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Homemade Pita Bread Recipe

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4.2 from 6 reviews

This Homemade Pita Bread recipe creates soft, fluffy, and slightly chewy pita pockets that are perfect for stuffing with your favorite fillings or enjoying as a side. Using simple ingredients like bread flour, Greek yogurt, and olive oil, this bread comes together with a comforting yeasted dough, then baked at high heat for perfect puffed pockets.

  • Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
  • Yield: 12 pita breads

Ingredients

Yeast Mixture

  • 3/4 cup warm water (105-110°F)
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons or 1 packet active dry yeast
  • 1 teaspoon granulated sugar

Dough

  • 3 3/4 cups bread flour, plus more for dusting if needed
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, plus more for the bowl
  • 3/4 cup whole-milk Greek yogurt or labneh

Instructions

  1. Activate the Yeast: In a medium bowl, combine the warm water, active dry yeast, and 1 teaspoon of sugar. Allow the mixture to sit undisturbed for about 5 minutes until foamy on top, indicating the yeast is active.
  2. Make the Dough: In a large bowl or stand mixer fitted with a hook attachment, mix together the bread flour, kosher salt, and remaining tablespoon of sugar. Add the yeast mixture, olive oil, and Greek yogurt. Mix until all ingredients are combined, then knead either in the mixer or on a clean surface for 7-10 minutes until the dough is soft, slightly sticky, and elastic. Add flour sparingly if the dough is too sticky.
  3. First Rise: Transfer the kneaded dough to a lightly oiled bowl and cover with plastic wrap ensuring it doesn’t touch the dough. Place in a warm, draft-free spot to rise until doubled in size, about 2 hours.
  4. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 500°F (260°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  5. Shape the Dough: Turn the risen dough onto a lightly floured surface. Divide it into 12 equal portions and shape each into a ball. Cover the dough balls and let them rest for an additional 20 minutes to relax and slightly rise.
  6. Roll Out Pitas: Using a rolling pin, roll each dough ball into circles about 1/4- to 1/2-inch thick. Place the rolled circles spaced about an inch apart on the prepared baking sheets.
  7. Bake the Pitas: Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake the pita breads for about 5 minutes, checking for puffing and light golden browning on top. The pitas should puff up nicely to form pockets.
  8. Cool: Remove the baked pita breads from the oven and transfer them to a wire rack to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy fresh or store for later use.

Notes

  • Using warm water (105-110°F) is important to activate the yeast properly without killing it.
  • Greek yogurt adds tenderness and slight tang to the dough; labneh can be used as a substitute.
  • Ensure the dough balls rest before rolling to make shaping easier.
  • High oven temperature is critical for pita to puff and form pockets.
  • Store leftover pita bread in an airtight container or freeze for longer preservation.
  • Author: Amelia
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 minutes per batch
  • Category: Bread
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Middle Eastern
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Find it online: https://recipesvibe.com/homemade-pita-bread-recipe/