Homemade Pita Bread
Ingredients
- ¾ cup warm water
- 1 package active dry yeast
2¼ teaspoons
- 1 teaspoon plus 1 tablespoon sugar
- 3¾ cups bread flour
469 grams, plus more for dusting
- 1½ teaspoons sea salt
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
plus more for the bowl
- ¾ cup whole-milk Greek yogurt
Directions
- 1
In a medium bowl, combine the water, yeast, and 1 teaspoon of sugar. Let the mixture sit until it’s foamy on top, about 5 minutes.
- 2
In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, combine the flour, salt, and remaining tablespoon sugar. Add the yeast mixture, oil, and yogurt, and mix to combine. Knead the dough, either in the stand mixer on medium speed or by hand on a clean work surface, adding more flour if needed, until it’s soft and slightly sticky, 7 to 10 minutes. Transfer the dough to an oiled bowl, cover with a towel or plastic wrap, and let rise until it’s doubled in size, about 2 hours.
- 3
Preheat the oven to 500°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- 4
Turn the dough out onto a clean work surface and divide it into 12 equal balls. Cover and let rise an additional 20 minutes.
- 5
Roll the balls out into circles that are ¼ to ½-inch thick. Place them onto the baking sheets an inch apart, then bake, one sheet at a time, until they’re puffy and lightly browned on top. Begin checking at 5 minutes. We bake them for about 8 minutes, rotating the pan after the 5 minute mark if one side of the sheet is puffing up more than the other. Transfer the pitas to a wire rack to cool.
Homemade Pita Bread
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Based on 148 ratings
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About this Recipe
Craving the soft, chewy texture and irresistible aroma of fresh-baked pita bread? This recipe for Homemade Pita Bread brings that bakery experience right to your kitchen. Forget dry, store-bought versions; you'll love the incredible flavor and satisfying chew of pita made from scratch.
Why This Homemade Pita Bread Works
The secret to truly exceptional pita lies in a thoughtful combination of key ingredients. Using bread flour provides the ideal protein content for that characteristic elasticity and chewiness you expect from perfectly puffed pita. A touch of active dry yeast ensures a beautiful rise, while extra-virgin olive oil contributes a rich flavor and helps tenderize the dough. Perhaps the most interesting addition, whole-milk Greek yogurt, adds a subtle tang and helps create an incredibly tender, moist crumb, distinguishing this pita from many others.
What to Expect
Imagine tearing into a warm, fluffy round of pita, still slightly warm from the oven. This Homemade Pita Bread delivers on that promise. Each piece offers a delightful balance of soft, pillowy interior and a subtle, slightly chewy exterior, perfect for scooping up your favorite dips or stuffing with fillings. The Greek yogurt lends a delicate richness and a hint of tang that brightens the overall flavor profile, making it far superior to anything you’d find pre-packaged. It’s a wonderfully rewarding experience, yielding fresh pita that tastes truly authentic.
Customization & Variations
While this recipe is carefully crafted, you can make minor adjustments to suit your preference. If you prefer a richer flavor, consider a high-quality, robust extra-virgin olive oil. For a slightly less sweet profile, you could gently reduce the amount of added sugar, though it plays an important role in activating the yeast and browning. Ensure your Greek yogurt is whole-milk for the best texture and moisture. This recipe makes a generous batch, perfect for sharing.
Serving & Context
Homemade Pita Bread is incredibly versatile. Serve it warm with hummus, baba ghanoush, or your favorite Mediterranean spreads. It's also perfect for building your own falafel sandwiches, chicken gyros, or simply tearing and dipping into olive oil with a sprinkle of za'atar. It’s a wonderful addition to any meal, transforming a simple dinner into a special occasion.