Quick Pita Bread Recipe

While the dough requires some rising time, this pita bread recipe is surprisingly simple and rewarding. Enjoy warm, freshly baked pita bread made right in your own kitchen!

Ingredients:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting

• 1 teaspoon instant yeast

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1 1/4 cups warm water

• 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional)

Instructions:

1. Combine Dry Ingredients:

   • In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, instant yeast, and salt.

2. Add Water and Oil:

   • Add the warm water and olive oil (if using) to the dry ingredients.

   • Mix with a wooden spoon or your hands until a shaggy dough forms.

3. Knead the Dough:

   • Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface.

   • Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic.  

   • If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time.  

4. First Rise:

   • Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl.

   • Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap.

   • Let the dough rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.

5. Divide and Shape:

   • Once risen, punch down the dough to release any air.

   • Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface.

   • Divide the dough into 8-10 equal portions.

   • Shape each portion into a smooth ball.

   • Using a rolling pin, roll each ball into circles, about 6-8 inches in diameter.

6. Second Rise:

   • Place the rolled out pita rounds on a lightly floured surface.

   • Cover them with a clean towel and let them rise for another 20-30 minutes.

7. Bake the Pita:

   • Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven to preheat.

   • Place pita rounds onto a preheated baking sheet, or pizza stone.

   • Bake for 5-7 minutes, or until the pita puffs up and lightly browns.

8. Cool and Serve:

   • Remove the pita bread from the oven and let them cool slightly.

   • Serve warm with your favorite dips, fillings, or alongside a meal.

Tips and Notes:

• For a crispier pita, bake for a few extra minutes.

• You can store leftover pita bread in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days.

• The use of a preheated pizza stone will make the pita bread to puff up the best.

• Don't skip the second rise, it is important for a puffed pita.

Enjoy your homemade pita bread!