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Tender Homemade Pita Bread Recipe Easy Soft Fluffy Pita Bread at Home

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This tender homemade pita bread recipe yields soft, fluffy pitas with perfect pockets, ideal for sandwiches, dips, or snacks. Easy to make with simple pantry ingredients and quick preparation.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 cups (360 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/4 cups (300 ml) warm water (about 110°F/43°C)
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons (one packet) active dry yeast
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin recommended)

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm water (110°F/43°C) and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast on top and let it sit until foamy, about 5 to 10 minutes.
  2. Mix the dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil. Stir until the dough begins to come together.
  3. Knead the dough: Transfer dough to a lightly floured surface and knead by hand until smooth and elastic, about 8 to 10 minutes. Add flour if too sticky, but sparingly.
  4. First rise: Shape dough into a ball, coat lightly with olive oil, place in a clean bowl, cover with a damp towel or plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm spot until doubled in size, about 1 to 1 1/2 hours.
  5. Divide and shape: Punch down dough, divide into 8 equal pieces (~3 oz each). Roll each into a ball, then flatten with a rolling pin into 1/4-inch thick circles. Cover with a towel to prevent drying.
  6. Second rise: Let the rolled dough rest for 30 minutes to help puffing during baking.
  7. Bake: Preheat oven to 475°F (245°C). Place a pizza stone or baking sheet in oven to heat. Transfer dough rounds onto hot surface and bake 5-7 minutes until pitas puff and have light golden spots.
  8. Cool and store: Remove pitas, cover with a clean towel to keep soft. Serve warm or store in an airtight container once cooled.

Notes

Use a thermometer to ensure water is about 110°F to activate yeast properly. Knead dough well to develop gluten for soft texture. Keep dough thickness uniform for even puffing. Preheat baking surface thoroughly. Do not open oven door during baking to retain steam. Cover pitas after baking to keep soft. Dough can be refrigerated after first rise for up to 24 hours before shaping and baking.

Nutrition

Keywords: pita bread, homemade pita, soft pita, fluffy pita, easy pita bread, Middle Eastern bread, yeast bread, flatbread

Find it online: https://emmaoven.com/tender-homemade-pita-bread-recipe-easy-soft-fluffy-pita-bread-at-home/