Smoked Pesto Flatbread

Choosing the Right Flatbread

Types of flatbread:

There are dozens of different kinds of flatbread from all around the world. Of course, each will have its own unique set of properties for its region.

Some popular flatbread varieties are:

• Tortilla
  • I think everyone knows what a tortilla is, but for those that don’t: A tortilla is a thin, circular unleavened flatbread originally made from maize hominy meal, and now also from wheat flour.
• Pita
  • Pita or pitta, is a family of yeast-leavened round flatbreads baked from wheat flour, common in the Mediterranean, Middle East, and neighboring areas.
• Focaccia
  • Focaccia is a flat leavened oven-baked Italian bread, similar in style and texture to pizza; in some places, it is called “pizza bianca”.
• Naan
  • Naan is a leavened, oven-baked flatbread which is found in the cuisines mainly of Western Asia, Central Asia, and the Indian subcontinent.

In my experience, Focaccia and Naan flatbreads offer the best texture for building the perfect at-home pizza. Pitas and tortillas have their own special use in cooking, but are not the best medium for pizza building.

For this recipe, I used Naan as it was readily available. But feel free to use Focaccia as well. Let me know what works best for you in the comment section down below!

Where to buy flatbread:

As you can see, there a quite a few different flatbreads that can be used for this recipe. You have the option of picking up from your local grocer or ordering online. You can even make your own homemade flatbread. Which will work great for this recipe!

The easiest way for me to get flatbread is through the Atoria’s Family Bakery. I am able to buy online and have it shipped directly to my home. They make a traditional Naan flatbread that goes perfect with the pesto spread.

The flatbread is delivered frozen. Because of this, I am able to add the toppings and place it directly on the smoker without defrosting. This improves the texture of the crust and creates a very pleasant mouthfeel.

How to Prep Smoked Pesto Flatbread

This recipe is extremely customizable and works with almost any protein or veggie that you have on hand. That means that anyone can make a flavorful flatbread pizza that is out of this world!

The best part about flatbread pizza is that you can construct it anyway you please! Seriously, getting creative with the toppings is half the fun.

You can add a delicious homemade pesto spread and greek chicken for a Mediterranean style flatbread. Or go with a more traditional tomato based sauce with some mozzarella and basil for that typical Italian style!

Have some leftover brisket or chicken? Perfect. Throw it on top with some garden fresh tomatoes and red onions, and you are all set!

How to cook Smoked Pesto Flatbread

I love to smoke my flatbread pizza in my pellet grill at the highest temperature setting (around 425 degrees). It produces a perfectly charred crust with a savory smoky flavor.

I imagine it is similar to the taste you get with a true pizza oven. After discovering my pellet grill could cook the flatbread so well, I have a hard time going back to the oven.

Of course, you can cook in the oven as well! It just will not get that smoky taste that goes so well with the pesto spread.

Ingredients for pesto flatbread:

• Homemade pesto spread.
• Leftover brisket or a similar protein.
• Garden fresh tomatoes.
• Freshly chopped red onion.
• Banana peppers (or jalapeno peppers for some extra heat).
• Shredded Mozzarella cheese.
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
• Sea Salt.
• Freshly cracked black pepper.

To smoke pesto flatbread:

1. Set the smoker to highest setting possible on pellet grill.
2. Place flatbread on cutting board and spread on an even layer of pesto.
3. Add a layer of mozzarella cheese.
4. Place toppings on flatbread
5. Sprinkle parmesan cheese over flatbread evenly.
6. Place flatbread in pellet grill for 10-12 at 425 degrees.
7. Remove, and allow the flatbread to rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

To bake pesto flatbread:

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees
2. Place flatbread on cutting board and spread on an even layer of pesto.
3. Add a layer of mozzarella cheese.
4. Place toppings on flatbread
5. Sprinkle parmesan cheese over flatbread evenly.
6. Place flatbread in oven for 10-12 minutes.
7. Remove, and allow the flatbread to rest for 5 minutes before slicing.