dividing the dough, rolling out into thin shapes, and baking until golden brown.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (or ½ teaspoon dried oregano + ½ teaspoon dried basil)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup plain yogurt (Greek yogurt preferred for thicker texture)
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 cup shredded cheese (½ cup sharp cheddar, ½ cup grated Parmesan recommended)
- Sesame seeds or other seeds, for topping (optional)
Equipment:
- Large mixing bowl
- Rolling pin
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper (optional, for lining baking sheet)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Grater (for carrots and cheese if not pre-shredded)
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easier cleanup, if desired.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian herbs, and black pepper until well combined.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the plain yogurt and olive oil until smooth.
- Form the Dough: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix with a spoon or spatula until a shaggy dough forms.
- Knead in Carrots and Cheese: Add the shredded carrots and shredded cheese to the dough. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, or until the carrots and cheese are evenly distributed throughout the dough and the dough is smooth and elastic.
- Divide the Dough: Divide the dough into 6-8 equal portions, depending on the desired size of your flatbreads.
- Roll Out the Flatbreads: On a lightly floured surface, use a rolling pin to roll each portion of dough into a thin, oblong shape or a small round, about ¼ inch thick.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the rolled-out flatbreads on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between them.
- Add Toppings (Optional): If desired, sprinkle the tops of the flatbreads with sesame seeds or other seeds.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the flatbreads are lightly golden brown and slightly puffed up. The exact baking time may vary depending on the thickness of your flatbreads and your oven.
- Serve: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the flatbreads cool slightly before serving. They are best enjoyed warm.
Tips and Variations:
- Cheese Variations: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese, such as mozzarella, provolone, or a blend of your favorites.
- Herb Variations: You can use fresh herbs like chopped cilantro, parsley, or dill in addition to or instead of the dried herbs. Add them towards the end of kneading.
- Spice Variations: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat, or cumin and coriander for a different flavor profile.
- Garlic and Onion: Instead of powder, you can use fresh minced garlic and finely chopped onion, sautéed until soft before adding to the dough.
- Yogurt Substitute: If you don’t have yogurt, you can try using sour cream, but the texture might be slightly different.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve these flatbreads with dips like hummus, baba ghanoush, tzatziki, or a simple yogurt dip. They also pair well with soups, stews, and salads. You can also use them as a base for mini pizzas or as wraps.
- Make Ahead: The dough can be made ahead of time, wrapped in plastic wrap, and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before rolling out and baking.
Enjoy these flavorful and versatile Cheesy Carrot Flatbreads! They are a simple and satisfying homemade bread option.