This homemade pita bread is a game-changer in the kitchen. With only 5 simple ingredients, you can create fluffy, versatile bread that's perfect for any topping or dip. It's easy and cheap to make, ensuring you can enjoy fresh, delicious pita anytime.
Perfect for family meals or entertaining guests, it's sure to impress and satisfy everyone at the table.
Table of Contents
Recipe Video
Why This Recipe Works
This pita bread recipe works because it uses basic pita bread ingredients and straightforward techniques, making it accessible even for beginner bakers. The dough, made with all-purpose or bread flour, ensures a soft yet sturdy bread with a perfect pocket for fillings. Its simplicity allows for easy customization: you can add onion or garlic powder for savory notes, herbs and spices like oregano or cumin for an aromatic twist, or even incorporate whole wheat or gluten-free flours to suit dietary needs.
The versatility of this easy pita bread is another reason this recipe shines. It can be used for sandwiches, wraps, scooping up dips like hummus or baba ghanoush, or even as a base for mini pizzas. This adaptability makes it a staple in various cuisines and suitable for numerous meal types, from breakfast to dinner.
Ingredients
Sugar and Water:
Sugar and water are required to activate the yeast. Water also provides hydration for the pita bread dough to form, so if you use instant yeast, you may need to add more water to the recipe.
Yeast:
While this recipe uses dry yeast, you can also use instant yeast and mix it directly into the flour.
Flour:
When making homemade pita bread, the type of flour you use can significantly impact the texture, flavor, and overall quality of the bread. While bread and all-purpose flours are the best to use when making pita bread dough, whole wheat, spelt, and semolina flours can also be used.
Onion Powder:
Adding onion powder to pita bread dough enhances its flavor by imparting a subtle, savory taste that complements the bread's natural flavors. However, it's only optional and there are many other spices you can use instead. Garlic powder, cumin, coriander, paprika, or za'atar spice can give your pita a Middle Eastern twist, while herbs like rosemary, thyme, basil, and oregano can be used when paired with Mediterranean or Italian cuisine.
Adding seeds like sesame, poppy, or nigella seeds to the dough or sprinkling them on top before baking can provide a nutty flavor and a delightful crunch. Alternatively, you can sprinkle some parmesan or romano cheese on top of the dough before baking. For a hint of sweetness, a small amount of honey or sugar can be added to the dough while chili flakes or powder can be used to provide a spicy kick.
How to Make Pita Bread
Step One:
Stir the sugar, yeast, and warm water together in a bowl. Set aside for 15 minutes to allow the yeast to activate.
Step Two:
Add flour, salt, and onion powder to a bowl and stir in the yeast mixture until combined and a dough forms.
Step Three:
Knead your dough for 8-10 minutes until it is elastic and pulls away from the bowl.
Step Four:
Cover the bowl in plastic wrap and place somewhere warm to let the dough rise for 1 hour.
Step Five:
Once it has doubled in size, punch your dough ball to deflate it and eliminate any excess air pockets.
Step Six:
Cut your dough into 13 smaller dough balls and roll them out into uniform thickness, approximately ¼ inch.
Step Seven:
Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat and cook each pita individually for 2-3 minutes on each side.
Step Eight:
Serve this authentic pita bread with your favorite dips, and enjoy!
Tips
- Pay attention to the dough's hydration. It should be soft and slightly tacky but not overly sticky. Adjust with flour or water as needed during kneading.
- Consider adding herbs or spices to the dough for a unique flavor twist. Alternatively, you can stuff them with various fillings after baking for a tasty meal or snack.
- Like any baking endeavor, making pita bread may take a few tries to get just right. Don't get discouraged if your first batch isn't perfect; each attempt will teach you something new!
What to Serve With Pita Bread
Pita bread is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of dishes, making it a perfect accompaniment for many meals. For a classic Middle Eastern experience, serve pita bread with a selection of dips such as creamy hummus, smoky baba ghanoush, and refreshing tzatziki. It also complements savory dishes like falafel, shawarma, and grilled kebabs, allowing you to create delicious wraps and sandwiches. Pita bread also works wonderfully as a vessel for fresh salads, such as tabbouleh or fattoush.
For more serving ideas, feel free to check What To Eat With Pita Bread.
FAQs
Can I make gluten-free pita bread?
Yes, you can make gluten-free pita bread using a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to use a recipe specifically designed for gluten-free baking, as the texture and rise can differ significantly from traditional pita bread.
Can I make pita bread without yeast?
While traditional pita bread uses yeast, you can make a yeast-free version using baking powder as a leavening agent. The texture and flavor will be different, more like a flatbread.
Can I use a stand mixer to make the dough?
Yes, a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment can be used to knead the dough. Mix on medium speed for about 5-7 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
Why is my pita bread too tough or chewy?
Tough pita bread can result from over-baking or not kneading the dough enough. Ensure you bake the pitas just until they puff up and start to get lightly browned, usually 3-4 minutes. Proper kneading helps develop the gluten for a tender texture.
What's the best way to store leftover pita bread?
Any leftover pita bread can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, freeze the pitas in a ziplock bag for up to three months.
More Bread Recipes
With grocery prices on the rise, baking your own bread can help reduce your food costs while greatly improving the quality of your life because what's not to love about fresh baked bread! Check out this collection of some of our favorite bread recipes for you to try making at home.
Pita Bread
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 3 teaspoons dry yeast
- 1 cup warm water
- 4 cups flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons onion powder optional
Instructions
- Stir the sugar, yeast, and warm water together in a bowl. Set aside for 15 minutes to allow the yeast to activate.
- Add flour, salt, and onion powder to a bowl and stir in the yeast mixture until combined and a dough forms.
- Knead your dough for 8-10 minutes until it is elastic and pulls away from the bowl.
- Cover the bowl in plastic wrap and place somewhere warm to let the dough rise for 1 hour.
- Once it has doubled in size, punch your dough ball to deflate it and eliminate any excess air pockets.
- Cut your dough into 13 smaller dough balls and roll them out into uniform thickness, approximately ¼ inch.
- Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat and cook each pita individually for 2-3 minutes on each side.
- Serve this authentic pita bread with your favorite dips, and enjoy 🙂
Video
Nutrition
Notes
- Pay attention to the dough's hydration. It should be soft and slightly tacky but not overly sticky. Adjust with flour or water as needed during kneading.
- Consider adding herbs or spices to the dough for a unique flavor twist. Alternatively, you can stuff them with various fillings after baking for a tasty meal or snack.
- Like any baking endeavor, making pita bread may take a few tries to get just right. Don't get discouraged if your first batch isn't perfect; each attempt will teach you something new!
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