Fluffy Homemade Pita Bread

The Best Homemade Pita Bread

This fluffy homemade pita bread recipe is so delicious and easy to make! What I love best about this homemade pita bread are the seasonings Combining olive oil with simple spices elevates these fluffy pita to superstar status.

What is pita bread?

Pita is a soft and fluffy flatbread with Mediterranean and Middle Eastern origins. It goes well with dips like hummus, tatziki or artichoke dip. I love using soft pita for a wrapped sandwich as well. Many restaurants serve Pita with gyros. Pita is so soft and pliable it is ideal for a handheld wrap lunch!

Inspiration for this seasoned pita bread

This pita bread recipe includes a seasoned oil topper which elevates the flavors. This idea came from Chef Jim Wimborough (formerly of Zut on Fourth in Berkeley) owner of Hazel Restaurant in Occidental, Ca. My husband David was his sous Chef, and has been making theses seasoned pitas for years. I have adapted the recipe to my tastes and preferences. Thanks for the inspiration Chef Jim and Chef David!

Ingredients for this fluffy pita bread recipe

This recipe has very basic pantry ingredients. You may sub gluten free or whole wheat flour with success. Sometimes I like to use half whole wheat and half white flour to keep them fluffy. If using 100 percent whole wheat flour they will be a little denser and drier. This recipe for fluffy homemade pita bread is a favorite with my kids.

FOR PITA

• 1 cup warm water
• ½ cups flour 
• 2 tsp activated dry yeast
• 1 tsp turbinado sugar
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 tsp olive oil

FOR SEASONING

• 1 tbsp smoked paprika
• 3 tbsp olive oil extra virgin
•  tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp italian seasoning

How to make pita bread

The process of making pita bread is shockingly simple! Do not step the proofing step. It is absolutely necessary to allow the yeast to perform it's magic.

• To a large mixing bowl, add warm water, yeast and sugar and stir well, then let sit for 10 minutes to activate 
• Add salt, oil and 2 cups flour and mix with hands until a ball of dough forms..it will feel slightly wet so you can add a little more flour until it comes together and you can knead it a few times. (This is why recipe calls for an extra ½ cup flour for kneading and rolling)
• Cover bowl, put in a warm place and let sit for 2 hours to proof
• Preheat oven to 375 degrees
• Take dough ball and put on lightly floured cutting board or counter and divide in 8 smaller balls. Roll out flat with a floured rolling pin. They will be 6 inch pitas.
• Place pita breads on sheet pan and spoon about 1 tsp of seared oil on each and spread to the edges. Bake in preheated oven for 10-12 mins.

What to eat with Fluffy Homemade Pita Bread

• Creamy Roasted Garlic Hummus