Watermelon Feta Flatbread Recipe
Try this easy Watermelon Feta Flatbread, summery twist on pizza! Crispy crust topped with juicy watermelon, creamy feta, basil, and balsamic. Perfect for entertaining or an elevated snack.
To me, summer is all about casual entertaining. And by casual, I, Alex mean I want to host nearly every night without spending hours in the kitchen. (Don’t we all?). Sure, I love a good dinner party as much as the next food-loving gal, but when the temps rise, I’m reaching for something light, effortless, and a little everyday fancy. That’s exactly why I created this Watermelon Feta Flatbread Pizza recipe. It’s a quick and refreshing idea for a girls’ night get-together that takes minimal prep and delivers major flavor.
Flatbreads are one of my favorite summer hosting hacks. One part pizza, one part shareable snack, they’re low-fuss and don’t need to be served piping hot to be totally delicious. I usually set out a few on trays around the living room so friends can help themselves while I handle the truly important stuff… like pouring the rosé!
This easy watermelon and feta flatbread is my warm-weather spin on a salad I’ve been serving for years, ever since my cousin introduced me to the surprisingly magical combo of juicy watermelon and briny feta. If you love sweet-and-salty flavors, this summer appetizer is going to be your new go-to.
Flat Bread Versus Pizza: What is Flatbread?
So, what exactly is flatbread? Traditional flatbread is made with just a few simple ingredients (flour, water, and salt) and is known for its thin, crisp crust. While pizza dough can be thicker and more elastic, we used store-bought pizza dough for this recipe and simply rolled it out super thin to mimic that classic flatbread texture.
To us, the biggest difference between flatbread and pizza lies in the toppings. Flatbreads are typically more minimal and elegant. Think light, fresh ingredients sprinkled across the surface rather than piled high. So when you’re making this Watermelon Feta Flatbread, go easy on the toppings. A little goes a long way to keep that perfectly crisp bite.
Ingredients Needed
To make this flatbread pizza with watermelon and feta, you’ll need:
- Pizza dough or store-bought flatbread: For the sake of a low maintenance appetizer, we used Trader Joe’s Original Crust pre-packaged pizza dough. However, any store-bought or homemade dough works great. Just don’t substitute thicker pre-made pizza crusts as it won’t have the same texture. The flatbread should be chewy yet almost crispy and thin.
- Watermelon: Choose a ripe, seedless watermelon and dice it into small, juicy cubes.
- Balsamic reduction: A sweet-tart drizzle that ties all the flavors together beautifully. You can buy it bottled or make your own! (See how below.)
- Mozzarella cheese: Melty and mild, the perfect base for your toppings.
- Crumbled feta cheese: Adds creamy, tangy contrast to the sweet watermelon.
- Fresh basil: Thinly sliced for a fragrant, herbaceous finish. Don’t substitute with dry basil.
- Olive oil: Adds flavor and helps crisp up the crust.
- Garlic clove: Fresh garlic, minced, for aromatic depth.
How to Make Watermelon Feta Flatbread
1 — Preheat the oven to 400°F.
2 — Roll out the dough.
Lightly flour your surface and roll the dough into a thin flatbread, about ¼-inch thick. You can divide it into 4 smaller flatbreads or make one large sheet.
3 — Prep the base.
Place the dough on a lightly greased baking sheet or pizza stone. Brush with olive oil and rub in the minced garlic for flavor.
4 — Bake the flatbread.
Bake for about 5 minutes, or until the crust is just starting to turn golden. Thicker dough may need an extra minute or two. Check it around the 3-minute mark.
5 — Add cheese and bake again.
Remove the flatbread from the oven. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella evenly over the top and return it to the oven. Bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly with golden edges, about 2–4 minutes.
6 — Let it cool slightly.
Take the flatbread out of the oven and allow it to cool for 2–3 minutes. This makes it easier to top without the watermelon losing its texture.
7 — Add the fresh toppings.
Top the flatbread with diced watermelon, crumbled feta cheese, and sliced fresh basil.
8 — Finish with balsamic glaze.
Drizzle with balsamic reduction just before serving for a perfect sweet-and-savory finish.
How to Make Your Own Homemade Balsamic Reduction Glaze
1 — Add balsamic vinegar to a saucepan.
Pour 1 cup of balsamic vinegar into a small saucepan and set over medium heat. Bring it to a gentle boil.
2 — Simmer and reduce.
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer, stirring occasionally, until the vinegar has reduced by at least half and has a syrupy consistency. This usually takes 10–15 minutes.
3 — Cool and store.
Remove from heat and let it cool completely. Transfer the balsamic glaze to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator until ready to use.
Recipe Notes and Tips for Perfecting the Flatbread Pizza
- Room temperature dough: Let the dough rest at room temperature for 10–15 minutes first to make it easier to roll out.
- Drain thoroughly: Moisture from watermelon can soak into the crust otherwise. Pat the diced watermelon with paper towels before topping.
- Don’t overload the flatbread: Flatbread works best with light toppings. Sprinkle everything evenly without piling it too high, so the crust stays crisp and easy to handle.
- Customize it: Try mint instead of basil, or substitute goat cheese instead feta for a richer finish.
- Add a pinch of chili flakes or hot honey: If you love sweet and spicy, a light sprinkle of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot honey pairs beautifully with the watermelon and feta.
- Try grilling the flatbread: For extra summer flavor, grill your dough instead of baking it! Just oil the grates, cook each side for 2–3 minutes, then add cheese and briefly cover until it melts.
- Serve immediately: This flatbread tastes best freshly assembled. If you’re serving a crowd, prep all the components in advance and build the flatbread just before guests arrive.
More Easy Appetizers to Try
Watermelon Feta Flatbread Recipe
Equipment
- Pizza stone or baking sheet
- Small sauce pan
Ingredients
- 1 package pizza dough
- 2 cup watermelon cubes finely diced and drained
- 1 cup balsamic vinegar to make the balsamic reduction for drizzling
- 3/4 cup mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup feta cheese
- 1/2 cup basil julienned
- 2 tsp olive oil
- 1 garlic clove finely minced
Nutrition
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- Lightly flour your surface and roll the dough into a thin flatbread, about 1/4-inch thick. Divide it into 4 smaller flatbreads or make one large sheet.
- Place the dough on a lightly greased baking sheet or pizza stone. Brush with olive oil and rub in the minced garlic.
- Bake for about 5 minutes, or until the crust is just starting to turn golden. Thicker dough may need an extra minute or two. Check it around the 3-minute mark.
- Remove the flatbread from the oven. Sprinkle mozzarella evenly over the top and return it to the oven. Bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly with golden edges, about 2–4 minutes.
- Take the flatbread out of the oven and allow it to cool for 2–3 minutes.
- Top the flatbread with diced watermelon, crumbled feta cheese, and sliced fresh basil.
- Drizzle with balsamic reduction just before serving.
To make your own balsamic reduction:
- Pour 1 cup of balsamic vinegar into a small saucepan and set over medium heat. Bring it to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer. Stir occasionally and continue simmering until the liquid has reduced by at least half and thickened slightly. Remove from heat, let cool completely, and transfer to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator until ready to use.
Tried this recipe? Share your Watermelon Feta Flatbread Pizza with us on Instagram, using the hashtag #sugarandclothloves. We always love seeing all of your creations! Looking for more quick and delicious recipes? Find them all right here!
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Ah! This looks absolutely delicious! I love watermelon!
I’m extremely curious as to how watermelon and feta taste together since I sometimes put salt & pepper on my watermelon, feta cheese might kick it up a little more! :) Great post!
I love watermelon. And I love feta. It’s like a combination created by the gods. Gods? Capital G? Love this, Ash.
I love feta cheese, but I’ve never tried it with watermelon before! I’ll have to give it a go this summer.
This looks so amazing! Can’t wait to try it! :)
Oh wow, what a neat combination! I love watermelon and feta but never thought to do something like this with it before. Great idea.
Yum! Watermelon and feta are one of my favorite combos in the summer! We’ll definitely be trying this soon!
Paige
http://thehappyflammily.com
This looks amazing!
http://bysophielee.blogspot.com