Easy Garlic Pita Bread from Scratch Recipe

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve whipped up this Easy Garlic Pita Bread from Scratch Recipe just because I wanted warm, fluffy bread with a garlicky kick fresh out of the oven. It’s one of those recipes that feels fancy but is surprisingly simple, which makes it perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or impressing guests without too much fuss. Plus, the aroma of garlic butter wafting through the house during baking? Absolutely unbeatable.

What makes this Easy Garlic Pita Bread from Scratch Recipe so special is the balance of flavors and textures—it’s soft and pillowy with just the right amount of chew, and the garlic butter glaze adds a layer of richness that’s impossible to resist. Trust me, once you make it, you’ll want to serve it with everything from dips to salads, or just enjoy it on its own while it’s still warm.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for this recipe come together beautifully to create a pita that’s light yet flavorful. A quick note—using fresh, quality ingredients really makes a difference when it comes to bread, especially for the garlic butter glaze.

• Water: Use warm water around 90º-95ºF to activate the yeast properly without killing it.
• Instant yeast: I keep instant yeast in my pantry because it mixes straight with flour—no proofing needed.
• Granulated sugar: Just a little to help jump-start the yeast fermentation.
• All-purpose flour: Divided between mixing and kneading; you’ll use about 2 ½ to 3 cups depending on dough texture.
• Salt: Enhances flavor—don’t skip it or the bread will taste flat.
• Garlic powder (optional): Adding this to the dough is a game-changer for subtle garlic flavor inside.
• Extra virgin olive oil: Adds moisture and tenderness to the dough, plus you’ll need some to oil the bowl for rising.
• Unsalted butter (for garlic butter): Fresh and creamy for melting with the garlic powder.
• Garlic powder (for garlic butter): Boosts that savory, garlicky punch in the finishing touch.
• Kosher salt (for garlic butter): Balances the richness without overwhelming.
• Dried parsley: Adds color and a mild herbal note to the garlic butter.
• Shredded parmesan cheese (optional): For topping—if you want to make it extra special and cheesy.

Variations

I love mixing this Easy Garlic Pita Bread from Scratch Recipe up depending on what mood I’m in or the season. You can totally personalize it, which is part of the fun!

• Herb variation: I sometimes add fresh rosemary or thyme to the dough for an extra fragrant twist that pairs amazingly with the garlic butter.
• Spicy kick: Mixing a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes into the garlic butter gives a lovely warmth without overpowering.
• Gluten-free version: I’ve experimented using a blend of gluten-free flours and xanthan gum for a friend’s dietary needs; it’s definitely doable with a bit of extra kneading and patience.
• Cheesy pita: Fold shredded mozzarella inside before baking—melty cheese pockets are a real crowd-pleaser.

How to Make Easy Garlic Pita Bread from Scratch Recipe

Step 1: Activate and Mix Your Dough

Start by warming your water to about 90º-95ºF—that’s the sweet spot to encourage the yeast to wake up, but not so hot it kills it. In a large bowl, sprinkle the instant yeast and sugar into the warmed water, then stir lightly to combine. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it starts to look frothy. This little foam bubble means your yeast is alive and ready to work its magic.

Step 2: Make the Dough and Let It Rise

Add about 2 ½ cups of the all-purpose flour, salt, garlic powder (if using), and olive oil into your yeast mixture. Stir until the dough just starts to come together. Then, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for around 8 to 10 minutes—adding extra flour as needed—until it’s smooth and elastic, but still slightly tacky. Don’t over-flour it; you want the dough to be soft. Form the dough into a ball, lightly oil a clean bowl, place the dough inside, cover it with a damp towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 to 1 ½ hours, or until doubled in size.

Step 3: Shape and Bake Your Pitas

Once your dough has doubled, gently punch it down and divide it into 6 or 8 equal portions, depending on how big you want your pitas. Roll each piece into a ball, then flatten it into a circle roughly ¼ inch thick. I find that using a rolling pin dusted lightly with flour makes this step easier. Heat your oven to 475ºF and place a baking stone or heavy baking sheet inside to get scorching hot. Transfer the pita rounds onto parchment paper or a lightly floured surface, then bake them directly on the hot stone or sheet for 3 to 4 minutes. You’ll see them puff up with air pockets—that’s your sign that you nailed it!

Step 4: Make the Garlic Butter and Brush Warm Pitas

While your pitas bake, melt the unsalted butter in a small saucepan or microwave safe bowl. Stir in the garlic powder, kosher salt, and dried parsley until everything is blended. As soon as your pitas come hot out of the oven, brush generously with this garlic butter to soak them in flavor. If you love cheesy bread like I do, sprinkle shredded parmesan on top immediately while the butter is still warm.

How to Serve Easy Garlic Pita Bread from Scratch Recipe

Garnishes

I often sprinkle extra fresh parsley or chopped chives over the garlic buttered pitas for a pop of color and fresh taste. Sometimes a light dusting of smoked paprika on top gives a lovely smoky depth, especially if I’m serving the pita alongside grilled foods.

Side Dishes

This pita bread pairs perfectly with all sorts of Mediterranean classics—think creamy hummus, tangy tzatziki, or even a fresh Greek salad. I’ve also used it alongside grilled meats or roasted vegetables, making it a versatile addition to any meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to cut the pita into wedges and serve it as a warm breadbasket centerpiece with an array of dips in small bowls. You can even stuff these pitas with falafel or grilled veggies and cut them into sliders for a fun finger food option that always gets complimented.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover pita bread wrapped tightly in a clean kitchen towel inside an airtight container or zip-top bag to keep them soft. They typically stay fresh for up to 2 days at room temperature. Reheating them later is super easy (and I’ll share how next!) without losing that lovely softness.

Freezing

If you make a big batch, freezing pita bread is a lifesaver. I stack parchment paper between each pita to prevent sticking, then store the stack in a freezer-safe bag. You can keep them frozen for up to 3 months. When you want some, just thaw at room temp or overnight in the fridge.

Reheating

To bring your pita bread back to life, I like to warm them wrapped in foil in a 350ºF oven for about 10 minutes or pop them in a hot dry skillet for a few seconds on each side. This crisps slightly on the outside but keeps them soft and pillowy inside—perfect for dipping or stuffing.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Making the Easy Garlic Pita Bread from Scratch Recipe is one of my favorite kitchen adventures because it fills the house with such an inviting aroma and yields bread that feels both comforting and special. Whether you’re new to bread baking or a seasoned pro, this recipe is approachable yet delicious enough to become a staple in your home. I really hope you give it a try, and I’m sure once you do, you’ll come back to it again and again just like I do.

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