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+ servings
Linda Cain

Homemade Pita Bread Recipe

Homemade pita bread is an incredibly versatile and delicious creation that opens the door to a variety of pairing options. Its soft, pillowy texture and slight chewiness make it the perfect vessel for all sorts of fillings and dips
Prep Time 1 hour 45 minutes
Cook Time 3 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 48 minutes
Servings: 8
Course: Bread
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 201

Ingredients
  

  • 1/4 tsp garlic powder
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 1 to 2 tsp sea salt
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour separated
  • 2 tsp dry active yeast
  • 1/2 tsp granulated sugar
  • 1 cup warm water

Equipment

  • Large bowl 

Method
 

Step 1: Prepare the Yeast
  1. Start by dissolving the sugar and yeast in warm water. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5 to 10 minutes. You’ll see bubbles form; that means it’s active and ready to work!
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
  1. In a large bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, garlic powder, and sea salt. Mix well to evenly disperse the salt and garlic powder throughout the flour.
Step 3: Combine the Mixtures
  1. Once your yeast foam has formed, mix in your olive oil and 1 tablespoon of honey. Gradually add this mixture to your dry ingredients. Use a wooden spoon or your hands to combine them until a shaggy dough forms.
Step 4: Knead the Dough
  1. Transfer the dough onto a floured surface. Knead the dough for about 8 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. This step is crucial; proper kneading develops gluten and helps with puffs.
Step 5: Let It Rise
  1. Lightly grease a bowl and place your kneaded dough inside. Cover with a towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm area until it doubles in size. This usually takes about 1 hour.
Step 6: Preheat the Oven
  1. While waiting, preheat your oven to 500°F (260°C). If you have a baking stone, place it in the oven to heat up. If not, simply use a baking sheet.
Step 7: Shape the Pitas
  1. Once doubled, punch the dough down to release the air. Divide it into 8 equal pieces and shape them into balls. Roll each ball out into circles about 1/4 inch thick on a floured surface.
Step 8: Bake the Pitas
  1. Place the rolled-out pitas on a baking stone or directly onto the hot baking sheet. Bake for about 5 to 7 minutes or until they puff up. They should have a nice golden color.
Step 9: Store or Serve Warm
  1. After baking, let the pita cool slightly on a wire rack. Serve them warm, or let them cool completely before storing.

Nutrition

Calories: 201kcalCarbohydrates: 27gProtein: 10gFat: 5.6gSaturated Fat: 0.9gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 120mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 1IUCalcium: 1mgIron: 9mg

Notes

Here are some helpful tips to ensure your pita-making journey is a success:
  • Don’t Over-Knead: Kneading is essential, but overworking the dough can make your pitas tough rather than soft.
  • Check Yeast Freshness: Old yeast won’t rise. Make sure yours is fresh and active.
  • Pita Flip: If some pita don’t puff up, try flipping them midway through baking. Sometimes, heat distribution can cause uneven puffing.
  • Shape Consistently: Keep your rounds of dough roughly the same size. This helps with even baking.
  • Keep Warm: If you make a large batch, wrap them in a towel while baking the others to keep them warm.

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