How to Make Unleavened Bread Recipe + VIDEO | A Spicy Perspective (2024)

This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through links on our site, we may earn a commission.

How to Make Unleavened Bread – This traditional flatbread recipe is made in just 20 minutes with 4 simple ingredients, no yeast needed! The bread bakes up crisp, flavorful, and perfect for communion or to enjoy as tasty snack crackers.

How to Make Unleavened Bread Recipe + VIDEO | A Spicy Perspective (1)

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

How to Make Unleavened Bread Recipe + VIDEO | A Spicy Perspective (2)

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.

How to Make Unleavened Bread Recipe + VIDEO | A Spicy Perspective (3)

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 Unleavened Bread Recipe + VIDEO | A Spicy Perspective (4)

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.

How to Make Unleavened Bread Recipe + VIDEO | A Spicy Perspective (5)

Mix by hand until the dough comes together into a firm ball.

How to Make Unleavened Bread Recipe + VIDEO | A Spicy Perspective (6)

Then knead the dough for several minutes until it is completely smooth.

Get the Complete (Printable) Unleavened Bread Recipe + Video Below. Enjoy!

How to Make Unleavened Bread Recipe + VIDEO | A Spicy Perspective (7)

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.

How to Make Unleavened Bread Recipe + VIDEO | A Spicy Perspective (8)

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.

How to Make Unleavened Bread Recipe + VIDEO | A Spicy Perspective (9)

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
How to Make Unleavened Bread Recipe + VIDEO | A Spicy Perspective (10)

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.

How to Make Unleavened Bread Recipe + VIDEO | A Spicy Perspective (11)

Frequently Asked Questions

Is unleavened bread soft?

If you bake the bread until it is *just* cooked then yes, it will be on the softer side. Not quite as soft as naan, mind you, but softer than crunchy crackers.

Is unleavened bread good for you?

Unleavened bread has historically been considered safer and healthier than bread containing yeast. Although this is arguable in our day and age, this simple bread made of only flour, warm milk or water, olive oil, and salt, is no doubt a cleaner bread variety than most that you would buy.

How long does unleavened bread last?

Let the bread cool before transferring to an airtight container. Keep at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the fridge for 4 days.

Can unleavened bread be frozen?

Yes, it freezes very well! Once the bread has cooled transfer it to an airtight plastic zipper bag. If stacking, I suggest sticking pieces of parchment between the pieces. Squeeze all of the air out and seal the bag before storing it in the freezer for up to 4 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight or on the countertop for an hour or so.

How to Make Unleavened Bread Recipe + VIDEO | A Spicy Perspective (12)

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)

How to Make Unleavened Bread Recipe + VIDEO | A Spicy Perspective (13)

Print Recipe

5 stars (3 reviews)

Leave a Review »

Easy Unleavened Bread (Communion Bread Recipe) + Video

Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes minutes

This traditional unleavened bread recipe is made in just 20 minutes with 4 simple ingredients, no yeast needed! The flatbread bakes up crisp, flavorful and perfect for communion or to enjoy as snack crackers.

Servings: 4 pieces

Ingredients

US CustomaryMetric

Instructions

  • 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. (This 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, use a pizza cutter to cut the circles into small half inch squares. (see images)

  • Bake for 8 to 10 minutes until the bread is golden brown and slightly bubbly on top. It's making snack crackers, bake for 10 to 12 minutes until crisp.

Video

Notes

This 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.

Feel free to season your unleavened bread any way you like! Consider adding a little cayenne pepper, garlic powder, or dried herbs over the top.

Let the bread cool before transferring to an airtight container. Keep at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the fridge for 4 days.

To freeze: Once the bread has cooled transfer it to an airtight plastic zipper bag. If stacking, I suggest sticking pieces of parchment between the pieces. Squeeze all of the air out and seal the bag before storing it in the freezer for up to 4 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight or on the countertop for an hour or so.

Nutrition

Serving: 1pc, Calories: 365kcal, Carbohydrates: 49g, Protein: 7g, Fat: 15g, Saturated Fat: 3g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g, Monounsaturated Fat: 10g, Cholesterol: 4mg, Sodium: 594mg, Potassium: 113mg, Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 2g, Vitamin A: 49IU, Calcium: 47mg, Iron: 3mg

Course: Bread, Holiday

Cuisine: American, Mediterranean, Middle Eastern

Author: Sommer Collier

Making this recipe?Follow us on Instagram and tag @ASpicyPerspective so we can share what you’re cooking!

This site contains affiliate links, if you make a purchase through them, we receive a small commission.

How to Make Unleavened Bread Recipe + VIDEO | A Spicy Perspective (2024)

FAQs

What is the spiritual meaning of unleavened bread? ›

Eastern Christians associate unleavened bread with the Old Testament and allow only for bread with yeast, as a symbol of the New Covenant in Christ's blood.

Is baking powder used in unleavened bread? ›

The term unleavened only means the bread has no leavening agents, such as baking soda, baking powder, yeast, or sourdough starter.

What are two types of unleavened bread? ›

Common varieties of unleavened bread include matzo, lavash and tortillas.

What is the difference between leaven bread and unleavened bread? ›

Leavened bread contains baking yeast, baking powder or baking soda – ingredients that cause the dough to bubble and rise and create a light, airy product. Unleavened bread is a flatbread, often resembling a cracker. Other than the leavening agent, the ingredients in the two kinds of bread are similar.

What does God say about unleavened bread? ›

As a reminder of their exodus from Egypt, God commanded; “You must eat unleavened bread for seven days” (Exodus 12:15). God further instructed; “You are to observe the Festival of Unleavened Bread . . . throughout your generations as a permanent statute” (v. 17).

What does leaven symbolize in the Bible? ›

Although leaven symbolises evil influences elsewhere in the New Testament (see Luke 12:1), it is not generally interpreted that way in this parable. However, a few commentators do see the leaven as reflecting future corrupting influences in the Church.

Why is unleavened bread holy? ›

Theologically and spiritually, yeast, or leaven in the New Testament, is often equated with sin, impurity and hypocrisy (see Mt 16:6; Lk 12:1). And thus unleavened bread comes to symbolize sincerity, purity and integrity.

Why did the Jews eat unleavened bread? ›

This has to do with the story of Passover: After the killing of the first born, the Pharaoh agreed to let the Israelites go. But in their haste to leave Egypt, the Israelites could not let their bread rise and so they brought unleavened bread.

Is a tortilla considered unleavened bread? ›

A tortilla is a flat bread that is unleavened (does not use yeast or a chemical leavening agent) and uses corn or wheat as its flour source. Tortillas do not contain any spices or flavors and are often smaller in size. A wrap, on the other hand, is a soft bread made with a dough that contains yeast.

What is unleavened bread today? ›

In it's most basic form, unleavened bread can be any dough made wth no yeast, and no chemical leaveners. Basically, a cracker. Or a tortilla. The phrase is most often used in the story of the Israelites fleeing Egypt, having no time to let their dough rise, and in it's modern form, that's matzah.

Did Jesus serve unleavened bread? ›

Despite evidence that Jesus used unleavened bread at the institution of the Eucharist and on the Emmaus road, it was leavened bread, with some exceptions, that was used for Communion during at least the first 800 years of the Church, both in the East and West.

Is pita bread unleavened bread? ›

Even though pita bread is a flatbread, it uses a leavening agent, so pita bread is not unleavened.

What is unleavened bread in biblical times? ›

Round, flat cakes of bread made from flour and water without yeast. The ordinary bread of nomadic peoples was unleavened (Hebrew maṣṣâ ), as it still is today in the Near East, and was baked on hot coals or on a grill over an open fire.

What is unleavened bread in Hebrew? ›

matzos) is an unleavened flatbread that is part of Jewish cuisine and forms an integral element of the Passover festival, during which chametz (leaven and five grains that, per Jewish law, are self-leavening) is forbidden.

What is the significance of the Passover and unleavened bread? ›

Chag HaMatztot, the seven day Feast of Unleavened Bread which begins on Erev Passover, is a week of sanctification, being especially set apart for G-d, to be holy as he is holy. It is a time for putting away leaven or hametz and keeping it out of lives.

Why is leavened bread forbidden during Passover? ›

God gave Moses instructions for the people of Israel to prepare to leave Egypt. When Pharaoh finally permitted the Israelites to leave Egypt, God did not want anyone to be held back because they had to wait for their bread to rise. Unleavened bread is a symbol of the Israelites' haste when they left Egypt.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Barbera Armstrong

Last Updated:

Views: 6267

Rating: 4.9 / 5 (59 voted)

Reviews: 82% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Barbera Armstrong

Birthday: 1992-09-12

Address: Suite 993 99852 Daugherty Causeway, Ritchiehaven, VT 49630

Phone: +5026838435397

Job: National Engineer

Hobby: Listening to music, Board games, Photography, Ice skating, LARPing, Kite flying, Rugby

Introduction: My name is Barbera Armstrong, I am a lovely, delightful, cooperative, funny, enchanting, vivacious, tender person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.