Who doesn’t love a quick and satisfying meal that tastes like it took way more effort than it actually did? This 8-Minute Lebanese Flatbread Pizza is exactly that—a simple, flavorful, and crispy delight that brings bold Mediterranean flavors to your plate in no time. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll wonder why you haven’t been making it all along.
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Crispy flatbread, rich and savory toppings, and a hint of spice make this an irresistible go-to recipe for lunch, dinner, or even a snack. Whether you’re craving something comforting after a long day or need an easy dish to impress guests, this flatbread pizza is a total game-changer.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Versatile: Whether it’s a quick weeknight dinner or a party appetizer, this dish fits the bill.
- Budget-Friendly: Uses simple ingredients that you likely already have in your kitchen.
- Quick & Easy: Ready in just 8 minutes—no complicated steps or waiting around.
- Customizable: Play with different toppings to suit your taste.
- Crowd-Pleasing: The perfect balance of crispy, cheesy, and savory flavors that everyone loves.
Ingredients in Lebanese Flatbread Pizza
This pizza is all about bold flavors with minimal effort. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Flatbread: The crispy base that holds all the delicious toppings. Traditional Lebanese markouk or pita works best.
- Za’atar: The key to that earthy, tangy Mediterranean flavor. This spice blend is a mix of thyme, sumac, and sesame seeds.
- Olive Oil: Adds richness and helps the za’atar blend stick to the flatbread.
- Tomatoes: Fresh, juicy slices that add a burst of brightness.
- Cheese: A combination of feta and mozzarella for the perfect mix of creaminess and melty goodness.
- Black Olives: A briny contrast to balance out the flavors.
- Red Onion: Thinly sliced for a bit of sharpness and crunch.
- Fresh Herbs: Parsley or mint for a refreshing finish.
- Lemon Juice: A final drizzle for that extra zing.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). If using a toaster oven or air fryer, adjust accordingly.
Prepare the Flatbread: Lay your flatbread on a baking sheet. Brush it lightly with olive oil to create a crispy base.
Add Za’atar and Cheese: Sprinkle a generous amount of za’atar over the flatbread, then layer with mozzarella and crumbled feta.
Layer the Toppings: Arrange sliced tomatoes, black olives, and red onions evenly over the cheese.
Bake to Perfection: Place the flatbread in the oven and bake for about 8 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
Finishing Touches: Remove from the oven, sprinkle with fresh herbs, and drizzle with lemon juice for an extra burst of flavor.
Serve and Enjoy: Slice it up and serve warm. Whether you eat it as a main dish or share it as an appetizer, it’s sure to be a hit.
How to Serve Lebanese Flatbread Pizza
- With a Salad: A crisp cucumber and yogurt salad complements the flavors beautifully.
- As an Appetizer: Cut into smaller slices and serve on a platter for an easy party snack.
- With a Side of Hummus: Dip the crust in creamy hummus for extra flavor.
- Paired with Soup: A warm bowl of lentil or tomato soup makes this a heartier meal.
Additional Tips
- Make it Spicy: Add a sprinkle of chili flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce for some heat.
- Use a Pizza Stone: If you have one, baking on a pizza stone makes the crust extra crispy.
- Dairy-Free Option: Swap the cheese for a plant-based alternative.
- Leftovers? Store in an airtight container and reheat in the oven to keep it crispy.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use naan instead of flatbread?
A1: Absolutely! Naan works beautifully and adds a slightly chewier texture.
Q2: Can I make this ahead of time?
A2: Yes! Prepare the flatbread with toppings, then bake when ready to serve.
Q3: What’s the best way to store leftovers?
A3: Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Q4: Can I freeze this flatbread pizza?
A4: Yes, freeze before baking, then bake straight from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes.
Q5: What if I don’t have za’atar?
A5: Mix dried thyme, sesame seeds, and sumac as a substitute.
Q6: Can I cook this in a pan instead of the oven?
A6: Yes! Heat a skillet over medium heat, cover, and cook until the cheese melts.
Q7: Can I add meat?
A7: Definitely! Try shredded chicken, ground beef, or lamb for extra protein.
Q8: Can I make this gluten-free?
A8: Use a gluten-free flatbread or tortilla for an easy swap.
Q9: What other cheese can I use?
A9: Halloumi, ricotta, or even goat cheese work well.
Q10: How do I make it extra crispy?
A10: Brush the edges with olive oil and bake directly on the oven rack.
Final Thoughts
There you have it—an easy, flavorful, and totally irresistible Lebanese Flatbread Pizza! Whether you’re making it for a quick meal or serving it to impress your friends, this dish is guaranteed to become a favorite. Give it a try and let me know how you like it!
Print
8-Minute Lebanese Flatbread Pizza
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 minutes
- Total Time: 8 minutes
- Yield: 1 x 12” pizza 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Lebanese, Middle Eastern
Description
These 8-minute Lebanese pizzas are a quick and delicious take on traditional Lahmacun or Manakish, featuring a crispy flatbread topped with a spiced chicken mince spread. Made in just minutes on the stovetop, this recipe is perfect for an easy high-protein dinner or quick dinner idea. Don’t skip the feta and olive oil—it truly elevates the flavor!
Ingredients
Flatbread Base:
- 1 x 30cm (12″) Lebanese bread (or other thin flatbread)
Spiced Chicken Mince Spread:
- 125g (4 oz) ground chicken
- 2 tsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp Baharat spice mix (Lebanese 7 spice) (see Note 1 for substitutes)
- 1/2 tsp sweet or smoked paprika
- 1 garlic clove, crushed
- 1/4 tsp cooking salt (use half if using table salt)
- 1 tbsp finely chopped parsley or coriander (or 1 tsp dried oregano)
- 1 1/2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (for cooking)
Essential Toppings:
- Extra virgin olive oil (for drizzling)
- 2 tbsp crumbled Danish feta or goat cheese (or regular feta)
Optional Toppings (Highly Recommended!):
- A light drizzle of lemon juice
- A pinch of dried chili flakes
- 1 tbsp toasted pine nuts, roughly chopped (or pistachios, almonds, sesame seeds)
- 1 tsp finely chopped parsley or coriander
Instructions
Prepare the Bread & Topping:
- If needed, trim the Lebanese bread with scissors to fit your pan.
- In a bowl, mix the Chicken Mince Spread ingredients. Spread evenly across one side of the bread, like peanut butter.
Cook the Lahmacun:
- Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large 30cm (12″) non-stick pan over high heat.
- Place the bread meat side down and press lightly. Cook for 90 seconds until golden brown.
- Flip the bread and cook for another 90 seconds until crispy.
Finish & Serve:
- Transfer to a cutting board. Sprinkle with crumbled feta and drizzle with olive oil.
- Add any optional toppings for extra flavor.
- Slice into 8 pieces and enjoy!
Notes
- Spice Substitute: If you don’t have Baharat spice mix, use a blend of ½ tsp cumin, ¼ tsp cinnamon, ¼ tsp allspice, and a pinch of nutmeg.
- Flatbread Options: Lebanese bread works best, but other thin flatbreads like pita or lavash can also be used.
- Make it Vegetarian: Swap the chicken mince for mashed chickpeas or finely grated zucchini.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ½ pizza
- Calories: 410 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 55mg