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Homemade Pitas Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 88 reviews

These homemade pita breads are soft, fluffy, and perfect for sandwiches, dipping, or pairing with Mediterranean dishes. Made from simple ingredients and baked on a hot cast iron pan or skillet, these pitas puff up nicely to create a pocket, ideal for stuffing your favorite fillings.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Dough

  • 1 cup warm water (110º F)
  • 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour (divided)
  • 1 ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • 2 Tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

  1. Activate the Yeast: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together warm water, active dry yeast, and sugar until dissolved. Stir in ½ cup of the all-purpose flour and let the mixture stand for 15 minutes until bubbles form on the surface, indicating the yeast is active.
  2. Form the Dough: Add salt, olive oil, and 1 ½ cups flour to the yeast mixture. Stir using a spatula or wooden spoon until combined into a shaggy dough. Then use your hands to knead the dough in the bowl until it begins to form a ball, about 1 minute.
  3. Knead the Dough: Lightly flour a clean surface and transfer the dough ball onto it. Knead the dough for 2 minutes, then cover it and let it rest for 10 minutes. After resting, knead again for 2 minutes, adding a little flour if sticky, until the dough is smooth and pliable.
  4. First Rise: Place the kneaded dough into an oiled bowl, cover it with plastic wrap and a towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about an hour, or until doubled in size.
  5. Preheat Cooking Surface: Preheat your oven to 475º F and place a cast iron pan, heavy skillet, or baking sheet inside to heat up.
  6. Shape Pitas: Punch down the dough and divide it into 8 equal portions. Cover with a towel and let rest for 10 minutes. Roll each portion into a 6 to 8 inch circle on a lightly floured surface, keeping them covered when not rolling.
  7. Cook Pitas: Working one or two at a time depending on pan size, place the rolled dough onto the hot preheated pan. Cook for 2-3 minutes until bubbles form and the bottom is lightly browned, then flip and cook for another 2 minutes.
  8. Keep Warm and Serve: Remove cooked pitas and wrap in a towel to keep warm. Continue with the rest of the dough. Serve warm as desired.

Notes

  • Ensure the water is warm but not hot to effectively activate the yeast.
  • If bubbles do not form after activating the yeast, the yeast may be expired and should be replaced.
  • Keep the dough covered during resting and rising to prevent it from drying out.
  • Cooking the pitas on a very hot pan is key to achieving the puff and soft texture.
  • Store leftover pitas in an airtight container to maintain freshness, or freeze for longer storage.

Keywords: homemade pita bread, pita bread recipe, Mediterranean bread, soft pita, bread pocket, simple pita

Find it online: https://reemcook.com/homemade-pitas-recipe/