Panera Margherita Flatbread Pizza Recipe

Make Panera’s Margherita Flatbread Pizza at home with this easy copycat recipe—crispy flatbread, melted mozzarella, juicy tomatoes, and fresh basil in every bite.

If you’re a fan of Panera’s Margherita Flatbread Pizza, you’ll love how easy it is to recreate this fresh, flavorful favorite at home.

With a crispy flatbread base, melty mozzarella, juicy tomatoes, and fragrant basil, every bite delivers the perfect balance of simple ingredients done right. Whether you’re making a quick lunch, light dinner, or an easy appetizer, this copycat recipe brings all the café-style comfort with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

Why You Will Love This Recipe!

• Crispy, café-style flatbread at home – No need to dine out!
• Simple, fresh ingredients – Easy to find and full of flavor.
• Quick to make – Ready in about 15 minutes from start to finish.
• Light but satisfying – Perfect for lunch, dinner, or a shareable snack.
• Customizable – Add extra toppings or keep it classic—your choice!

Panera Margherita Flatbread Pizza Recipe Ingredients

• Naan or Flatbread Crust: Choose your favorite type of flatbread, whether it’s store-bought or homemade, to serve as the base for your pizza.
• Marinara Sauce: Use a good-quality marinara sauce as the pizza sauce. You can make your own or use store-bought for convenience.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Use shredded mozzarella cheese, which melts beautifully and adds a creamy texture to the pizza.
• Fresh Tomatoes: Slice fresh tomatoes thinly to layer on top of the cheese for that classic Margherita pizza flavor.
• Fresh Basil Leaves: Use fresh basil leaves to add a burst of aromatic flavor to the pizza. Tear them or leave them whole, depending on your preference.
• Olive Oil: Drizzle a little olive oil over the pizza before cooking to enhance the flavors and help the toppings cook evenly.
• Salt and Pepper (Optional): Add a sprinkle of salt and pepper over the assembled pizza for additional seasoning, if desired.

How To Make Panera Margherita Flatbread Pizza Recipe

Step One: Preheat your air fryer temperature to 375 degrees F (190°C). Place your flatbread on a clean surface or on a piece of parchment paper.

Step Two: Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce over the flatbread, leaving a small border around the edges. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the marinara sauce. Arrange thinly sliced fresh tomatoes on top of the cheese. Drizzle a little olive oil over the assembled pizza.

Step Three: Carefully transfer the pizza to the air fryer basket or tray. Set cook time for 6-8 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges of the flatbread are golden brown.

Step Four: Once cooked, remove the pizza from the air fryer and let it cool for a minute before slicing. Serve your Margherita Flatbread Pizza hot, garnished with additional fresh basil leaves if desired.

Panera Margherita Flatbread Pizza Recipe Tips

• Use high-quality ingredients: Use fresh tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and basil for the best flavor.
• Preheat the air fryer: Preheating ensures that your pizza cooks evenly and crisps up nicely.
• Don’t overload the toppings: Keep the toppings light to prevent the flatbread from getting soggy.
• Use parchment paper: Placing the pizza on parchment paper makes it easier to transfer in and out of the air fryer and prevents sticking.
• Customize to your taste: Feel free to add extra toppings like olives, garlic, or red pepper flakes to suit your preferences.
• Keep an eye on the cooking time: Cooking times may vary depending on your air fryer model, so check the pizza periodically to avoid burning.
• Let it cool before slicing: Allowing the pizza to cool for a minute or two after cooking will help the cheese set and prevent it from sliding off when you slice it.
• Serve with dipping sauce: Consider serving your Margherita Flatbread Pizza with a side of marinara or balsamic glaze for dipping for extra flavor.

Panera Margherita Flatbread Pizza Recipe Faqs

Can I use regular pizza dough instead of flatbread? Yes, you can use regular pizza dough for this recipe. Adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure the dough cooks through.

Can I use shredded mozzarella instead of fresh mozzarella? While fresh mozzarella is traditional for Margherita pizza, shredded mozzarella can be used as a substitute. Just be aware that it may not melt as evenly as fresh mozzarella.

How can I prevent the crust from getting soggy? To prevent the crust from getting soggy, try preheating the air fryer and using parchment paper underneath the pizza. Additionally, avoid overloading the pizza with sauce and toppings.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free? Yes, you can use gluten-free flatbread or pizza dough to make this recipe gluten-free. Just make sure all the other ingredients you use are also gluten-free.

Can I freeze the leftovers? Yes, you can freeze leftover Margherita flatbread pizza. Allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before placing it in the freezer. Reheat in the air fryer or oven when ready to eat.

Can I add additional toppings to the pizza? Absolutely! While the Margherita pizza traditionally consists of tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil, feel free to customize your pizza with additional toppings such as olives, onions, or pepperoni.

Can I use store-bought pizza sauce instead of fresh tomatoes? Yes, you can use store-bought pizza sauce instead of fresh tomatoes. Just spread a thin layer of sauce over the flatbread before adding the cheese and other toppings.

What should I serve with Margherita flatbread pizza? Margherita flatbread pizza pairs well with a side salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. You can also serve it with a side of marinara sauce or balsamic glaze for dipping.

More Easy Air Fryer Recipes

• air-fried mozzarella sticks
• air-fried avocado slices
• air-fried buffalo chicken bites

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