Who doesn’t love the soft, pillowy goodness of fresh pita bread?
Pita bread is a favorite that’s surprisingly simple to make at home.
Forget store-bought versions—this easy pita bread recipe is so fresh and delicious, you’ll wonder why you didn’t try it sooner.
Let’s dive into this foolproof recipe for perfect homemade pita!
Ingredients:
• 1 ½ cups warm water (110° to 115°)
• 1 packet of active yeast
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup whole wheat flour
• 2 teaspoons sea salt
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
Makes 14 pitas
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Rise Time: 2 hours
Procedures:
1. Add the water, yeast and 1 tablespoons of sugar to a stand mixer and whisk using a hand whisk until it is combined. Let sit for 5 to 7 minutes or until a raft has formed on the top.
2. In the meantime, whisk together the remaining 1 tablespoon of sugar, flours and salt until combined.
3. Pour 2 tablespoons of olive oil into the stand mixer along with the dry flour, sugar and salt ingredients.
4. Place on the hook attachment and mix on low speed for 8 to 10 minutes to knead.
5. The dough should be smooth, and you want the dough to be a little sticky, but you still may need to add in a bit more flour to get it to the right consistency.
6. Coat with the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and place in a container and cover with a lid or towel and let sit for 2 hours or until doubled in size. See note below on resting trick.
7. Remove the dough and place on a lightly flour dusted surface and press to form a rough rectangle.
8. Cut the dough into 12-14 pieces and then taking each piece of dough keep folding it under to form a smooth dough ball.
9. Roll each dough ball out on a lightly flour dusted surface until it’s about 1/8” to 14” thick and 6” to 8” in diameter.
10. Place on a cookie sheet tray lined with parchment paper or just on parchment paper on your countertop and cover with a towel and allow to rest for 20-25 minutes.
11. Cook on a preheated pizza stone or sheet tray in the oven at 550° and cook for 1 to 1 ½ minutes per side until dark brown marks are formed onto the dough and so it puffs up into a hollow ball.
12. Repeat the process until all the dough balls have been cooked. See note below and alternative cooking method.
CHEF NOTES:
• How to Reheat: The best way to warm up pita is to wrap it up in foil or in a pan with a lid and place it in the oven at 350° for 4-5 minutes or until warm.
• Make Ahead: You can make this bread up to 1 day in advance and heat up before serving.
• How to Store: Place covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• How to Freeze: Place covered in the freezer for up to 1 month.
• You may use 100% all-purpose flour in this recipe.
• When the dough is done kneading it should be smooth and spring back when pressing down, and if you pinch it, it should stick a bit to your fingers.
• For a little rising trick place your covered bowl of dough in the oven with only the oven light on as it will act as a perfect proofing environment.
