Homemade Soft Pita Bread
Experience the delightful taste of freshly baked pita bread right in your kitchen with this easy recipe. Perfectly soft and fluffy, these pitas are ideal for scooping up hummus, filling with grilled meats, or enjoying with salads. With a simple process that includes minimal ingredients and hands-on time, even beginner bakers can achieve success. The dough rises wonderfully, creating the classic pocket that makes pitas so versatile. Whether you opt for the traditional larger rounds or bite-sized versions, these pitas will impress your family and friends. Enjoy them fresh or freeze for later use!
32
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
warm water
2 cups
sugar
1 teaspoon
dry yeast
1 package (or 1 tablespoon)
all-purpose flour
5 cups
vegetable oil
1/4 cup
salt
2 teaspoons
Instructions
1
In a mixing bowl, combine warm water and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the water and allow it to stand for 10 minutes, or until it is dissolved and creamy.
2
Using an electric mixer with a dough hook, gradually beat in 2 cups of flour, vegetable oil, and salt. Continue to beat for approximately 3 minutes, scraping down the sides of the bowl as necessary until the mixture is smooth.
3
Add enough of the remaining flour, stirring with a wooden spoon, until a stiff dough is formed.
4
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic.
5
Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, turning it to coat all sides with oil. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and allow the dough to rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
6
Once risen, punch down the dough and divide it into 16 to 32 equal pieces, depending on your desired pita size.
7
On a lightly floured surface, roll each piece of dough into rounds, about 7 inches or 4 inches in diameter.
8
Cover the rolled rounds with a clean cloth or plastic wrap and let them rise for 15 minutes, or until they are slightly puffy.
9
Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 500 degrees Fahrenheit (240 degrees Celsius) and place an ungreased baking sheet on the lowest rack.
10
When the oven is hot, use a floured metal spatula to quickly transfer 2 to 3 pita rounds onto the preheated baking sheet.
11
Bake for 3 to 4 minutes, or until the pitas are puffed and lightly golden around the edges. Repeat this process with the remaining rounds.
12
Once baked, let the pita bread cool between damp tea towels to keep them soft. For crispier pitas, allow them to cool on wire racks.
13
Store any leftovers in plastic bags in the freezer for up to 1 month.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary feature of this Homemade Soft Pita Bread recipe?
This recipe produces perfectly soft and fluffy pita bread with the classic pocket, suitable for both beginners and experienced bakers.
How many ingredients are required for this pita bread?
There are 6 main ingredients: warm water, sugar, dry yeast, all-purpose flour, vegetable oil, and salt.
How much flour is needed in total?
The recipe requires a total of 5 cups of all-purpose flour.
What is the recommended yeast preparation step?
Combine 2 cups of warm water with 1 teaspoon of sugar and sprinkle 1 package (or 1 tablespoon) of dry yeast over it, letting it stand for 10 minutes until creamy.
Can I use an electric mixer for the dough?
Yes, it is recommended to use an electric mixer with a dough hook to beat the initial mixture for approximately 3 minutes.
How long should I knead the pita dough?
The dough should be kneaded on a lightly floured surface for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
What is the first rising time for the dough?
The dough needs to rise in a warm, lightly greased bowl for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
How many pita breads does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes approximately 32 servings, depending on how large you divide the pieces.
Into how many pieces should the dough be divided?
Once risen and punched down, divide the dough into 16 to 32 equal pieces based on your desired pita size.
What size should the pita rounds be rolled to?
The dough pieces should be rolled into rounds approximately 4 inches or 7 inches in diameter.
Is there a second rise required after rolling the pitas?
Yes, the rolled rounds should be covered and allowed to rise for an additional 15 minutes until slightly puffy.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 500 degrees Fahrenheit (240 degrees Celsius).
Where should the baking sheet be placed in the oven?
An ungreased baking sheet should be placed on the lowest rack of the oven during preheating.
How long do the pitas need to bake?
They bake very quickly, taking only 3 to 4 minutes or until puffed and lightly golden around the edges.
How do I keep the pita bread soft after baking?
To maintain softness, let the baked pita bread cool between damp tea towels.
What if I prefer my pita bread to be crispier?
If you prefer crispier pitas, allow them to cool on wire racks instead of using damp towels.
Can I freeze homemade pita bread?
Yes, you can store leftovers in plastic bags in the freezer for up to 1 month.
What are some serving suggestions for pita bread?
They are ideal for scooping hummus, filling with grilled meats, or serving alongside fresh salads.
What type of oil is used in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of vegetable oil.
Does this recipe use sugar?
Yes, it uses 1 teaspoon of sugar to help activate the yeast.
What tools are needed to transfer the dough to the oven?
A floured metal spatula is recommended for quickly transferring the rounds onto the preheated baking sheet.
Is this a quick bread or a yeast bread?
It is a yeast bread, as it requires dry yeast and time for the dough to rise.
Can beginners make this recipe successfully?
Yes, the process is simple and designed so that even beginner bakers can achieve success.
What is the texture of the finished pita bread?
The finished pita bread is soft, fluffy, and contains a classic pocket.
How much salt is in the recipe?
The recipe uses 2 teaspoons of salt.
Should the baking sheet be greased?
No, the baking sheet should be ungreased.
How many pita rounds should I bake at one time?
It is recommended to transfer and bake 2 to 3 pita rounds at a time.
What cuisine is this bread typically associated with?
Pita bread is a staple of Middle Eastern cuisine.
What is the purpose of punching down the dough?
Punching down the dough releases air bubbles and prepares it to be divided and shaped.
What temperature should the water be for the yeast?
The water should be warm to properly dissolve and activate the yeast.