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The Ultimate Fluffy Homemade Pita Bread: Classic Recipe Guaranteed to Puff

A stack of freshly cooked, fluffy pita bread wrapped partially in a white cloth, showing golden brown spots.
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Make soft, fluffy pita bread with a perfect pocket using this easy recipe. You only need simple ingredients to create this Middle Eastern bread that is much better than store-bought versions.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 cup warm water (about 105-115°F)
  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until foamy. This shows the yeast is active.
  2. Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
  3. Combine: Pour the yeast mixture and olive oil into the dry ingredients. Mix with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms.
  4. Knead: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for 5 to 7 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
  5. First rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean towel. Let the dough rise in a warm place for 60 to 90 minutes, or until doubled in size.
  6. Divide and rest: Gently punch down the dough. Divide it into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a smooth ball. Cover the balls and let them rest for 15 minutes.
  7. Preheat: Place a pizza stone or heavy cast-iron skillet in your oven and preheat the oven to 500°F (260°C). If using a stovetop method, heat a heavy skillet over medium-high heat.
  8. Shape: On a lightly floured surface, roll each dough ball into a circle about 6 to 7 inches in diameter and about 1/8 inch thick. Do not overwork the dough.
  9. Cook (Oven Method): Carefully place 1 or 2 pitas directly onto the hot pizza stone or skillet in the oven. Bake for 2 to 3 minutes. The pita should puff up completely. Remove when lightly browned.
  10. Cook (Skillet Method): Place one rolled pita into the hot, dry skillet. Cook for about 30 seconds until bubbles appear. Flip and cook for another minute until it puffs. Flip again and cook briefly until lightly browned on both sides.
  11. Keep warm: Stack the cooked pitas and wrap them in a clean kitchen towel to keep them soft while you cook the remaining bread.

Notes

  • For the best puff, your oven or skillet must be very hot before the dough touches the surface.
  • If you want Greek pita bread (no pocket), cook them slightly longer at a lower temperature (around 400°F) until they are soft and pliable but do not fully inflate.
  • To make garlic pita bread, brush the cooked pitas with melted butter mixed with garlic powder and fresh parsley.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://tastethisplate.com/pita-bread-recipe-homemade-soft-fluffy/