Easy Homemade Pita Bread Recipe (Pão Sírio)

One of the best things about homemade pita bread (pão sírio) is its incredible versatility. It’s perfect for everything from scooping up dips to serving as a base for sandwiches or a tasty side for your favorite main course. Give this simple recipe a try—let’s get baking!

Ingredients for Homemade Pita Bread:

• 3 cups (420g) all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ tsp (5g) active dry yeast
• 1 tsp (5g) granulated sugar
• 1 cup (240ml) warm water
• 1 ¾ tbsp (26ml) extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 tsp (5g) salt

How to Make Homemade Pita Bread:

1. In a large bowl, combine the flour, yeast, and sugar.
2. Mix the dry ingredients well.
3. Add the water, olive oil, and salt.
4. If using a stand mixer with a dough hook, knead for about 8 minutes until the dough is elastic and slightly tacky.
5. If kneading by hand, knead for about 15 minutes.
6. Grease a bowl with a little olive oil, place the dough inside, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rest in a warm, draft-free spot for 40 minutes.
7. Remove the dough to a lightly floured surface, shape it into a circle, and divide it into 8 equal portions (about 80g each).
8. Take each piece, fold the edges toward the center, and roll it into a smooth ball. Ensure the “seam” side is tight and smooth.
9. Place the dough balls on a floured tray, leaving about 1 inch of space between them.
10. Cover with a towel and let rest for another 20 minutes.
11. Flatten a dough ball slightly on a floured surface, flip it, and flatten again to ensure both sides are lightly floured so it won’t stick.
12. Lightly flour your rolling pin.
13. Roll each ball into a circle about 6 to 7 inches in diameter.
14. As you roll them out, place the pita circles on a floured towel and keep them covered so they don’t dry out.
15. Once all are rolled, start baking with the ones that have rested the longest.
16. Place the pita on a preheated non-stick baking sheet (the side that was facing down on the towel should face up).
17. Bake in a preheated oven at 450°F (230°C) for 8 minutes.
18. If you want a bit of color on top, you can bake for 6 minutes at 450°F and then broil for the final 2 minutes.
19. Your fresh pita bread is ready. Enjoy!

Serving Suggestions:

One of the most popular ways to enjoy pita bread is stuffed with your favorite ingredients—think fresh veggies, grilled meats, or cheeses. It’s also the perfect vessel for dips like hummus (check out our classic homemade hummus recipe!) or as a side for stews and saucy dishes.

Did you like this recipe? Share it with your friends! Don’t forget to check out our other delicious bread recipes on the site!