If you’re looking for a quick and easy homemade bread recipe, this Garlic Pita Bread is perfect! Soft, puffy, and golden-brown with a generous topping of buttery garlic herb goodness, it’s sure to be a hit. Best of all, it comes together in just under 90 minutes, with only a handful of ingredients.
Once the dough rises, it’s time to cook your pita either on the stovetop or in the oven, making it a versatile bread that you can serve with countless meals. The garlic butter topping is the perfect finishing touch, making each bite irresistible.
What You’ll Need to Make Garlic Pita Bread:
- All-purpose flour – You can substitute with gluten-free all-purpose flour for a gluten-free version.
- Salt – I use iodized salt, but any will work.
- Active dry yeast – Ensure it’s fresh and active.
- Milk – Regular milk is used, but water can be substituted for dairy-free or vegan versions.
- Warm water – Activates the yeast and helps bring the dough together.
- Olive oil – Helps bind the dough and adds flavor.
- Butter – For the topping (can be replaced with olive oil or vegan butter).
- Garlic – Fresh, minced garlic provides the signature flavor.
- Fresh parsley – Optional, but adds a fragrant finish (can be substituted with dried herbs).
How to Make Garlic Pita Bread:
- Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and yeast until well-combined. - Add the Wet Ingredients
Pour in the warm milk and water. Stir until you have a shaggy dough. It will be sticky, which is exactly what you want. - Form the Dough
Add the olive oil and knead the dough until it comes together smoothly, making sure all bits of dough are incorporated. - Let the Dough Rest
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap, and place a kitchen towel over the top. Let the dough rise for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size. - Shape the Dough
Dust your surface with flour. Punch down the dough and divide it into 6 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball, then use a floured rolling pin to roll each ball into a 1/4-inch thick circle. - Cook the Pita
You can cook your pita either on the stovetop or in the oven:- Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat with a small drizzle of olive oil. Place the pita dough in the pan, cooking until bubbles form, about 30 seconds. Flip and cook the other side for 1-2 minutes, until golden-brown. Flip once more and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until both sides are toasted.
- Oven: Preheat the oven to 475°F (245°C) and place a baking sheet in the center. Place the rolled-out pitas on the sheet and bake for about 2 minutes, flip, and bake for another 1-2 minutes. For best results, cover the cooked pita with a clean kitchen towel while baking the rest.
- Prepare the Garlic Butter
Melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl, about 30 seconds. Stir in the minced garlic and chopped parsley. - Finish the Pita
Once cooked, immediately spread the garlic butter mixture generously over each warm pita. The aroma will be irresistible!
What to Serve With Garlic Pita Bread:
Garlic pita bread is incredibly versatile and can be served with many dishes. Here are a few suggestions:
- Dinner: Pair it with chicken souvlaki or create a delicious pita-gyro.
- Lunch: Use as a wrap with your favorite protein and add hummus or tzatziki for a fresh twist.
- Snack: Slice into triangles and bake until crisp for homemade pita chips. Serve with your favorite dip like hummus or tzatziki.
Storing and Freezing Instructions:
- Storing: Keep cooked pita in an airtight bag or container for up to 3 days. Reheat by toasting, microwaving, or warming on the stovetop.
- Freezing: After cooling completely, store pitas in a ziplock bag with parchment paper between each pita. Freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C)—there’s no need to thaw.
FAQ’s:
- Can the dough be prepared ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough and refrigerate it after the first rise. Just allow it to come to room temperature before rolling it out. - Can I make this gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour. - Is this recipe vegan?
Yes, just substitute the milk with water and use a vegan butter alternative.
Additional Recipe Ideas You’ll Love:
- Pair this pita with Greek Meatballs for a perfect dinner!
- Learn how to make YiaYia’s Traditional Moussaka for a Greek feast!
- Try these Mini Baked Potatoes for an appetizer that everyone will love!
Prep Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 6 pitasGarlic Pita Bread Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp active dry yeast
- 1/3 cup milk
- 1/3 cup warm water
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup butter
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions:
- Mix the dry ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and yeast. - Add wet ingredients:
Pour in the warm milk and warm water. Stir until the dough forms a shaggy texture. - Form the dough:
Add olive oil and knead the dough until it comes together and is smooth. - Rest the dough:
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap, place a kitchen towel over it, and let the dough rise for 1 hour. - Shape the dough:
On a floured surface, divide the dough into 6 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball and then flatten each into a 1/4-inch thick circle. - Cook the pita:
- Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a small amount of olive oil. Place each pita in the pan, cooking until bubbles form (about 30 seconds). Flip and cook for 1-2 minutes, then flip again for 1-2 more minutes, until golden brown.
- Oven: Preheat oven to 475°F (245°C). Place pitas on a baking sheet and bake for 2 minutes. Flip and bake for another 1-2 minutes.
- Prepare garlic butter:
Melt butter in a microwave-safe bowl for 30 seconds. Stir in minced garlic and chopped parsley. - Finish the pita:
Spread the garlic butter mixture evenly over each cooked pita.
Enjoy your Garlic Pita Bread!