Croatian Lepinja Bread

Picture this: a soft, fluffy loaf with a slightly crispy exterior, perfect for tearing apart with your hands and soaking up all the deliciousness on your plate. That’s what you’ll get with Croatian Lepinja Bread. This traditional Balkan flatbread is simple, yet utterly comforting. Whether you’re serving it with grilled meats, enjoying it as a sandwich, or just dipping it into olive oil, Lepinja will quickly become your new go-to bread. Plus, it’s easy to make and requires just a few basic ingredients. This bread is all about flavor, texture, and warmth, and I just know you’ll love it as much as I do!

Why You’ll Love Croatian Lepinja Bread

Versatile: Perfect as a side dish for meals, or as the star of your next sandwich. It’s the kind of bread you can enjoy with almost anything.

Budget-Friendly: With just a few pantry staples—flour, yeast, and a bit of olive oil—you’ll have a homemade loaf that’s incredibly satisfying.

Quick and Easy: No need for fancy techniques or hours of rising. This bread comes together quickly and is ready to bake in under an hour.

Customizable: Want to make it a little more flavorful? Add some garlic or herbs to the dough for an extra pop of flavor.

Crowd-Pleasing: Whether it’s a family dinner or a gathering with friends, everyone will love breaking off pieces of this warm, fluffy bread.

Ingredients in Croatian Lepinja Bread

All-Purpose Flour
This is the base of the bread, giving it a soft and airy texture.

Instant Yeast
For that light, fluffy rise. No need to wait for the yeast to bloom—just mix and go!

Olive Oil
Adds richness and a slight fruitiness that complements the softness of the bread.

Warm Water
Helps activate the yeast and gives the dough its perfect consistency.

Sugar
Just a pinch to help activate the yeast and provide a subtle sweetness to the dough.

Salt
Balances out the flavors and brings everything together.

Sesame Seeds (optional)
For topping the bread before baking. They add a slight crunch and a nutty flavor, plus they make it look extra appetizing.

Instructions

Activate the Yeast

In a small bowl, combine warm water and sugar. Sprinkle the instant yeast over the top and let it sit for 5-10 minutes. You should see bubbles form, which means the yeast is active and ready to go.

Mix the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the activated yeast mixture along with olive oil. Mix everything together until a dough starts to form.

Knead the Dough

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it for about 8-10 minutes, or until it’s smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, sprinkle in a little more flour, but be careful not to add too much—this dough should be soft, not dry.

Let It Rise

Place the kneaded dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 30 minutes, or until it’s doubled in size.

Shape the Bread

Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air bubbles. Divide the dough into 4-6 equal portions, depending on how large you want your flatbreads. Roll each portion into a ball, then flatten them into rounds about 1/2-inch thick.

Preheat the Oven

While the dough is resting, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and place a baking sheet or pizza stone inside to heat up.

Bake the Lepinja

Carefully transfer the flattened dough rounds onto the hot baking sheet. Optionally, sprinkle the tops with sesame seeds before baking. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the breads are golden brown and puffed up.

Cool and Serve

Let the Lepinja cool for a few minutes before serving. It’s perfect warm, but you can also enjoy it at room temperature. Tear off pieces and dip in your favorite sauce or enjoy with grilled meats, salads, or cheese.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6
Calories per serving: ~200 calories (depending on size)

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Rest Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 15–18 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour

How to Serve Croatian Lepinja Bread

With Grilled Meats: Serve alongside grilled lamb, chicken, or pork. It’s perfect for sopping up sauces or enjoying as a wrap for kebabs.

As a Sandwich Base: Use Lepinja as the base for sandwiches—fill it with everything from roasted vegetables to a classic falafel.

With Dips: Tear it up and dip it into hummus, tzatziki, or any Mediterranean-style dip.

With Salads: Serve it alongside a crisp Greek salad, fresh greens, or roasted vegetables for a light yet satisfying meal.

For Breakfast: Top a slice with honey and butter for a simple, comforting breakfast.

Additional Tips

If you want to add more flavor, try incorporating some minced garlic or dried herbs like oregano or thyme into the dough.
For an extra crispy crust, lightly brush the tops of the dough rounds with olive oil before baking.
If you don’t have sesame seeds, you can leave them out or try topping the bread with poppy seeds or sunflower seeds for a different twist.
Make sure your water is warm but not too hot—around 110°F (43°C) is perfect for activating the yeast without killing it.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?
A1: Yes, you can use active dry yeast. Just be sure to activate it in warm water with sugar for about 5-10 minutes before using it in the dough.

Q2: Can I make this bread in advance?
A2: You can make the dough ahead of time. Let it rise, then punch it down and refrigerate it. When you’re ready to bake, let it come to room temperature before shaping and baking.

Q3: Can I freeze Lepinja bread?
A3: Yes! After baking, let the bread cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. It will keep in the freezer for up to a month. To reheat, simply thaw at room temperature and warm it in the oven.

Q4: Can I add herbs to the dough?
A4: Absolutely! Fresh or dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano are delicious additions to the dough.

Q5: How do I store leftover Lepinja bread?
A5: Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it for longer, freeze it.

Q6: Can I make mini versions of this bread?
A6: Yes! Simply divide the dough into smaller portions, flatten them, and bake for about 10-12 minutes. You’ll have adorable mini Lepinja for snacking or serving with appetizers.

Q7: Is this bread vegan?
A7: Yes, this bread is naturally vegan, as it doesn’t contain any dairy or eggs.

Q8: Can I use whole wheat flour?
A8: Yes, you can substitute up to half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier loaf. Just note that the texture will be a little denser.

Q9: Can I use a bread machine to make the dough?
A9: Yes! You can use the dough setting on your bread machine to mix and rise the dough, then proceed with shaping and baking as usual.

Q10: How do I know when the bread is done baking?
A10: The bread should be golden brown and slightly puffed up. You can tap the top to see if it sounds hollow, which indicates it’s fully baked.

Conclusion

This Croatian Lepinja Bread is simple, satisfying, and oh-so-delicious. It’s a versatile addition to any meal—whether you’re pairing it with something savory or enjoying it on its own with a little butter. You’ll love how easy it is to make and how quickly it becomes a favorite. So roll up your sleeves, start kneading, and enjoy the warm, fresh scent of homemade bread filling your kitchen!

Print