What is Unleavened Bread? (And why should you make it?)
Unleavened bread is any sort of bread that is made without ingredients used for rising, such as yeast. That means, any sort of naan, flatbread, or tortillas you have ever made/eaten, not containing leavening agents, are technically unleavened bread. Unleavened bread is most commonly thought of for consuming during certain spiritual practices such as communion, passover, and other religious festivals. However, you can make this unleavened bread recipe for many reasons… Cut into small pieces for communion (homemade communion crackers or wafers), to serve to friends and family at religious celebrations, to use as a simple flatbread for pizzas and wraps, or even as crackers for charcuterie boards! And baking the unleavened bread just a few minutes longer makes the most amazing crackers. Here I’m showing you how to make it in whole pieces and in small pieces for communion crackers. The baking time will be the same either way. If you would like to make snack crackers, add 2-4 additional minutes in the oven.
4 Ingredients You Need
Flour – all-purpose flour is best for light and crisp bread Milk – slightly warm to activate the gluten, but not hot Olive oil – you are really able to taste the EVOO so use a good quality oil Salt – to season the dough and give the unleavened bread flavor
How to Make Communion Bread
Preheat the oven to 475°F. Then set out a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Set out a large mixing bowl. Combine the flour, warm milk, olive oil and salt. Mix by hand until the dough comes together into a firm ball. Then knead the dough for several minutes until it is completely smooth. Separate the dough into as many pieces as desired. Note: This communion bread recipe will make 4 tortilla-sized pieces, 2 larger pieces, or 1 extra large pizza-sized piece.) Roll out the dough pieces into extremely thin rounds. You still need to be able to move the dough onto the parchment paper, but the thinner the better. If making communion bread pieces or snack crackers, use a pizza cutter to cut the circles into small half-inch squares. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes until the bread is golden brown and slightly bubbly on top. If making snack crackers, bake for 10 to 12 minutes until crisp.
Recipe Variations
Gluten-free – use your preferred gluten-free flour replacement Dairy-free and Vegan – swap cow milk with a plant-based alternative, or simply use water Oil – the taste and texture will be different, but you can substitute olive oil for melted butter or vegetable oil Spices – consider adding a little cayenne pepper, garlic powder, or dried herbs over the top
Serving Suggestions
This recipe for unleavened flat bread is terrific for making communion wafers, snack crackers, flatbread pizza crust, and softer flatbread. Remember, the longer the bread is in the oven the more crisp it will become. So remove it promptly when it has baked to the “doneness” you want. The crisp crackers are right at home on a charcuterie board with Giardiniera Pickled Vegetables and Homemade Cheese Spread, or alongside flavorful dips! Use them to scoop up rich and creamy favorites like Avocado Hummus or Clam, Florida-Style Smoked Fish, Smoked Salmon, Smoked Cheese, Buffalo Chicken, and fresh Dill dip. For a slightly softer bread, I suggest baking for only up to 8 minutes. Then it’s great to enjoy like pita bread with Mediterranean Fattoush Salad, Beef Kafta Kebab, and Zesty Greek Chicken. Serve as a rustic naan-like flatbread with saucy dishes like Lamb or Paneer Tikka Masala, Butter Chicken, and Chicken Madras Curry. Or use it as a base for Lamb Gyros, Shawarma Chicken, Chicken Wrap or Veggie Hummus Wrap.
Looking for More Easy Recipes? Be Sure to Also Try:
Keto Almond Flour Crackers Copycat Homemade Schlotzsky’s Sourdough Bread Corn Pone (Hot Water Cornbread Recipe) Low Carb Tortillas (Keto!) Fresh Socca Recipe (Farinata)
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