The term "pita" comes from the Greek language, though various forms of this bread have been known by different names in their local languages, such as khubz in Arabic.

Pita bread has a history spanning almost 4,000 years. It’s a round and typically flat, soft, and chewy yeast-leavened flatbread from the Middle East and Mediterranean. Pita is characterized by an internal pocket created when steam in the dough expands at high temperatures during baking (traditionally on a stone surface), separating the layers.

Made from flour, water, yeast, and salt, it can be used to make stuffed pockets, serve as a dipper for hummus, or cut into chips. It’s the perfect complement to our Mediterranean wraps, bowls, and dips.

While historically it was made on a stone surface, pita can also be prepared by baking in the oven or cooking on a hot, cast-iron skillet or in an air fryer. The key, as mentioned, is assuring you’re using a VERY high temperature.

If you’ve never made your own, you might want to try it. It’s surprisingly easy and so satisfying. Here’s the recipe I use, given to me by my business partner, Chrisann Patch. Her father, a busy farmer, made it almost weekly—that’s how easy making your own pita bread is.

Patch Family Pita Bread

Ingredients:

3-4 cups flour
1 tablespoon yeast
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups VERY WARM water (not quite hot)

Directions:

1. Mix ingredients together in a bread mixer (dough will be heavy).
2. Divide into 10 even pieces.
3. On well-floured surface, roll each piece flat.
4. Let dough rise for 30 minutes.
5. Line baking sheet with parchment paper.
6. Gently turn each pita over and lightly flour them; place on baking sheet.
7. Bake at 500 degrees F for 5 minutes.
8. Store in plastic bags while warm.

While pita is typically used for sandwiches, there are other clever ways to use it. For instance, for breakfast, you can stuff the pockets with scrambled eggs and cheese for a quick and easy breakfast sandwich. For lunch, use it as a base for a healthy salad. And pita also makes a great base for thin-crust pizza. Just split it (or not) and add your favorite toppings to both pieces and bake until crispy.

Recipe formatted with the Cook'n Recipe Software from DVO Enterprises.

When it comes to snacks, pita bread can be turned into the above-mentioned delicious and healthy chips and dippers. Simply cut the pita into wedges, brush with olive oil, and bake in the oven until crispy. Or turn it into a sweet treat by filling it with Nutella and sliced bananas.

Uses for pita bread are limited only to your imagination, so get creative with your pita bread and experiment with different flavors and ingredients!