Easy 4th of July Flatbread Pizza Recipe

Whip up a delicious flatbread pizza as a 4th of July appetizer! This easy flatbread pizza recipe features a chewy crust, tomato sauce, cheese and olives, all arranged into the shape of the American flag.

Big celebrations like the 4th of July are always hectic, so I try to come up with at least one dish that won't keep me glued for hours in the kitchen. This 4th of July pizza is the perfect appetizer to assemble under 10 minutes. Shaped like the flag, it has red marinara, white mozzarella stripes, and dark Kalamata olives that serve as the "blue" corner.

Honestly, if this wasn't a 4th of July pizza, I would have the olives scattered all over and overflowing. Being this as it may, guests always comment on the flag design and kids get excited about eating something that looks like the American flag... sometimes they request other flags and I always have to tell them that I ran out of ingredients and will make it next time.

The combination of tangy marinara, melty mozzarella, and briny Kalamata olives creates flavors that work so well together, so it's not just about the looks. This is so simple to make and perfect for parties.

If I have a few minutes to spare while getting the grill ready, I can assemble these flatbreads and slide them into the oven. The ingredients aren't that hard to find and you can customize it any way you like. I sometimes add pepperoni over the marinara if my husband requests.

My kids love helping "make the flag," taking turns creating the mozzarella stripes and carefully placing the olives in the corner. They always argue over who gets to arrange the cheese in the straightest lines, and both of them actually eat the olives on this pizza, which they usually push off onto my plate.

If you're hosting your 4th of July party or need something easy to bring to a potluck, this flatbread pizza is perfect for you. You should also try my baked blue cheese dip recipe to fit the theme! They're low effort-high reward recipe that everyone will love.

Ingredients for this 4th of July Pizza

Rectangular flatbread – This serves as the perfect base for the pizza, with a light, crisp texture that’s both sturdy and easy to eat. I've used whole wheat flatbread for a healthier option, but regular flatbread works just as well.

Marinara sauce – The foundation of flavor for the pizza, bringing a tangy and slightly sweet tomato taste. I’ve tried using roasted tomato sauce in place of marinara for a deeper flavor, and it’s just as good.

Shredded mozzarella – This cheese melts perfectly, creating that gooey, stretchy texture we all love on pizza. I’ve used a mix of mozzarella and provolone for added flavor, but mozzarella alone does the job just fine.

Kalamata olives – Adds a salty, briny bite that contrasts beautifully with the creamy mozzarella. I’ve substituted with black olives when needed, but the distinct flavor of Kalamatas really makes this pizza stand out.

Olive oil – Helps to crisp the flatbread and adds a slight richness to the pizza. I sometimes drizzle a bit more olive oil on top for extra flavor, especially if I'm using a thinner flatbread.

See the recipe card for exact quantities.

Step-by-step Instructions

This easy flatbread pizza is a simple, fun way to add a bit of color to your July 4th spread. With just a few ingredients, including marinara, mozzarella, and Kalamata olives, it’s a quick and delicious way to create a themed dish that everyone will enjoy.

Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This ensures that the flatbreads bake evenly and crisp up nicely.

Prepare the Flatbreads

Place the flatbreads on a baking sheet or directly on the oven rack. Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce over each flatbread, leaving a small border around the edges for a nice crispy crust. You can use the back of a spoon or a spatula to smooth the sauce evenly across the surface.

Arrange the Mozzarella

Next, arrange the shredded mozzarella on top of the marinara sauce in a stripe pattern across the flatbread. The mozzarella should be spread evenly, but you can add more to areas that you prefer extra cheesy. This creates a beautiful contrast against the red sauce and helps achieve that gooey, melty texture.

Add the Kalamata Olives for the Blue Corner

To create a "blue" corner, take the Kalamata olives and arrange them in the corner of the flatbread. You can cut them into smaller pieces if desired, or leave them whole for a more pronounced effect. The dark color of the olives gives the flatbread a nice pop of contrast, while also adding a briny bite to the flavor.

Bake the Flatbread Pizzas

Place the prepared flatbreads into the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly, and the edges of the flatbread are golden and crispy. Keep an eye on the flatbreads as baking times can vary depending on the thickness of the flatbread and how much cheese is used.

Serve and Enjoy

Once baked, remove the flatbreads from the oven and allow them to cool for a minute or two. Slice them into pieces and serve immediately, enjoying a festive and easy flatbread pizza perfect for your July 4th celebration!

Storage

To store leftover flatbread pizza, allow it to cool to room temperature, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. You can refrigerate it for up to 3 days. When reheating, place it in the oven or a toaster oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes to crisp it up. Keep in mind that the texture may change slightly after reheating, but the flavors will still be delicious.

Recipe