Learn how to make the best pita bread recipe in the oven or on the stovetop with just 5 simple ingredients. This homemade pita recipe tastes authentic and is soft and puffy with the perfect pocket inside!
Combine the warm water, active dry yeast and sugar in a large bowl. Mix in 1/2 cup flour and let sit for 10 minutes, or until it has puffed up.
Mix in the olive oil and salt. Then stir in the remaining flour. Once it becomes to hard to stir, start to knead with your hands. You may also use an electric mixer with a dough hook. Knead for 3-5 minutes. Form the dough into a ball and lightly cover with oil. Place in a bowl and cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Allow to rise for 1 hour in a warm place, or until doubled in size.
Punch down the dough and divide the dough into eight pieces. Shape each piece into a ball and then cover with a damp paper towel for 10 minutes.
Roll out one piece of dough at a time on a lightly floured surface. Roll or press into an circle about 1/8" thick.
Cooking in oven:
Place a pizza stone or cast iron skillet on the 2nd to bottom rack. Preheat oven to 475°F. Once the oven is hot, add 1-2 rolled out circles onto the pan. Close the oven and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until it has puffed up with large bubbles. Flip and cook an additional minute.
Cooking on stove:
Brush about 1/2 teaspoon oil onto a large cast iron skillet. Heat over medium heat. Place rolled out dough onto the pan once it's hot and allow to cook for 2-3 minutes. Once it has puffed up with large bubbles, flip to the other side and cook an additional minute. Remove to a plate and cover with a towel.
Notes
Texture: Cooking in the oven will result in a more airy crispy pita bread. Cooking on the stove top will result in a thicker chewier texture. Make ahead: You can make dough ahead of time and store in the fridge until ready to use (up to 3 days). I like to let it only rise 15 minutes on counter and then let it rise the rest of the way in the fridge. Make sure to cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap.To store: Best served warm and fresh. Will keep for 1-2 days in an airtight container at room temp. To freeze: Place in a zip top freezer bag with a piece of parchment in between each piece. Store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Simply reheat in a damp towel.