Unleavened Bread Recipe Made With Just 3 Simple Ingredients

Must Try


This Quick and Easy 3-Ingredient Unleavened Bread Recipe requires just three simple ingredients! Last year, we decided to do a Nativity dinner with our children to help us remember Jesus Christ at Christmas, and this Unleavened Bread Recipe quickly became a favorite among the kids.

When planning the dinner, I researched foods that might have been typical in Jerusalem during the time of Christ’s birth, particularly around the Passover week. I aimed to create a meal that closely resembled what people would have eaten during that time, and this recipe fit perfectly!

Unleavened bread was one food that kept coming up in my research. It was simple and would go perfectly with the other recipes I had planned, like our easy homemade hummus.

Complete Nativity Dinner Menu:

What Ingredients Do I Need to Make Unleavened Bread?

You only need three ingredients for this recipe—well, technically just two if you don’t count water, which I don’t really consider an ingredient!

  • All Purpose Flour
  • Salt
  • Water

There’s really no reason not to make this bread! With all the ingredients on hand and no rising time required, it couldn’t be easier!

A photo of a glass bowl of flour with a wooden spoon in it and a small white bowl of salt sitting on a wooden cutting board with a glass measuring cup of water and wooden rolling pin on the side..

How to Make Unleavened Bread

You thought the ingredient list was simple? Wait until you see just how easy it is to whip this up! Ready? Let’s dive in!

  • Combine the flour and salt in a bowl and stir together.
  • Add the water and stir until the dough forms a cohesive ball.
  • Knead the dough for 5 minutes. And before you groan about kneading, remember—it builds both muscle and character!
  • Preheat your skillet on the stovetop over medium-high heat. Then, divide the dough into 5 to 7 balls, depending on how large you’d like your pieces of bread to be.
  • Roll out each piece of dough on a lightly floured surface until it’s approximately 6 inches in diameter.
  • Cook each piece on a hot skillet for about 2 minutes on each side.
  • Serve hot, and for an extra special touch, brush on a bit of melted butter or olive oil and sprinkle with fresh herbs. I like to choose the herb based on what I’m serving it with; parsley is a classic choice, but cilantro adds a nice twist too!

Is Pita Unleavened?

No, although pita is a type of flatbread, it is not considered unleavened bread. Pita bread is typically made with yeast, which acts as a leavening agent, causing the dough to rise and creating a pocket in the bread when baked. This puffing effect is what distinguishes pita from unleavened breads, which do not use any leavening agents and remain flat, such as matzo or tortillas. While some recipes for pita may use baking powder as a leavening agent for quicker preparation, the traditional version relies on yeast.

A photo of someone holding portions of torn unleavened bread.A photo of someone holding portions of torn unleavened bread.

Are Tortillas Unleavened Bread?

Yes! Tortilla recipes do not use a leavening agent so they are considered unleavened. However, unlike this recipe, tortillas typically incorporate fat, like lard or oil, into the dough, which makes them softer and more pliable—just like our easy homemade tortillas!

A photo of a stack of cooked discs of unleavened bread topped with chopped fresh herbs.A photo of a stack of cooked discs of unleavened bread topped with chopped fresh herbs.

Can You Bake This Bread Instead of Frying?

Yes! Place the rolled-out dough in one layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. The oven should be at 400 degrees and they will bake for about 3 minutes on each side.

A photo of a bowl of fresh tomato and onion salad in a white bowl with torn pieces of flatbread sitting on the side of the bowl.A photo of a bowl of fresh tomato and onion salad in a white bowl with torn pieces of flatbread sitting on the side of the bowl.

Is This Recipe Healthy?

Unleavened bread can be a healthy choice, depending on its ingredients and how it fits into your overall diet. Made without yeast or other leavening agents, unleavened bread is often simple and straightforward, typically containing just flour and water. This can make it a low-calorie option, especially when compared to breads made with added sugars and fats. Unleavened bread is low in fat and calories but high in carbs. It depends on what you are looking to cut or reduce in your diet, but as with all things, balance is key! Additionally, considering the type of flour used is important; whole-grain options will offer more fiber and nutrients.

How Long Will Unleavened Bread Keep?

Unleavened bread is best enjoyed fresh! However, if you have leftovers, store it at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2-3 days.

A photo of a bowl of fresh tomato and onion salad in a white bowl with torn pieces of unleavened bread sitting on the side of the bowl and a stack of bread in the background.A photo of a bowl of fresh tomato and onion salad in a white bowl with torn pieces of unleavened bread sitting on the side of the bowl and a stack of bread in the background.

Can Unleavened Bread Be Frozen?

Unleavened can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you are ready to eat it, just set it on the counter and let it come to room temperature.

A photo of a stack of cooked discs of bread topped with chopped fresh parsley and a sprig of fresh parsley.A photo of a stack of cooked discs of bread topped with chopped fresh parsley and a sprig of fresh parsley.

This unleavened bread is incredibly simple and a fantastic way to add a delicious side dish with minimal effort! Consider hosting a Nativity dinner with your family this year, or simply whip up this bread to pair perfectly with your favorite dip or soup.

Other Bread Side Dishes to Try:

Servings: 7

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 2 minutes

Total Time: 7 minutes

Description

This Quick and Easy 3-Ingredient Unleavened Bread Recipe requires just three simple ingredients!

  • Combine salt and flour together in a bowl. Stir in the water until the dough comes together in a ball. Knead for 5 minutes.

    2 Cups Flour, 1/2 teaspoon Salt, 1 Cup Water

  • Pre-heat skillet over medium-low heat.

  • Pinch off 5-7 pieces of dough and form into small balls. Roll out each piece on a lightly floured surface about 6” each

  • Cook on a hot skillet for 2 minutes on each side. Serve or store covered.

store at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2-3 days.

Serving: 1pieceCalories: 130kcalCarbohydrates: 27gProtein: 4gFat: 0.4gSaturated Fat: 0.1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.1gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.03gSodium: 169mgPotassium: 38mgFiber: 1gSugar: 0.1gCalcium: 6mgIron: 2mg

Author: Carrian Cheney

Course: Yeast Bread Recipes and Quick Bread Recipes

Cuisine: American, Mediterranean

Recommended Products

A photo of a bowl of fresh tomato and onion salad in a white bowl with torn pieces of flatbread sitting on the side of the bowl.A photo of a bowl of fresh tomato and onion salad in a white bowl with torn pieces of flatbread sitting on the side of the bowl.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Latest Recipes

More Recipes Like This