The King Arthur Baking Company Big Book of Bread: 125+ Recipes for Every Baker (A Cookbook)
If you’ve ever enjoyed warm, fluffy pita fresh from a bakery or restaurant, you know just how delicious it can be. With this pita bread recipe, you can recreate that magic in your own kitchen.
Whether you’re dipping it in hummus, using it for wraps, or serving it alongside a Mediterranean feast, homemade pita is far superior to store-bought. From an easy pita bread recipe to a soft and flavorful Greek pita bread recipe, this guide will help you make perfect pitas every time.
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Why Make Homemade Pita Bread?
Making pita bread from scratch is not only simple but also incredibly rewarding. It requires just a few ingredients, and the process is fun and surprisingly fast. Unlike many yeast breads, pita doesn’t need hours of proofing, making it a great choice for same-day baking. Plus, the smell of fresh bread wafting from your oven is absolutely irresistible.
Classic Easy Pita Bread Recipe for Beginners
Let’s start with a foolproof easy pita bread recipe that yields soft, pillowy pitas with that signature pocket inside.
Ingredients:
- 2 ¼ tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 1 ½ cups warm water
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp sugar
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until frothy.
- Stir in the flour, salt, and olive oil until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8–10 minutes, or until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let it rise for 1–1.5 hours, until doubled in size.
- Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). Place a baking stone or inverted baking sheet inside to heat.
- Divide the dough into 8 pieces. Roll each piece into a ball, then flatten into a 6–7 inch circle.
- Bake 2–3 pitas at a time on the hot surface for 2–3 minutes until puffed and lightly golden.
- Remove from the oven and cover with a clean towel to keep them soft.
This method is ideal for beginners and delivers perfect pita pockets that you can fill, fold, or dip.
Authentic Greek Pita Bread Recipe Without Pockets
Looking for something a little different? This Greek pita bread recipe is thicker, softer, and traditionally doesn’t form a pocket. It’s perfect for souvlaki, gyros, or dipping into tzatziki.
Ingredients:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup warm water
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) dry yeast
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
Instructions:
- Activate the yeast in warm water with sugar for 10 minutes.
- Mix in flour, salt, and olive oil. Knead for 8 minutes until smooth.
- Let rise for 1 hour.
- Divide into 6–8 pieces, roll each into a ball, then flatten into ¼-inch thick rounds.
- Cook on a hot, lightly greased skillet for 2–3 minutes per side until golden and puffed in places.
This soft and chewy Greek pita recipe is ideal for stuffing with grilled meats or vegetables and is often brushed with olive oil before serving.
Tips for the Best Homemade Pita Bread
- Don’t over-roll: Keep dough rounds even and not too thin to ensure proper puffing.
- Use high heat: A hot oven or skillet is essential to create steam inside the dough, which forms the pocket.
- Rest the dough: Allow dough to relax before shaping for easier rolling.
- Keep warm: Store freshly baked pita under a towel to keep them soft and pliable.
Pita Bread Variations and Serving Ideas
- Whole wheat pita: Substitute half the flour for whole wheat for a nuttier flavor.
- Garlic herb pita: Add minced garlic and dried herbs to the dough.
- Mini pitas: Great for snacks or appetizers—just roll smaller circles and adjust the baking time.
Pita is incredibly versatile. Use it for wraps, sandwiches, flatbread pizzas, or simply serve it warm with dips like hummus or baba ganoush.
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Conclusion
This easy and authentic pita bread recipe brings the taste of the Mediterranean right to your table. Whether you opt for the quick-baking, pocket-filled version or the soft and pillowy Greek pita bread recipe, making pita at home is simpler than you think.
With just a handful of ingredients and a bit of time, you’ll have warm, fresh, and flavorful bread that beats store-bought every time.
The King Arthur Baking Company Big Book of Bread: 125+ Recipes for Every Baker (A Cookbook)