Rustic Arizona Sandstone Grilled Flatbread

Introduction

There is something primal and deeply satisfying about baking bread outdoors, especially when it mimics the rugged beauty of the American Southwest. This Arizona Sandstone Grilled Flatbread recipe is designed specifically for the Arteflame grill, utilizing the high-heat searing capability of the carbon steel cooktop to create a crust that rivals any wood-fired oven. The name "Sandstone" refers to the beautiful, marbled visual effect created by blending two distinct dough tones—one plain and one enriched with smoked paprika or chili powder—resembling the striated rock formations of the Arizona desert.

Beyond its stunning appearance, this flatbread delivers on flavor and texture. The direct contact with the griddle creates a blistered, crispy exterior while maintaining a soft, chewy interior that absorbs the smoky essence of the fire. Whether you are serving it as a side for grilled ribeyes or as a standalone appetizer with dips, this recipe brings a culinary art piece to your backyard barbecue. It is an experience that connects the cook to the fire, turning a simple dough into a rustic masterpiece.

Ingredients

The White Dough Base

• 3 cups all-purpose flour (or bread flour for extra chew)
• 1 cup warm water (110°F)
• 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
• 1 tbsp honey or agave nectar
• 1 tsp sea salt
• 2 tbsp olive oil

The Red Sandstone Dough Base

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup warm water
• 1 tsp active dry yeast
• 1 tsp smoked paprika (for color and flavor)
• 1/2 tsp chili powder (optional for heat)
• 1/2 tsp sea salt
• 1 tbsp olive oil

Garnishes

• Coarse sea salt for finishing
• Fresh rosemary or cilantro
• Extra virgin olive oil for brushing

Instructions

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

1. In two separate small bowls, combine the warm water, honey, and yeast for each dough batch (adjusting quantities based on the ingredient lists above).
2. Let the mixtures sit for about 5-10 minutes until they become frothy and bubbly. This indicates your yeast is alive and ready to rise.

Step 2: Knead the Doughs

1. For the white dough: Combine flour, salt, and olive oil in a large bowl. Pour in the yeast mixture and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
2. For the red dough: Whisk the flour, smoked paprika, chili powder, and salt together. Add the wet ingredients and knead until the color is evenly distributed and the dough is smooth.
3. Place both dough balls in oiled bowls, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Step 3: Create the Sandstone Effect

1. Punch down both doughs. Divide the white dough into 4 portions and the red dough into 4 smaller portions.
2. Take a piece of white dough and flatten it slightly. Press chunks of the red dough into the white dough, folding and twisting them gently together. Do not over-knead, or the colors will blend completely into pink; you want distinct swirls.
3. Roll the combined dough out into rustic oval shapes, about 1/4 inch thick.

Step 4: Fire Up the Arteflame

1. Prepare your Arteflame grill by building a medium-hot fire. You want the flat steel cooktop to reach a searing temperature (around 400°F-450°F).
2. Brush the cooktop generously with oil to prevent sticking and ensure a golden crust.

Step 5: Grill the Flatbread

1. Place the rolled dough directly onto the flat steel griddle.
2. Grill for 2-3 minutes per side. You are looking for the dough to puff up and develop characteristic golden-brown blister marks.
3. Brush the finished bread with fresh olive oil and sprinkle immediately with coarse sea salt.

Tips

Mastering flatbread on the Arteflame requires managing your heat zones effectively. The center of the cooktop is the hottest, while the outer edges are cooler. Start your flatbread closer to the center to get that rapid rise and blistered char, then move it toward the outer edge to finish cooking the inside without burning the crust. This "sear and slide" technique ensures the bread is cooked through but retains that signature crunch.

Additionally, do not be afraid of oil. The steel plancha loves fat, and brushing your dough with olive oil before it hits the metal will result in a micro-fry effect that adds immense flavor. If you find the dough shrinking back when you try to roll it out, let it rest for another 10 minutes to relax the gluten. This will make it much easier to shape into those rustic, organic sandstone forms.

Variations

This recipe is a canvas for your creativity. While the "Sandstone" look is achieved with paprika, you can easily alter the flavor profile and visual appeal with other ingredients. Experimenting with different dough infusions allows you to match the bread to the main course you are grilling. Here are a few ways to mix things up:

• Blue Desert: Use blue cornmeal or butterfly pea flower powder instead of paprika for a striking blue-marbled effect.
• Herbal Swirl: Incorporate a basil pesto or chopped sage into the secondary dough for a green marble look and herbaceous flavor.
• Cheesy Crust: Knead grated parmesan or sharp cheddar directly into the white dough for crispy cheese pockets.
• Sweet Heat: Add a pinch of cinnamon to the red dough and drizzle the finished bread with hot honey.
• Garlic Lover: Infuse the olive oil with roasted garlic before brushing the finished bread.

Best pairings

Arizona Sandstone Grilled Flatbread is robust enough to stand up to bold flavors, making it the perfect accompaniment for heavy grilled meats and fresh, zesty sides. Its smoky undertones mirror the flavors of the fire, creating a cohesive dining experience. When planning your menu, think about textures and temperatures—the warm, crispy bread contrasts beautifully with cool dips or juicy steaks.

Serve this flatbread alongside a charred ribeye steak or grilled lamb chops to soak up the savory juices. It is also exceptional when paired with a cool, creamy roasted red pepper hummus or a chunky avocado salsa to play off the Southwestern theme. For a lighter meal, top the warm bread with a fresh arugula and goat cheese salad, drizzled with balsamic glaze, turning it into an open-faced flatbread sandwich.

Conclusion

The Arizona Sandstone Grilled Flatbread is more than just a side dish; it is a testament to the versatility of the Arteflame grill. By combining visual artistry with the primal technique of fire cooking, you create a dish that is as memorable to look at as it is to eat. The swirling colors capture the spirit of the desert, while the flavor captures the essence of outdoor cooking.

We hope this recipe inspires you to get creative with your dough and your grill. Whether you stick to the classic paprika swirl or invent your own color combination, the result is guaranteed to be delicious. Gather your friends, light the fire, and break bread together in the most literal and flavorful way possible.