Description
This Easy Garlic Pita Bread from Scratch recipe offers a simple and delicious way to make homemade pita bread infused with aromatic garlic. The dough is soft and fluffy, enhanced with garlic powder and olive oil for flavor and texture. After baking, the pita is brushed with a rich garlic butter and can be optionally topped with shredded parmesan for an extra cheesy touch. Perfect for sandwiches, dipping, or as a side to your favorite dishes.
Ingredients
Scale
Pita Dough
- 1 cup water (90º-95ºF)
- 2 teaspoons instant yeast
- ½ teaspoon granulated sugar
- 2 ½ – 3 cups all-purpose flour, divided
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, plus more for the bowl
Garlic Butter
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 1 ½ teaspoons garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley
- Shredded parmesan cheese (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- Activate the yeast: In a mixing bowl, combine the warm water (90º-95ºF), instant yeast, and granulated sugar. Stir gently to dissolve and let the mixture sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Prepare the dough: To the yeast mixture, add 2 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, salt, garlic powder (if using), and 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil. Stir to combine into a rough dough. Gradually add up to ½ cup more flour as needed to achieve a soft, slightly sticky but manageable dough.
- Knead the dough: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook to knead the dough for about 6-7 minutes on medium speed.
- First rise: Lightly oil a clean bowl with olive oil, place the dough inside, and cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a damp cloth. Let it rise in a warm place for about 1 to 1 ½ hours until it doubles in size.
- Preheat the oven: Approximately 30 minutes before baking, preheat your oven to 475ºF (245ºC) and place a baking stone or inverted baking sheet inside to heat.
- Shape the pita breads: Punch down the risen dough and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Divide the dough into 6-8 equal pieces and shape each into a ball. Using a rolling pin, roll each ball into a circle about ¼ inch thick and roughly 6 inches in diameter.
- Bake the pita breads: Carefully transfer the rolled dough circles onto the preheated baking surface. Bake for 3-5 minutes or until the pitas puff up and develop light golden spots. Avoid opening the oven door during baking to help them puff.
- Prepare garlic butter: While the pitas bake, melt the unsalted butter in a small saucepan or microwave. Stir in the garlic powder, kosher salt, and dried parsley until well combined.
- Brush and serve: Remove the baked pitas from the oven and immediately brush both sides generously with the warm garlic butter. If desired, sprinkle with shredded parmesan cheese while the butter is still warm for a flavorful finish. Serve warm for best taste and texture.
Notes
- Use warm water between 90º-95ºF to properly activate the yeast without killing it.
- Garlic powder in the dough is optional but enhances the garlic flavor subtly.
- Letting the dough rise in a warm place helps it double in size faster and results in a fluffy pita.
- Preheating the baking surface is crucial for puffed pockets in pita breads.
- Store leftover pitas in an airtight container for up to 2 days and reheat before serving.
- Parmesan cheese topping is optional but adds a savory richness.
Keywords: garlic pita bread, homemade pita, easy pita recipe, garlic bread, Mediterranean bread