Homemade Pita Bread

Ingredients

• 1 package active dry yeast , .25 ounce
• 1 cup warm water , 100 degrees F / 38 degrees C
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1.5 tablespoons olive oil
• 1.75 teaspoons salt
• 1.75 cups all-purpose flour , or as needed
• 1 teaspoon olive oil , divided

Instructions

1. 1

   Gather all ingredients.

2. 2

   Place yeast in the bowl of a stand mixer and add 1 cup warm water and 1 cup flour. Whisk together, then let sit until mixture bubbles and foams, about 15 minutes.

3. 3

   Add 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil and salt into the yeast mixture, followed by 1 1/2 cups flour. Mix at low speed, using a dough hook attachment, until dough is soft, supple, and slightly sticky. Knead dough with machine on low speed until slightly springy and still soft, 5 to 6 minutes. If dough sticks to the sides of the bowl, add up to 1/4 cup more flour, a little at a time.

4. 4

   Turn dough out onto a floured work surface and form into a ball.

5. 5

   Wipe inside of bowl with 1/4 teaspoon olive oil. Turn dough around in bowl to lightly cover with oil; cover bowl with foil and let rise until dough has doubled in size, about 2 hours.

6. 6

   Once dough has doubled, remove from bowl and place onto a lightly floured work surface. Lightly pat into a flat shape about 1-inch thick. Use a knife to cut dough into 8 equal pieces.

7. 7

   Form each piece into a small round ball with a smooth top, pulling dough from the sides and tucking the ends underneath the bottom.

8. 8

   Cover dough balls with lightly oiled plastic wrap and let rest for 30 minutes.

9. 9

   Transfer the dough balls to a lightly floured work surface and sprinkle the tops with flour. One at a time, gently pat the dough with your fingers, forming a flat, round disc about 1/4-inch thick. Let the shaped dough rest for 5 minutes.

10. 10

    Brush a cast iron skillet with remaining 3/4 teaspoon olive oil and place over medium-high heat. Lay one round of dough into the hot skillet; cook for 30 seconds, then flip and cook for 1 to 2 minutes. Flip again and cook the first side for 1 to 2 minutes more, until both sides are golden brown.

11. 11

    Stack cooked breads on a plate; when cool enough to handle, slice breads in half and open the pocket inside for stuffing.