Rustic Mediterranean Flatbread and Cheese Board
A Rustic Mediterranean Flatbread and Cheese Board is the perfect way to bring a casual yet elegant touch to any meal or gathering. Crisp yet tender flatbreads are paired with an array of Mediterranean cheeses, olives, fresh vegetables, and spreads. It’s versatile, visually striking, and offers a variety of textures and flavors—from creamy feta to nutty aged cheeses, salty olives, sweet roasted vegetables, and fresh herbs. Ideal for brunch, appetizer platters, or relaxed dinner sharing, this board is both simple and impressive.
Prep time: 20 minutes
Bake time: 12–15 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4–6
Ingredients
For the Flatbread:
All-purpose flour: 2 cups
Whole wheat flour: ½ cup
Instant yeast: 1 teaspoon
Warm water: ¾ cup
Olive oil: 2 tablespoons
Sea salt: ½ teaspoon
Dried rosemary or thyme: 1 teaspoon
For the Cheese Board:
Feta cheese, crumbled: 100 g (3.5 oz)
Manchego, Pecorino, or aged hard cheese: 100 g (3.5 oz)
Fresh mozzarella or burrata: 100 g (3.5 oz)
Kalamata olives: ½ cup
Cherry tomatoes, halved: 1 cup
Roasted red peppers: ½ cup
Cucumber slices: ½ cup
Fresh herbs (parsley, basil, or oregano): 2 tablespoons
Nuts (almonds, walnuts, or pistachios): ¼ cup
Olive oil and balsamic glaze for drizzling
Optional spreads: hummus, tapenade, or tzatziki
Instructions
1. Prepare the Flatbread
In a bowl, combine flours, yeast, and salt.
Gradually add warm water and olive oil, mixing until a dough forms.
Knead for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Cover with a clean towel and let rest for 15 minutes.
Preheat oven to 220°C (425°F).
Divide dough into 2–3 portions and roll out into thin rounds or ovals.
Sprinkle with dried rosemary or thyme and a light drizzle of olive oil.
Bake for 12–15 minutes until golden and crisp at the edges.
2. Assemble the Cheese Board
Arrange cheeses on a large wooden board or platter.
Add olives, cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, roasted peppers, and nuts.
Place flatbreads around the board for easy grabbing.
Add fresh herbs for color and flavor.
Include small bowls of hummus, tapenade, or tzatziki if desired.
Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic glaze over vegetables or flatbreads for a finishing touch.
3. Serve
Serve immediately as a shareable appetizer, brunch centerpiece, or light dinner. Encourage guests to mix and match cheeses, flatbreads, and accompaniments.
Helpful Tips
Use a mix of soft, semi-hard, and hard cheeses for varied textures.
Bake flatbread thin for crispiness; thicker for a softer, chewy option.
Toast nuts lightly to enhance flavor.
Add seasonal vegetables like roasted zucchini, eggplant, or artichokes.
Keep spreads in small bowls to avoid sogginess on the board.
Allow cheeses to come to room temperature before serving for full flavor.
Fresh herbs make the board visually appealing and aromatic.
Pre-cut vegetables and flatbreads for ease of assembly.
Use high-quality olive oil for drizzling.
Serve with wine or sparkling water for a complete experience.
Variations
Make flatbread gluten-free using almond or chickpea flour blends.
Add za’atar or sesame seeds on flatbread for extra flavor.
Include marinated artichoke hearts or sun-dried tomatoes.
Swap cheeses for goat cheese, halloumi, or blue cheese.
Use roasted garlic or caramelized onion spreads.
Add fresh fruit like figs, grapes, or apple slices.
Serve with smoked salmon or cured meats for non-vegetarian boards.
Add roasted chickpeas or spiced nuts for crunch.
Make mini flatbread pizzas as part of the board.
Include a yogurt-based dip with herbs for lighter options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the flatbread ahead of time?
Yes, bake and store at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat before serving.
Is this board vegetarian?
Yes, as long as you avoid cured meats.
Can I prepare the board in advance?
Most components can be prepped ahead, but assemble just before serving for freshness.
Can I make it vegan?
Replace cheeses with vegan alternatives and skip yogurt-based dips.
How do I keep flatbread crisp?
Store separately from moist vegetables or spreads until serving.
What cheeses are best for Mediterranean boards?
Feta, halloumi, Manchego, Pecorino, or mozzarella work beautifully.
Can I include cooked items?
Yes, roasted vegetables or warm dips like baba ganoush are great additions.
How should I serve it?
Place on a large wooden or slate board for an inviting presentation.
Is this board kid-friendly?
Yes, include mild cheeses and simple vegetables for kids.
What drinks pair well?
White wine, rosé, sparkling water, or fresh lemonade.
Nutrition Information
(Per Serving Approximate)
Calories: 420
Protein: 18 g
Carbohydrates: 38 g
Fat: 22 g
Fiber: 6 g
Sugar: 5 g
Calcium: High (from cheeses)
Conclusion
Rustic Mediterranean Flatbread and Cheese Boards combine fresh flavors, textures, and vibrant colors into an effortless yet impressive spread. Perfect for entertaining or a cozy brunch, they allow flexibility in ingredients while celebrating Mediterranean flavors. Crisp flatbreads, creamy and firm cheeses, fresh vegetables, olives, and aromatic herbs come together to create a shareable, visually stunning, and satisfying experience for every occasion.