Pesto Olive Flatbread Recipe

 

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The pesto olive flatbread takes the classic combination of basil pesto and cheese to a new level, with the addition of green olives that bring a salty, briny flavor that perfectly complements the richness of the pesto. The homemade dough is easy to prepare and yields a soft, pillowy texture, while the simple toppings of feta or mozzarella and green olives add just the right amount of flavor and crunch. Plus, the option to prepare the dough the night before gives you a head start for the perfect pizza night!

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 1 and 1/2 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon caster sugar
• 3/4 cup warm water (you should be able to comfortably dip a finger in)
• 2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more as needed
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Pesto:

• 100 grams fresh basil leaves, rinsed and stems removed
• 2 to 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, peeled
• 2 teaspoons lemon juice
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Toppings:

• 1/4 cup feta or mozzarella cheese
• 1/3 cup sliced green olives

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Make the Dough

• In a small bowl, combine the yeast, sugar, and warm water. Stir lightly and cover with clingfilm. Set aside for 5 to 10 minutes until the mixture is frothy.
• In the bowl of a stand mixer (or a large mixing bowl), combine the flour, salt, and olive oil. Mix on low speed (or by hand with a silicone spatula). Gradually pour in the yeast mixture.
• Let the mixer run on medium-low until the dough begins to come together. If it’s sticking to the sides, sprinkle in a little more flour. After about 3-4 minutes, the dough should clear the sides of the bowl but still look a little shaggy. If you’re mixing by hand, continue using the spatula to bring the dough together.
• Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface, and knead by hand for another 2-3 minutes until smooth. When poked with a finger, the dough should slowly bounce back.
• Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl and cover with clingfilm. Set aside to rise for about 1 hour, or until it has puffed up a bit (it won’t double in size). For better flavor, wrap the dough and refrigerate overnight. If you prefer to bake the same day, allow the dough to rise for 1.5-2 hours.

2. Prepare the Pesto

• In a food processor or blender, combine the fresh basil leaves, extra virgin olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Blitz until you get a coarse paste. You can add more oil if the paste is too thick, but for pizza, it’s best to keep it on the drier side to prevent a greasy crust.
• Refrigerate the pesto until ready to use, allowing the flavors to develop (overnight is also fine).

3. Preheat and Shape the Dough

• Set the dough out at room temperature for 15 minutes before you begin baking. Preheat the oven to 220°C (428°F).
• Divide the dough into two portions. On silicone mats or baking paper, press each piece of dough out with your fingertips into a roughly 9″ circle (the shape doesn’t need to be perfect!).

4. Assemble the Flatbread

• Spread a generous layer of pesto over each flatbread.
• Top each one with sliced green olives and a sprinkling of feta or mozzarella cheese.

5. Bake

• Bake the flatbreads in the preheated oven for 20 minutes or until golden brown and crispy, rotating the tray halfway through for even cooking. For a deeper color and crispier crust, you can increase the temperature to 250°C (482°F) in the final few minutes.
• Once baked, let the flatbreads rest for a few minutes. Slice and serve while hot!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 2 large flatbreads (approximately 4-6 servings)
• Prep Time: 1 hour (excluding dough rise time)
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Variations

• Cheese Swap: Try using goat cheese or Parmesan for a different cheese profile.
• Vegetarian Add-ins: You can add additional veggies like sun-dried tomatoes, artichokes, or roasted red peppers for more flavor and texture.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make the flatbread gluten-free.
• Spicy Kick: Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the pesto for a little heat.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover flatbread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to bring back its crispy texture.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, the dough can be made ahead of time and refrigerated overnight. This will enhance the flavor and make the dough easier to handle.

Can I freeze the flatbread dough?

Yes, you can freeze the dough before or after it rises. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in a freezer bag for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before using.

Can I use store-bought pesto?

Absolutely! While homemade pesto is preferred for flavor, you can substitute with store-bought pesto to save time.

Can I add meat to this flatbread?

Yes, you can add cooked chicken, or even sausage to the toppings for extra protein.

Is this flatbread suitable for a vegan diet?

To make this recipe vegan, simply omit the cheese or use a dairy-free cheese alternative.

How can I ensure the flatbread has a crispy base?

Use a pizza stone if you have one, or bake the flatbread on a preheated baking sheet to get an extra crispy base.

Can I make the pesto without a food processor?

Yes, you can make pesto by hand using a mortar and pestle or finely chopping the basil and garlic, then mixing with the oil and seasonings.

How thick should I roll out the dough?

Aim for about 1/4-inch thick for a nice balance of crispy edges and a soft center.

What other toppings would go well with this flatbread?

Sautéed mushrooms, olives, arugula, or caramelized onions make great additions to this flatbread.

Can I use other types of olives?

Green olives are typically used for their mild and briny flavor, but Kalamata olives or black olives can also work well.

Conclusion

Pesto Olive Flatbread is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The homemade dough, rich pesto, and briny olives come together in a crispy, cheesy flatbread that’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Whether served as a main or an appetizer, this flatbread will bring fresh, vibrant flavors to your table every time!

---

Print