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Pita Bread Recipe

Pita Bread Recipe: Homemade Middle Eastern Flatbread Made Easy

Soft, pillowy, golden rounds ready in under an hour—your new favorite Pita Bread Recipe.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine Middle Eastern

Ingredients
  

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour swap 1 cup for whole wheat or spelt
  • teaspoons active dry yeast one 7 g packet
  • 1 teaspoon sugar or honey honey adds subtle sweetness
  • cups warm water 105–110 °F
  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil plus more for the bowl
  • teaspoons fine sea salt
  • cup plain Greek yogurt for extra-soft crumb
  • Optional toppings: sesame seeds, za’atar, or nigella seeds

Instructions
 

  • Stir sugar and yeast into warm water. Let sit 5–8 minutes until frothy—think mini-espresso bloom.
  • In a large bowl, whisk flour and salt (and whole-wheat if using).
  • Create a well in the flour, pour in yeast mixture, olive oil (and yogurt). Stir until a shaggy dough forms.
  • Turn onto a lightly floured surface and knead 6–8 minutes—long enough for a quick chat with a friend. Dough should feel soft and elastic.
  • Lightly oil the bowl, nestle dough inside, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise 45–60 minutes in a warm spot until doubled.
  • Punch down, turn onto counter, divide into eight balls, then roll each into a ½-inch-thick circle.
  • Slide a rack into the upper third, heat to 475 °F with a baking stone or inverted sheet on it—at least 30 minutes.
  • Place 1–2 discs on the hot surface; bake 2–3 minutes until puffed, flip, then 1–2 minutes more until light golden.
  • Transfer to a clean towel, cover to stay soft, and repeat.
  • Let rest 5 minutes, slice open pockets, and fill as you please.

Notes

• If dough feels sticky, add flour sparingly to keep pitas tender.
• A draft-free, slightly warm spot (my oven light does the trick) speeds rising.
• Too thick? Pitas won’t puff—½ inch thickness usually delivers the perfect pocket.
• Experiment with flours; each brings its own flavor and texture.
Keyword Flatbread, Homemade bread, Pita Bread
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