Description
This easy and delicious Pita Bread recipe delivers soft, fluffy, and perfectly pocketed flatbreads that are ideal for sandwiches, dips, or serving alongside Mediterranean dishes. Made with simple ingredients, this homemade pita bread is perfect for beginners and requires only basic kitchen tools.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 3⅓ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast or instant dry yeast
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 2 teaspoons salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1¼ cups lukewarm water
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the lukewarm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until it becomes frothy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Mix the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil. Stir with a wooden spoon until the dough begins to come together.
- Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 8 to 10 minutes until it is smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook for this step.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours or until doubled in size.
- Divide and Shape: Punch down the dough to release air. Divide it into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a tight ball, then flatten each ball into a 6-inch diameter circle using a rolling pin.
- Second Rise: Place the flattened dough circles on a lightly floured surface or baking sheet, cover, and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
- Cook the Pita Bread: Preheat a skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat. Place one dough circle in the pan and cook for about 1 to 2 minutes until bubbles form on the surface. Flip and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes until puffed and golden on both sides. Repeat with remaining dough circles.
- Cool and Serve: Transfer the cooked pita breads to a clean kitchen towel and cover to keep warm and soft. Serve fresh or store cooled pita bread in an airtight container.
Notes
- Ensure the water is lukewarm (about 100-110°F) to properly activate the yeast without killing it.
- Use a hot, dry skillet for cooking to achieve the characteristic pita puff.
- Pita bread is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in a sealed bag at room temperature for up to 2 days or frozen for longer storage.
- For softer pitas, brush cooked bread lightly with olive oil while warm.
Keywords: pita bread, flatbread recipe, homemade pita, Mediterranean bread, easy bread recipe