Homemade Breads and Flatbreads Worth Baking This Summer

This collection of homemade breads and flatbreads worth baking this summer is perfect for anyone who wants to slow down in the kitchen and try something a little different from the usual loaf. It brings together a crusty sourdough, a spiced Iraqi flatbread, and a flaky Turkish street food pastry, alongside a quick air fryer shortcut for busy days. Don't forget to save this list for your next baking session.

Easy Sourdough Bread

A simple mix of flour, water, and a sourdough starter turns into a loaf with a crackly, golden crust and an airy, chewy centre. It takes patience more than skill, and there's nothing quite like the smell of it baking in a Dutch oven.

To learn more: Easy Sourdough Bread Recipe

Sourdough Flatbread

Sourdough discard or active starter turns into a tangy, chewy flatbread in one bowl, with no yeast and barely any rise time needed. It's a clever way to use up starter and have fresh bread on the table the same night.

To learn more: Sourdough Flatbread

Laffa - Iraqi Flatbread

Soft, chewy laffa bread puffs up with pockets of air, whether it's baked in a hot oven or cooked skillet-style on the stove. It's brilliant for wrapping around grilled meats or scooping up a bowl of dip.

To learn more: Laffa Bread

Boyoz - Turkish Pastry

Layers of flaky pastry from Izmir bake up crisp and golden outside with a soft centre, a street food favourite traditionally sold from carts each morning. Serve it warm with boiled eggs and a glass of Turkish tea for a proper weekend treat.

To learn more: Boyoz

Lavash Bread

This soft, thin flatbread cooks in a hot pan until pliable and lightly blistered, ready to wrap around kebabs or serve alongside soups and mezze. It comes together with just a handful of pantry staples and no special equipment.

To learn more: Lavash Bread Recipe

Gozleme (Turkish Stuffed Flatbread)

Soft homemade dough is rolled thin, filled with spinach and feta, then cooked in a hot skillet until golden and blistered. It's a favourite at Turkish markets and just as satisfying made at home for a weekend lunch.

To learn more: Gozleme

Keema Naan

Soft homemade naan dough is stuffed with a spiced lamb keema filling, then cooked in a skillet, on a tawa, or in the oven. It turns a simple flatbread into a filling meal on its own, no curry required.

To learn more: Keema Naan Recipe

Sourdough Focaccia

An active sourdough starter, olive oil, rosemary, sun-dried tomatoes, and a good crack of black pepper come together for a focaccia with a crisp, chewy crust and a soft, bubbly centre. It's a lovely one to tear and share alongside a big bowl of soup or a cheese board.

To learn more: Sourdough Focaccia Recipe

Bazlama - Fluffy Turkish Flatbread

Soft, fluffy Turkish flatbreads come together with just yogurt, yeast, flour, and water, then cook in a hot pan until puffed and lightly charred. No oven needed, and they're best served warm straight from the pan.

To learn more: Bazlama