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Soft and Fluffy Homemade Pita Bread with Perfect Pockets

Two freshly baked, puffy pita bread rounds cooling on a white towel near a sunlit window.
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Make soft, fluffy pita bread at home that puffs perfectly to create pockets. This easy recipe uses simple ingredients and works well in the oven or on a skillet, making it ideal for wraps or dipping with hummus.

Ingredients

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  • 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
  • 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
  • 1 cup warm water (about 105-115°F)
  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until foamy.
  2. Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
  3. Combine: Pour the yeast mixture and olive oil into the flour mixture. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
  4. Knead: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for 5 to 7 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
  5. First rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a damp towel and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
  6. Divide and rest: Punch down the dough gently. Divide it into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a smooth ball. Cover the balls and let them rest for 15 minutes.
  7. Shape the pitas: On a lightly floured surface, roll each dough ball into a circle about 6 to 7 inches in diameter and about 1/8 inch thick.
  8. Heat the cooking surface: Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) with a baking stone or heavy baking sheet inside, or heat a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat.
  9. Cook the pitas: Place one or two rolled pitas directly onto the hot surface. Cook for 1 to 3 minutes per side. The bread should puff up dramatically, creating the pocket. If using the oven, the puffing happens quickly. If using a skillet, flip when bubbles form, then flip again to encourage the puff.
  10. Keep warm: Transfer the cooked pita bread to a clean kitchen towel and wrap them to keep them warm and soft while you cook the remaining dough.

Notes

  • For the softest texture, wrap the warm pitas immediately in a clean kitchen towel after cooking. The trapped steam keeps them pliable.
  • If your dough does not puff, your oven or skillet was likely not hot enough. High, direct heat is necessary to create the steam that forms the pocket.
  • You can substitute half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a slightly heartier bread.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://kingscook.com/pita-bread-recipe-soft-fluffy-pockets/