Pita bread is a versatile ingredient in many dishes. You can stuff it with meats, veggies, or dips. It contains fewer calories than many traditional loaves.
Contents
Pita Bread Recipe
Pita bread is a round, leavened flatbread with a signature pocket. It originates from the Middle East, Greece, and the eastern Mediterranean. This soft and chewy bread is baked at high temperatures. This causes the dough to puff up and form a pocket. The pocket remains inside the deflated bread after cooling, making the pita ideal for stuffing with fillings.
The bread is so versatile. You can use it for sandwiches (like gyros or falafel), serve with warm dip (hummus, baba ganoush), and use it as a base for various dishes or as a side.
Here is how to make the pita bread, simple and easy:
Pita Bread
Nutrition
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups (300g) all-purpose flour (or whole wheat flour)
- 1 cup (240ml) warm water (~110°F / 45°C)
- 2 ¼ tsp (7g) active dry yeast (or instant yeast)
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt.
- Add the yeast mixture and olive oil. Mix until dough forms.
- Knead on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth.
- Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour (or until doubled in size).
- Punch down the dough and divide it into 8 equal balls.
- Roll each ball into a 6-inch circle (~¼ inch thick).
- Heat a dry skillet or griddle over medium-high heat.
- Cook each pita for 1-2 minutes per side until puffed and golden.
- Let cool slightly and enjoy with hummus, falafel, or as a sandwich wrap!
Notes
- Substitute half or all the flour with whole wheat for extra fiber.
- Bake at 475°F (245°C) for 5 minutes on a preheated baking stone.
- Store in an airtight bag for up to 3 days or freeze for longer freshness.
SIMILAR RECIPES
How to use
Pita bread is served with many foods across different cuisines. Here are some popular pairings:
- Dips and Spreads
- Use pita to scoop up hummus, tzatziki, baba ghannouj, or whipped feta.
- Pair with bean-based dishes like fulmammes or lentil soup.
- Enjoy with dessert dips like chocolate hummus.
- Sandwiches and Wraps
- Alternative to White Bread: Replace it in dishes like grilled cheese or sloppy joes.
- Falafel Pita: Stuffed with falafel, salad, and tahini sauce.
- Shawarma or Gyros: Filled with spiced meat, vegetables, and sauces like tahini or tzatziki.
- Salad Pita Pockets: Great for Greek salad, Waldorf salad, or roasted sweet potato and chickpea salad.
- Wraps: Use for hot dogs, kofta, or deli meats.
- Main Dishes
- Kabobs and Skewers: Serve alongside grilled chicken souvlaki or other kabob recipes.
- Saucy Dishes: Perfect for scooping up shakshuka, lentil soup, or saucy meatballs.
- Pita Bowls: Shape into edible bowls for salads or rice dishes.
- Pita Tostadas: Fry or bake to create a sturdy base for beans, salsa, meat, or ceviche.
- Snacks and Appetizers
- Pita Pizza: Topped with marinara sauce, cheese, and vegetables.
- Mediterranean Nachos: Crispy pita chips topped with lamb, feta, olives, and hummus.
- Breakfast Options
- Spread with butter, jam, or honey.
- Toasted pita as an alternative to regular toast.
- Desserts
- Ice Cream Sandwiches: Use pita as a mild base.
- Dessert Pitas: Transform into bread pudding or s’mores with chocolate and marshmallows.
Variations
Pita bread has numerous variations, including:
- Typical Types
- Whole Wheat Pita is a healthier option with a nuttier flavor. It’s made by substituting part of the white flour with whole wheat flour.
- Flavored Pitas add ingredients like za’atar, garlic, herbs, or yogurt for unique flavors and textures.
- Alternative Flours use buckwheat, rye, spelt, or einkorn flour for distinct colors and flavors to the pita.
- Regional Variations
- Greek Pita is made softer and fluffier for wraps.
- Middle Eastern Pita is thinner and used for scooping food or as a wrap.
- Egyptian Pita (Baladi Bread) is slightly thicker and often made with whole wheat flour for a rustic texture.
- Innovative Twists
- Incorporate sourdough starter or yogurt for tangy flavors.
- Add nuts, dried fruits, or spices to elevate the bread’s profile.