Michael Symon Pita Bread Recipe: Fluffy Homemade Magic!

Michael Symon’s pita bread whispers culinary magic through simple ingredients and soulful technique.

Flour, water, and yeast dance together, creating a symphony of flavors that elevate everyday meals.

Soft, cloudlike rounds emerge from a process both ancient and intimate.

Each fold and knead tells a story of tradition and passion.

Home kitchens transform into warm, fragrant workshops where bread becomes an art form.

Professional chefs and weekend bakers alike find delight in this delectable craft.

Embark on a delicious journey that promises to revolutionize your bread-making experience.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 40 minutes

Cook Time: 3 minutes

Total Time: 43 minutes

Calories: 160 kcal

Servings: 4

Ingredients for Michael Symon’s Pita Bread Recipe

• Active Dry Yeast: Choose fresh, unexpired yeast for guaranteed rising power.
• Sugar: Feeds the yeast and helps activate fermentation process.
• Warm Water: Use precise temperature to wake up yeast without killing it.

• All-Purpose Flour, Bread Flour: Select unbleached, high-quality flour for best texture.
• Salt: Enhances flavor and controls yeast growth.
• Olive Oil: Adds richness and helps create soft, tender pita texture.

• Flour (for dusting): Use fine, white flour to prevent sticking during rolling.
• Non-Stick Skillet or Baking Sheet: Ensures even heat distribution and prevents burning.

Tools to Make Pita Bread from Scratch

• Mixer Bowl: Large, sturdy bowl for combining ingredients and kneading dough.
• Dough Hook: Attachment for mixing and kneading dough smoothly and efficiently.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precise tools for accurate ingredient measurements.
• Clean Kitchen Towel: Soft cover to protect rising dough from drafts.
• Skillet or Baking Sheet: Non-stick surface for cooking pitas evenly.
• Rolling Pin: Essential for creating thin, round pita shapes.
• Wire Rack: Helps pitas cool and maintain crispy texture.
• Airtight Container: Perfect for storing fresh pitas and keeping them soft.

Instructions for Michael Symon’s Pita Bread

• Wake Up the Yeast

Bring your yeast to life by mixing it with warm water and a touch of sugar. Let the mixture sit until it becomes wonderfully frothy and alive, signaling it’s ready to create magic.

• Craft the Dough

Transform your awakened yeast into a silky smooth dough. Combine flour, a pinch of salt, and a drizzle of olive oil. Knead until the texture feels like a soft, responsive pillow that springs back when touched.

• Let the Dough Rest and Rise

Tuck your dough into a cozy, oiled bowl and cover it gently. Find a warm spot in your kitchen where it can relax and expand, doubling in size and developing deep, rich flavors.

• Shape and Prepare Pita Rounds

Gently deflate the risen dough and divide it into equal portions. Roll each piece into a smooth ball, allowing them to rest and become more pliable. On a flour-dusted surface, roll each ball into a thin, circular canvas.

• Cook to Perfection

Heat a skillet or oven to create your pita paradise. For stovetop magic, cook each round until golden spots emerge and it puffs up like a delicate cloud. In the oven, watch as they transform into puffy, warm breads with crisp edges.

• Serve and Enjoy

Let your freshly made pitas cool briefly on a wire rack. Serve them warm, ready to be stuffed with your favorite fillings or enjoyed on their own. Store any leftovers in an airtight container for a few days of continued deliciousness.

Flavor Tips for Michael Symon’s Pita Bread

• Customize Flour Power: Experiment with whole wheat, spelt, or gluten-free flour blends to create unique pita textures and nutritional profiles. Each alternative flour adds distinctive flavor and changes dough consistency.
• Master Temperature Control: Ensure yeast activates perfectly by using a digital thermometer to check water temperature. Lukewarm water between 105-115°F guarantees optimal yeast performance without killing the delicate microorganisms.
• Elevate Flavor Profiles: Enhance basic pita dough by adding herbs like dried oregano, minced garlic, or za'atar spice blend. These aromatic additions transform simple bread into a gourmet experience with minimal extra effort.
• Quick Storage Hack: Wrap cooled pitas in damp paper towels before storing to maintain softness and prevent cracking. When ready to enjoy, briefly microwave for 10-15 seconds to restore fresh-baked warmth and pliability.

Best Ways to Serve Pita Bread

• Pair with Dips: Serve warm pitas alongside creamy hummus, tangy tzatziki, or spicy baba ganoush for a delightful appetizer or snack.
• Create Sandwich Wraps: Fill pitas with grilled chicken, fresh vegetables, and zesty sauces for a quick and satisfying lunch option.
• Build Mediterranean Platters: Arrange pitas with falafel, salad greens, olives, and roasted vegetables for a colorful and nutritious meal spread.
• Toast for Crispy Texture: Lightly grill or toast leftover pitas to create crunchy chips perfect for scooping or topping with various spreads.

Storage Instructions for Pita Bread

• Preserve Freshness: Store cooled pitas in a sealed plastic bag or airtight container at room temperature. They'll stay soft and delicious for 2-3 days, maintaining their delightful texture.
• Freeze with Ease: Separate each pita with parchment paper before placing in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen pitas keep perfectly for up to one month, allowing you to enjoy homemade bread anytime.
• Revive Stored Pitas: Warm refrigerated or frozen pitas in a skillet for 30 seconds per side or wrap in foil and heat in a 350°F oven for 5 minutes. This method restores their original softness and warmth.
• Meal Prep Magic: Prepare a double batch of pitas during weekend cooking. Stack and wrap carefully, then refrigerate or freeze for quick weekday lunches, wraps, or Mediterranean-style meals. Versatility meets convenience in these homemade bread delights.

Rustic Michael Symon Pita Bread Recipe

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4.9 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 43 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Homemade michael symon pita bread combines Mediterranean flavors with simple ingredients. Crisp edges and pillowy centers make this recipe a delightful addition to any meal you’ll savor.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 500–530 g (17–18.5 oz) strong white bread flour or 50% white and 50% whole-wheat flour
• 360 g (12.7 oz) lukewarm water
• 3 tsp dry instant yeast
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp sugar

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Instructions

1. Yeast Activation: Whisk yeast, sugar, and lukewarm water in a stand mixer bowl. Allow the mixture to bloom for 5-10 minutes until foam forms and a robust yeasty fragrance emerges.
2. Dough Formation: Integrate flour and salt into the activated yeast mixture. Employ the dough hook to knead for 6-8 minutes, creating a smooth, slightly tacky dough ball with consistent texture.
3. First Rise: Massage olive oil across the dough’s surface. Transfer to a greased ceramic bowl, drape with a kitchen towel, and let rise in a warm, undisturbed location for 20-25 minutes until volume doubles.
4. Portioning and Resting: Deflate the dough, divide into 6 equal portions using a bench scraper. Shape into rounds and allow to rest for 15 minutes, enabling gluten relaxation.
5. Shaping and Cooking Preparation: Roll each dough portion on a floured surface into 7-8 inch circular discs, maintaining a uniform 1/4 inch thickness. Choose between skillet or oven cooking method.
6. Cooking Technique: For skillet method, heat cast-iron or non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Alternatively, use a pizza stone in a 475°F oven. Cook each pita 2-3 minutes per side, observing golden-brown spots and characteristic bubbling.
7. Finishing and Serving: Immediately wrap freshly cooked pitas in a slightly damp kitchen towel. Rest for 3-5 minutes to preserve moisture and enhance softness before serving.

Notes

• Yeast Activation Secrets: Precise water temperature between 105-115°F ensures perfect yeast activation, creating a frothy texture and rich aroma.
• Dough Consistency Tip: Slightly tacky dough indicates optimal moisture, preventing dry or tough pita bread.
• Resting Technique: Allowing dough balls to rest for 15 minutes relaxes gluten, making rolling and shaping easier and preventing tough texture.
• Moisture Preservation Hack: Wrapping freshly cooked pitas in a damp towel immediately after cooking keeps them soft, pliable, and prevents rapid drying.

• Prep Time: 40 minutes
• Cook Time: 3 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking, Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 160
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 0.5 g
• Saturated Fat: 0.1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0.4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 33 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg