Onion Cheese Flatbread

1. Activate the Yeast

In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast with 1 teaspoon of sugar in 4 tablespoons of lukewarm water and leave to stand until the yeast is foamy. It takes about 5-10 minutes. This step ensures your yeast is alive and ready to leaven the bread.

2. Make the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine 500 grams of plain flour, 1 teaspoon of salt, 150 millilitres of lukewarm water, and the activated yeast. Stir until a dough forms, then transfer it to a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough for approximately 10 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic.

Once smooth and elastic, place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a tea towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.

3. Prepare the Onions

After half an hour, slice 2 red onions and place them in a bowl. Add 1 tablespoon of salt to the onions, mix well, and set them aside for at least 20 minutes. This will soften the onions and drive out excess moisture.

4. Preheat the Oven

Preheat the oven to 200°C (395°F) and line a baking tray with baking parchment. Set it aside.

5. Shape the Flatbread

Once the dough has doubled in size, transfer it to a lightly floured surface and knead it a few times. Divide the dough into equal quarters.

Roll out each quarter as thinly as possible and brush it with melted butter. Spread a portion of the onions evenly over each piece, then add the crumbled Feta cheese, and chopped fresh parsley.

Roll up each piece of dough with the filling inside and then wrap it into a snail shape. Using your hands, flatten each rolled out dough to form a flatbread shape. Prick the surface of each bread with a fork to prevent it from puffing up while baking. Brush the top of each bread with more melted butter.

6. Bake the Onion Cheese Flatbread

Place the flatbread on the lined baking tray and proceed with the remaining 3 dough pieces.

Bake the Onion Cheese Flatbread in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.

7. Serve

Once baked, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before serving. For the best texture and flavour, serve the Onion Cheese Flatbread warm. Cut it into smaller pieces or wedges for easy serving. Serve with a side of tzatziki, hummus, or a simple green salad for a complete meal.

Tips for Perfect Onion Cheese Flatbread

Proper Kneading: Knead the dough until it is smooth and elastic. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes by hand, or 5-7 minutes with a dough hook on a stand mixer. Proper kneading develops the gluten and gives the bread its characteristic soft and chewy texture.

Rising Time: Let the dough rise until it has doubled in volume. This may take approximately 1 hour, but the exact time may vary depending on room temperature. The dough should stand in a warm, draft-free place.

Shaping the Dough: Roll the dough as thinly as possible for a crispier bread. Distribute the filling evenly over the dough to ensure each bite has a balanced flavour. Roll up the dough tightly to avoid gaps. Then wrap it into a snail shape and gently flatten it with your hands.

Serving Suggestions

As an Appetizer: Cut the flatbread into smaller pieces or slices and serve on a platter. They are a great appetizer for any meal or a perfect snack for gatherings.

With a Salad: Combine the bread with a fresh salad. A Greek salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and more Feta would complement the Onion Cheese Flatbread nicely.

With Dips: Serve the flatbread with dips like hummus, tzatziki, or baba ganoush for a Mediterranean-inspired meal.

As a Side Dish: Serve the breads as a side dish to grilled meat, roasted vegetables, or soups.

Storage Suggestion

Room Temperature: Store the bread in an airtight container or tightly wrapped in cling film at room temperature for up to 2 days.

Fridge: If you need to store the bread for more than a few days, you can store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Freezer: To freeze the bread for up to 3 months, allow it to cool completely before placing it in a freezer-safe bag.

Variations

Here are some additional filling ideas:

Spinach and Ricotta: Sauté fresh spinach with garlic until wilted, then toss with Ricotta cheese, salt, and pepper. Spread this mixture over the rolled out dough before rolling it up.

Spicy Flatbread: For a spicy touch, mix a teaspoon of red pepper flakes or chopped fresh chilli peppers into the filling.

Sweet Onion Flatbread: Ditch the Feta cheese and parsley and instead caramelize the onions by cooking them in a little butter and sugar until golden and sweet before adding them to the batter.

Related Recipes

Looking for more simple and delicious recipes? Try the following recipes:

Garlic-Cheese Flatbread

Yeast Flatbread

Pull-Apart Bread with Garlic

Conclusion

With its crispy exterior and flavourful filling, this Onion Cheese Flatbread is a delicious addition to any table. Creamy Feta cheese, fresh parsley, and aromatic red onions, make every bite a pleasure. For the best experience, serve it warm and enjoy the simple pleasure of this delicious flatbread.