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Croatian Lepinja Bread

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Lepinja is a traditional Croatian flatbread known for its soft, airy texture and slightly chewy crumb. Often paired with ćevapi or grilled meats, this bread is perfect for sandwiches or as a side. #CroatianBread #Lepinja #Flatbread #Ćevapi #BalkanCuisine

Ingredients

Scale
  • 500g (4 cups) bread (strong) flour, plus more for dusting and shaping
  • 5g (1 tsp) sugar
  • 7g (2 ¼ tsp) dry yeast
  • 375ml (1 ½ cups) lukewarm water
  • 20ml (1 ½ tbsp) sunflower or canola oil
  • 10g (1 2/3 tsp) salt

Instructions

  1. In a bowl, combine yeast, sugar, and half of the warm water. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until frothy.
  2. In a large bowl, mix flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture, remaining water, and oil. Stir until a dough forms.
  3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  4. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let it rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
  5. Preheat the oven to 230°C (450°F) with steam (place an oven-safe dish of water at the bottom if your oven doesn’t have a steam function).
  6. Divide the dough into 4 equal pieces and shape each into a smooth ball. Let them rest for 20 minutes.
  7. On a floured surface, flatten each ball into a round disc about 15 cm (6 inches) in diameter. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  8. Using a sharp knife, score a shallow lattice pattern on top of each disc.
  9. Let the dough rest for an additional 10 minutes.
  10. Bake in the preheated oven for 12–13 minutes until the tops are lightly golden.
  11. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.

Notes

  • For a softer crust, cover the baked lepinje with a clean kitchen towel immediately after removing from the oven.
  • These breads can be frozen once cooled. Reheat in the oven or toaster before serving.
  • Serve with grilled meats, as a sandwich base, or with a spread of your choice.

Nutrition