Homemade Oven-Baked Pita Bread

Ingredients:

• 2 ½ teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 cup warm water (about 110°F / 43°C)
• 2 ½–3 cups all-purpose flour (start with 2 ½ and add more if needed)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for softer texture)

Instructions:

Step 1: Activate the yeast

1. In a large bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast.
2. Stir gently and let it sit for 5–10 minutes, until the mixture becomes foamy and bubbly. This means your yeast is alive and ready to work!*

Step 2: Make the dough

1. Add salt and 2 ½ cups of flour to the yeast mixture.
2. Mix with a wooden spoon or dough hook until a sticky dough forms.
3. Gradually add more flour, a little at a time, until the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl and becomes soft and elastic (not sticky).
4. If using olive oil, add it during kneading for extra softness.

Step 3: Knead the dough

1. Transfer the dough to a floured surface.
2. Knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and stretchy.
3. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning it once to coat.
4. Cover with plastic wrap or a damp towel.
5. Let rise in a warm place for 1 to 1 ½ hours, or until doubled in size.

Step 4: Shape the pitas

1. Punch down the dough to release air.
2. Divide it into 8 equal pieces (for medium pitas).
3. Roll each piece into a ball and cover with a towel; let rest for 10 minutes.
4. On a lightly floured surface, roll each ball into a 6-inch circle, about ¼ inch thick.

Keep them even in thickness — this helps them puff up properly!

Step 5: Bake the pitas

1. Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C).
2. Place a baking stone or inverted baking sheet inside while the oven heats.
3. Once hot, place 2–3 pita rounds on the stone or sheet.
4. Bake for 2–3 minutes, until they puff up beautifully and start turning golden.
5. Flip and bake another 1–2 minutes if you like a slightly firmer texture.
6. Repeat with the remaining dough.

Step 6: Cool and store

• Transfer baked pitas to a clean kitchen towel and cover to keep them soft.
• Once cool, store in an airtight bag at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.

Optional Add-ins for Flavor:

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder or onion powder
• 1 teaspoon dried herbs (oregano, thyme, rosemary)
• Sprinkle sesame seeds on top before baking for a Middle Eastern touch

Tips for Perfect Puff:

• Make sure the oven is very hot before baking.
• Don’t roll the dough too thick or too thin.
• Avoid opening the oven door during the first 2 minutes.
• Bake on a preheated surface — it’s key to that signature pocket!

Serving Ideas:

• Slice open and fill with falafel, hummus, grilled chicken, or roasted veggies.
• Use as a mini pizza base.
• Cut into triangles and bake again to make crispy pita chips.
• Dip in tzatziki, baba ganoush, or garlic butter.

Benefits:

• Homemade & preservative-free
• Low in fat and sugar
• Perfect for meal prep
• Freezer-friendly
• Customizable for sweet or savory use