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Homemade How to make Pita Bread photo

How to make Pita Bread

Making fluffy, pocketed pita bread at home is easy and rewarding! Perfect for stuffing or dipping, this recipe delivers bakery-quality pitas with simple ingredients.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Bread
Cuisine Mediterranean
Servings 8 servings

Equipment

  • Mixing Bowl
  • Dough whisk or wooden spoon
  • Kitchen towel
  • Baking sheet or pizza stone
  • Rolling Pin
  • Oven

Ingredients
  

Ingredients

  • 1 cup warm water (between 110 to 115 degrees)
  • 2 teaspoons active dry yeast (about 1 (0.25 ounce) packet)
  • 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour plus more for dusting
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt

Instructions
 

How to make Pita Bread

  • In a mixing bowl, combine the warm water, active dry yeast, and granulated sugar. Stir gently and let the mixture sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt to evenly distribute the salt.
  • Once the yeast mixture is frothy, add it to the bowl of flour along with the olive oil. Mix until a shaggy dough forms using a dough whisk or wooden spoon.
  • Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface. Knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Add more flour if sticky.
  • Shape the dough into a ball and place in a lightly greased bowl. Cover with a damp kitchen towel and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
  • About 15 minutes before dough is ready, preheat oven to 475°F (245°C). Place pizza stone in oven if using.
  • Punch down the risen dough and divide into 8 equal pieces. Roll each into a ball then flatten into a 1/4-inch thick round disc. Dust with flour as needed.
  • Cover the discs with a damp kitchen towel and let rest for about 30 minutes to puff up.
  • Carefully transfer discs to the preheated oven or pizza stone. Bake for 5-7 minutes until pitas puff up and are lightly golden.
  • Remove pita bread from oven and cool on a wire rack. Serve warm or store for later use.

Notes

  • Use water between 110-115°F to properly activate the yeast without killing it.
  • Do not over-knead the dough to avoid tough pita bread.
  • Allow sufficient rising time for fluffy, pocketed pitas.
  • Preheat the oven and pizza stone fully to ensure pita puffing.
  • Store leftover pitas in airtight containers or freeze for longer shelf life.
Keyword Bread, Easy, Homemade, Yeast