The Best Homemade Pita Recipe
What You’ll Love About This Recipe
This homemade pita recipe is a game-changer, bringing fresh, warm bread straight to your kitchen. It’s simple, fun, and perfect for beginners or seasoned bakers alike. You’ll love how soft and fluffy the pitas turn out, perfect for stuffing or dipping. Plus, making them from scratch lets you enjoy the amazing aroma filling your home. And best of all, it’s cheaper and tastier than store-bought!
Recipe
Homemade pita bread is a versatile and delicious flatbread that’s perfect for sandwiches, wraps, or dipping. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create soft, fluffy pitas right in your own kitchen.
Ingredients:
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (about 110°F)
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions:
- In a small bowl, combine the yeast, sugar, and warm water. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil, then stir until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Add more flour if the dough is too sticky.
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Preheat the oven to 475°F (245°C) and place a baking sheet or pizza stone inside to heat up.
- Punch down the dough and divide it into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball, then flatten into a circle about 1/4-inch thick.
- Place the pitas on the hot baking sheet or stone and bake for 4-5 minutes, or until they puff up and turn golden brown.
Notes:
- Verify the water is warm but not too hot, as it can kill the yeast.
- If the pitas don’t puff up fully, the dough may need more kneading or the oven temperature may need adjustment.
Equipment:
Mixing bowl, baking sheet or pizza stone, rolling pin
Time:
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 5 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 20 minutes (including rising time)
Cuisine:
Mediterranean
Serving:
8 pitas
Nutrition
Homemade pita bread is a nutritious option for sandwiches or dipping. Here’s a breakdown of its nutritional value per serving:
| Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat | Fiber | Sugar | Sodium |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 165 | 4g | 33g | 1g | 1g | 1g | 220mg |
What To Serve With It
I love pairing freshly baked pita with creamy dips like hummus or tzatziki, and it’s perfect for scooping up bold flavors. A crisp Greek salad or a tangy tabbouleh complements the soft texture of the pita beautifully. Mixing and matching these combos makes mealtime feel fresh and fun!
Dip Pairings
Warm, fluffy pita bread just begs to be dipped into something flavorful, and luckily, there’s no shortage of tasty options to pair it with. I love starting with classic hummus—creamy, garlicky, and perfect for scooping up with a torn piece of pita. For something tangy, tzatziki with its cool yogurt and cucumber base is a must. If I’m feeling adventurous, baba ganoush, made from smoky roasted eggplant, never disappoints. For a bit of heat, a spicy harissa dip adds a kick. And let’s not forget olive tapenade—briny, rich, and oh-so-satisfying. The possibilities are endless!
Salad Combinations
Ever wondered what salads can perfectly complement your homemade pita? I’ve found that a Greek salad, with crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and tangy feta, is a winner. It’s fresh, colorful, and pairs beautifully with warm pita. I also love a simple chickpea salad—think lemon, parsley, and olive oil—to add protein and zing. For something lighter, try a classic tabbouleh, bursting with parsley, mint, and bulgur. It’s invigorating and herbaceous. And don’t forget a Caesar salad; its creamy dressing and crunchy croutons taste amazing with pita wedges. These combinations make your meal feel complete and delicious!
