Simple Homemade Tomato Basil (Printable)

Golden crisp flatbread with ripe tomatoes and fresh basil, ideal as a light snack or appetizer.

# Ingredient List:

→ Dough

01 - 2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1 teaspoon instant yeast
03 - 1/2 teaspoon sugar
04 - 3/4 teaspoon salt
05 - 2/3 cup warm water
06 - 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus extra for brushing

→ Topping

07 - 2 medium ripe tomatoes, thinly sliced
08 - 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
09 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
10 - 1/2 teaspoon flaky sea salt
11 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

# How-To Steps:

01 - Mix flour, instant yeast, sugar, and salt in a large bowl.
02 - Add warm water and 2 tablespoons olive oil to the mixture and stir until a shaggy dough forms.
03 - Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5 minutes until smooth and elastic. Shape into a ball, cover, and let rest for 10 minutes.
04 - Set the oven to 430°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
05 - Roll the dough into a rough oval or rectangle about 1/4 inch thick and transfer it to the prepared baking sheet.
06 - Brush the dough surface with olive oil, arrange tomato slices evenly, then sprinkle with flaky sea salt and freshly ground black pepper.
07 - Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the crust turns golden and crispy.
08 - Remove from oven, scatter torn basil leaves over the top and drizzle with additional olive oil. Slice and serve warm.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The dough needs no rise time, just a quick ten minute rest while you slice tomatoes.
  • It tastes like you spent hours on it but really it's faster than ordering takeout.
  • You can eat it warm as a snack or serve it to guests who will assume you're a natural baker.
02 -
  • Don't add the basil before baking or it will turn black and bitter, it needs to go on fresh at the end.
  • If your dough feels too sticky, add a tablespoon of flour at a time, but resist the urge to add too much or the crust will be tough.
  • Let the flatbread cool for just a minute or two before slicing, or the tomatoes will slide right off.
03 -
  • Use a pizza stone if you have one, it makes the bottom even crispier and more evenly browned.
  • If you want a bit of garlic flavor, rub a cut clove over the dough right after brushing it with oil.
  • Don't skip the final drizzle of olive oil, it ties everything together and makes the crust shine.
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