Description
Make soft, fluffy pita bread at home using this straightforward recipe. This method works well for achieving the perfect pocket for gyros or serving with dips.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (about 105-115°F)
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for greasing
Instructions
- Combine the warm water, yeast, and sugar in a large bowl. Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until foamy.
- Stir in the olive oil, flour, and salt into the yeast mixture. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for 5 to 7 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- Lightly oil a clean bowl. Place the dough in the bowl, turning to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a damp towel. Let the dough rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Gently punch down the risen dough. Divide it into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a smooth ball. Cover the balls and let them rest for 10 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) with a baking stone or heavy baking sheet inside.
- Working with one ball at a time, roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a 6-inch circle, about 1/8 inch thick. Keep the remaining balls covered.
- Place 2 or 3 dough circles directly onto the preheated stone or sheet. Bake for 2 to 3 minutes until the pita puffs up completely.
- Remove the puffed pita bread from the oven. Place it on a clean towel and cover it immediately to keep it soft while you bake the remaining rounds.
Notes
- For stovetop cooking, heat a dry cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Cook each round for about 1 minute per side, flipping when bubbles appear, until it puffs.
- If your dough does not puff, your oven or skillet was likely not hot enough. Reheat the surface thoroughly before trying again.
- Store baked pitas wrapped tightly in a clean kitchen towel to maintain softness.
- Prep Time: 20 min
- Cook Time: 15 min
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking/Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pita
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 1
- Sodium: 350
- Fat: 2
- Saturated Fat: 0.3
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.7
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 36
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 5
- Cholesterol: 0