Pita pocket bread, a staple in Middle Eastern cuisine, is a versatile and delicious flatbread that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Whether you're looking for a quick and easy lunch or a fun and interactive dinner experience, pita pocket bread is the perfect choice. This article offers two delectable recipes for pita pocket bread, each with its own unique flavor and texture. The classic pita pocket bread recipe utilizes a blend of all-purpose flour, water, yeast, sugar, and salt, resulting in a soft and chewy bread that is perfect for sandwiches, wraps, and dipping. For those seeking a healthier alternative, the whole wheat pita pocket bread recipe incorporates whole wheat flour, providing a higher fiber content and a slightly nutty flavor. Both recipes are easily prepared using a bread machine, making them accessible to bakers of all skill levels. With step-by-step instructions and helpful tips, this article will guide you through the process of creating delicious and authentic pita pocket bread in the comfort of your own home.
Here are our top 8 tried and tested recipes!
PITA BREAD FOR BREAD MACHINE
I found this stuffed in my recipe box. I'm not sure where I found it, but I decided to try this with Gyros. These were delicious! The recipe wasn't specific on the temperature of the water, & after I had all of the ingredients in the pan, I remembered that I should have used warm water (120-130 degrees F). But I goofed & used cold water. I thought I'd try it anyways & if it didn't work I'd just make another batch. But I got lucky, because it raised just fine. I also used all-purpose flour. This was my first time making pita bread, so for any of you who are new to making pitas as well, here are some tips for rolling them out. If you roll them out to 6-7 inches, they do not puff very much & you can use them like a tortilla. However, if you roll them a little smaller (some of mine just didn't want to stretch to 6 inches) & have them a little thicker (not too much) they puff up & you can cut them in half for pita pockets. For some wierd reason, this really impressed me! Note: If you use a stone pan to bake these, bake for 4 minutes & do not turn. *Prep time varies for all bread machines, so I didn't list that part. My prep time was 1 hour, 20 minutes.
Provided by Legna
Categories Yeast Breads
Time 24m
Yield 12 pitas, 12 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Add ingredients, in order listed.
- Select dough cycle.
- When cycle is complete, remove dough.
- Divide into 12 equal portions. Shape each portion into a ball.
- Cover with a damp towel and let rest 10 minutes.
- Grease a baking sheet. Set aside.
- On a floured surface, roll each ball of dough into 6-7 inch circles.
- Place 2 circles of dough on prepared pan.
- Bake 450 degrees, 2 minutes. Turn over and bake 2 minutes longer.
- Continue baking 2 at a time.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 147.9, Fat 3.7, SaturatedFat 0.5, Sodium 292.3, Carbohydrate 24.6, Fiber 1.1, Sugar 0.4, Protein 3.6
PITA POCKET BREAD RECIPE: SOFT & PILLOWY
Pita Pocket Bread Recipe: Soft & Pillowy
Provided by Sherri
Categories Breads
Time 1h46m
Yield 6 to 8 Pita Pockets
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Activate yeast by adding yeast, honey, & water (110-115° F) to a stand mixer. Give it a quick stir and let activate for 5 minutes or until bubbly on top.
- To a large bowl add bread flour, whole wheat flour, & sea salt and give it a whisk.
- When the yeast has activated add 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil. Pour in about half of the flour mixture. Assemble hook attachment and turn on low speed.
- Gradually keep adding flour in increments until the dough begins to pull away from the sides of the bowl. You may not need all of the flour.
- Continue to knead the dough for 7-10 minutes until smooth and slightly sticky.
- Remove from the mixer and transfer to a well oiled bowl & a light coat over the dough to keep from sticking. Cover & place in a warm environment and rise for 2 hours or until doubles in size.
- When doubled in size, punch dough down, remove from bowl.
- Lightly flour surface and gently press dough into a rectangular shape. Divide the dough into roughly equal portions with a bench scraper.
- Fold each dough ball under several times until a smooth dough ball is formed.
- Cover dough balls and roll out each dough ball out on a lightly floured surface into an oval shape 6-8 inches in diameter and about 1/8" thick.
- Cover & rest another 30 minutes.
- Preheat a large cast iron skillet on medium heat. Cook individually 1 to 1 1/2 minutes per side or until golden brown & puffy. Flip and repeat process.
PITA POCKET BREAD (BREAD MACHINE)
So easy to make your own pita pockets, and even EASIER to do it in the bread machine! Kids love these for car trips or picnics; can't help but feel adventurous with one of these in the lunch box! NOTE: If you don't have a bread machine, you can STILL make this recipe...see DIRECTIONS at the bottom. COOKING TIME includes rising time
Provided by Debber
Categories Yeast Breads
Time 1h23m
Yield 10 pockets, 10 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Place the above ingredients into the bread machine according to owner's manual specifications (mine does wet ingredients first).
- Program for DOUGH or MANUAL.
- After the program is completed, divide dough into 10 equal pieces; shape each into a smooth ball; place five on each baking sheet.
- Let rise for 20 minutes while oven preheats to 500; flatten puffy balls gently into a 6-inch disk.
- Bake for five minutes (tops will be puffed and beginning to brown).
- Cut each circle in half to form two pockets.
- Fill with your favorite sandwich fixin's: ham, turkey, chicken salad, lettuce, sprouts, cheese and grapes.
- TRADITIONAL BREAD-MAKING: In a mixing bowl, mix water, sugar and yeast; allow to foam for 3-5 minutes; add oil and salt, mixing well; mix white & wholewheat flours together in a separate bowl, then add to liquids, mixing until well-blended. Place dough-ball in a well-greased bowl, allow to rise in a warm spot until doubled in volume. Continue from Step #3 above.
PITA BREAD FOR THE BREADMAKER
I found this at the BHG website. The recipe calls for milk but I made them with water and they turned out fine. I also found that while the cooking time given was 5-7 minutes, it took mine an extra 2 minutes to brown.
Provided by Cilantro in Canada
Categories Yeast Breads
Time 2h45m
Yield 10 pita, 10 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Place the ingredients in your breadmaker as follows: milk, oil, salt, sugar, flour and yeast. Or, follow the recommendations of the manufacturer.
- Select the dough cycle.
- Once the dough is made let it rest for 10 minutes. I let mine rest in the machine.
- Divide dough into 10 balls.On a floured surface, roll each ball to approximately a 6 inch circle.
- Place on a greased cookie sheet(s).
- Brush each with a little oil and cover and let rise for about 30 minutes or until slightly risen.
- Once risen lightly oil the top again.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 450 degrees for approximately 5-7 minutes(mine took an extra 2 minutes).
- The original recipe calls for the pita to be turned half way through baking, but I found this unnecessary.
- Cool on a rack.
- Makes ten pita.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 158.9, Fat 4.2, SaturatedFat 1.1, Cholesterol 4.3, Sodium 190.6, Carbohydrate 25.4, Fiber 1.1, Sugar 0.7, Protein 4.6
PEPPY'S PITA BREAD
It's easy to make homemade pita-style bread in your own oven using this easy-to-follow recipe.
Provided by Sandy
Categories Bread Yeast Bread Recipes Flat Bread Recipes
Time 3h20m
Yield 8
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Place all ingredients in bread pan of your bread machine, select Dough setting and start. When dough has risen long enough, machine will beep.
- Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface. Gently roll and stretch dough into a 12 inch rope. With a sharp knife, divide dough into 8 pieces. Roll each into a smooth ball. With a rolling pin, roll each ball into a 6 to 7 inch circle. Set aside on a lightly floured countertop. cover with a towel. Let pitas rise about 30 minutes until slightly puffy.
- Preheat oven to 500 degrees F (260 degrees C). Place 2 or 3 pitas on a wire cake rack. Place cake rack directly on oven rack. Bake pitas 4 to 5 minutes until puffed and tops begin to brown. Remove from oven and immediately place pitas in a sealed brown paper bag or cover them with a damp kitchen towel until soft. Once pitas a softened, either cut in half or split top edge for half or whole pitas. They can be stored in a plastic bag in the refrigerator for several days or in the freezer for 1 or 2 months.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 191.1 calories, Carbohydrate 36.8 g, Fat 2.2 g, Fiber 1.4 g, Protein 5.1 g, SaturatedFat 0.3 g, Sodium 293 mg, Sugar 0.9 g
MIGNON'S PITA BREAD / POCKET BREAD
Make and share this Mignon's Pita Bread / Pocket Bread recipe from Food.com.
Provided by Hill Family
Categories Yeast Breads
Time 1h37m
Yield 8-10 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 5
Steps:
- In a large bowl throughly mix 2 cups flour, sugar, salt and yeast.
- Gradually add the water and beat for 2 minutes at medium speed.
- Add 1 cup flour and beat on high speed for 2 minutes.
- Stir in enough flour to make soft dough.
- Knead the dough on high for 8 minutes.
- Place in a greased bowl, turn and raise for an hour.
- Punch the dough down and put on a flour covered board and rest for 30 minutes.
- Divide into 8 pieces. Roll each one into a 6 inch circle.
- Bake for 5 minutes in a 450-500°F oven on lowest shelf.
- Broil for 1-2 minutes on the top shelf until desired brown on top.
- Cut them while they are still hot - either into a pocket or in half.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 304.9, Fat 1.1, SaturatedFat 0.2, Sodium 587, Carbohydrate 63, Fiber 3.3, Sugar 1.8, Protein 9.9
TYLER FLORENCE'S PITA BREAD (BREAD MACHINE, DOUGH CYCLE)
I don't know if Tyler Florence would approve of the use of a bread machine to knead his pita bread recipe. I think it works wonderfully. Fresh pita bread is like a loaf of homemade bread. The flavor, texture and fragrance can't be compared with the store bought variety. I think this goes well with Paula Wolfert's Hummus which I also submitted to RecipeZaar. This recipe uses a Pizza Stone but I think you might possibly use a hot cookie sheet with good results. Prep time is bread machine time.
Provided by P.B.andJayne
Categories Breads
Time 2h35m
Yield 8 pitas, 8 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Combine ingredients in a bread machine. Set for a 2 pound dough cycle.
- Toward the end of the dough cycle place the pizza stone on the lowest oven rack and pre-heat it to 500 degrees.
- When the dough is ready punch it down and divide it into 8 balls, keeping it all lightly floured and covered.
- Rest the covered balls for 15 minutes.
- Roll each ball into an eight inch circle, one quarter inch thick, making sure circles are totally smooth, with no creases or seams. Do not stack the disks but keep them covered.
- Put 2 pitas on the hot stone and bake them 4-5 minutes, until they're puffed and a pale golden color. WATCH CLOSELY. They cook really quickly.
- Cool on rack 5 minutes. They will naturally deflate, leaving a pocket.
- Wrap them in a kitchen towel to keep them soft.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 209.7, Fat 1.2, SaturatedFat 0.2, Sodium 293.7, Carbohydrate 42.7, Fiber 1.8, Sugar 0.7, Protein 6.1
CHEF JOHN'S PITA BREAD
Unlike lots of other baked products which are better from a bakery, this is so far superior to the stuff you get at the grocery store, it's not even close. And in addition to being delicious to eat, it's also extremely easy to make!
Provided by Chef John
Categories Bread Yeast Bread Recipes Flat Bread Recipes
Time 3h15m
Yield 8
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Place yeast into the work bowl of a stand mixer and add 1 cup warm water and 1 cup flour. Whisk together and let stand 15 to 20 minutes for mixture to rise and make a loose sponge. Mixture will bubble and foam.
- Pour 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil and salt into sponge; add 1 3/4 cup flour. Mix at low speed, using a dough hook attachment, until dough is soft, supple, and slightly sticky. If dough sticks to the sides of the bowl, add up to 1/4 cup more flour, a little at a time.
- Knead dough with machine on low speed until slightly springy and still soft, 5 to 6 minutes. Turn dough out onto a floured work surface and form into a ball.
- Wipe inside of bowl with 1/4 teaspoon olive oil. Turn dough around in bowl to cover with a thin film of oil; cover bowl with foil and let sit until dough has doubled in size, about 2 hours.
- Remove dough from bowl and place onto a floured work surface. Lightly pat into a flat shape about 1 inch thick. Use a knife to cut dough into 8 pieces.
- Form each piece into a small round ball with a smooth top, pulling dough from the sides and tucking the ends underneath the bottom.
- Cover dough balls with lightly oiled plastic wrap and let rest for 30 minutes.
- Sprinkle a small amount of flour on a work surface and top of a dough ball; gently pat dough ball flat with your fingers, forming a flat, round bread about 1/4 inch thick. Let dough round rest for 5 minutes. Repeat with remaining dough balls.
- Brush a cast-iron skillet with remaining 3/4 teaspoon olive oil and place over medium-high heat. Lay pita bread into hot skillet and cook until bread begins to puff up and bottom has brown spots and blisters, about 3 minutes. Flip, cook 2 more minutes, and flip back onto original side to cook for about 30 more seconds. Pita bread will begin to puff up and fill with hot air. Stack cooked breads on a plate; when cool enough to handle, break breads in half and open the pocket inside for stuffing.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 186.6 calories, Carbohydrate 33.1 g, Fat 3.6 g, Fiber 1.3 g, Protein 4.8 g, SaturatedFat 0.5 g, Sodium 510.9 mg, Sugar 0.1 g
Tips:
- Use high-quality ingredients: Fresh, high-quality ingredients will result in the best-tasting pita bread. Look for high-protein flour, such as bread flour or all-purpose flour, and active dry yeast.
- Proof the yeast: Proofing the yeast before adding it to the dough ensures that it is active and will help the dough rise properly.
- Knead the dough properly: Kneading the dough develops the gluten, which gives the pita bread its chewy texture. Knead the dough for at least 10 minutes, or until it is smooth and elastic.
- Let the dough rise: The dough needs to rise twice before it is ready to be baked. The first rise allows the yeast to ferment and produce gas, which will cause the dough to rise. The second rise allows the dough to relax and become easier to work with.
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to the highest temperature possible before baking the pita bread. This will help the pita bread to puff up and cook evenly.
- Brush the pita bread with water: Brushing the pita bread with water before baking helps to create a crispy crust.
Conclusion:
Pita bread is a delicious and versatile flatbread that can be used in a variety of dishes. It is easy to make at home with a bread machine, and with a little practice, you can make perfect pita bread every time. So next time you are looking for a quick and easy bread to make, give pita bread a try. You won't be disappointed!
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