PITA BREAD
Pita bread is a soft, fluffy flatbread with a signature pocket, perfect for stuffing with savory fillings. This easy recipe brings authentic Middle Eastern flavor to your kitchen, ideal for wraps, dips, or fresh sandwiches.
INGREDIENTS
Bread flour: 500 g / 4 cups
Warm water: 300 ml / 1¼ cups
Active dry yeast: 7 g / 2¼ tsp (1 packet)
Sugar: 5 g / 1 tsp
Salt: 10 g / 2 tsp
Olive oil: 30 ml / 2 tbsp
Butter (melted): 70 g / 5 tbsp (¼ cup)
PREP TIME
20 minutes (plus 1–2 hours rising)
COOKING TIME
5–7 minutes per batch
STEP-BY-STEP COOKING INSTRUCTIONS
1. Option A – Activate yeast: Mix warm water, sugar, and yeast in a bowl. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
2. Option B – Add yeast directly: Mix bread flour, salt, sugar, and yeast in a bowl. Add warm water, olive oil, and melted butter. Stir until dough begins to form.
3. Knead dough – Knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. First rise – Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1–2 hours until doubled.
5. Shape pitas – Punch down dough, divide into 8 equal pieces, and roll each into a ball. Flatten into discs about 5 mm / ¼ inch thick.
6. Second rise – Cover discs with a towel and let rest for 20–30 minutes.
7. Cook pitas – Heat a cast iron skillet or baking stone to high heat. Cook each pita for 2–3 minutes per side until puffed and lightly browned.
8. Cool slightly – Stack cooked pitas in a towel to keep soft and warm.
HELPFUL COOKING TIPS
1. Use high heat – A very hot skillet or baking stone ensures the pita puffs properly.
2. Roll evenly – Uneven thickness prevents the pocket from forming.
3. Cover after cooking – Stack pitas in a towel to keep them soft and pliable.
4. Don’t overcook – Too much heat dries out the bread; remove once puffed and lightly browned.
5. Freeze extras – Pitas freeze well; reheat in a skillet or oven for fresh flavor.
NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION (PER PITA, ~70 G)
Calories: ~190 kcal
Carbohydrates: ~30 g
Protein: ~5 g
Fat: ~6 g
Fiber: ~2 g
DIETARY TAGS
Vegetarian
Nut-free
ALLERGEN INFORMATION
Contains gluten (from flour)
Contains dairy (butter)
Contains yeast