Looking for a healthy and delicious bread option? Look no further than this recipe for Whole Wheat Pita Bread. Made with wholesome white whole wheat flour and sweetened with honey and light brown sugar, this bread is the perfect addition to any meal. The pita bread is easy to make and comes out soft, fluffy, and slightly chewy - perfect for filling with your favorite sandwich ingredients or serving alongside your favorite dips. With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip up a batch of these homemade pitas that will impress.
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What is Whole Wheat Pita Bread?
Whole wheat pita bread is a flatbread made from whole wheat flour, water, yeast, and other ingredients. It is a healthier alternative to traditional white pita bread, made from whole grains that provide more fiber, vitamins, and minerals. The dough is rolled out into circles and then baked in a hot oven, causing it to puff up and create a pocket that can be filled with various ingredients such as falafel, hummus, vegetables, or meat. Whole wheat pita bread is a versatile and nutritious bread that can be used for sandwiches, as a side dish, or as a snack.
Ingredients
Note: The full ingredients list is provided in the recipe card below.
- White whole wheat flour, spooned, leveled & sifted: This is the main ingredient in the recipe, providing the structure and texture of the bread.
- Kosher salt: Adds flavor to the bread and helps to activate the yeast.
- Light brown sugar: Provides a hint of sweetness and helps activate the yeast.
- Honey: Adds a touch of sweetness and flavor to the bread.
- Instant yeast: This leavening agent causes the bread to rise and become fluffy.
- Warm water: Provides the moisture needed to create the dough.
- Olive oil: Adds richness and flavor to the bread and helps keep it moist and tender.
Tools you'll need
How to Make Whole Wheat Pita Bread
Note: The full instructions are provided in the recipe card below.
Combine all the ingredients in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a dough hook. Mix at the lowest speed until all the flour has been incorporated and the dough gathers into a ball; this should take about 4 to 5 minutes.
Turn the dough of the whole wheat pita bread onto a lightly floured surface and knead until it's smooth and elastic. Transfer the dough to a lightly oiled bowl, turn it over to coat, and cover it with plastic wrap. Allow rise until doubled in size, about 1 ½ hours. Place a large baking sheet or pizza stone on the lower oven rack and preheat the oven to 500 degrees F. Punch the dough down, divide it into 16 pieces, and gather each into a ball, keeping all lightly floured and covered while you work. Allow the dough balls to rest, covered, for 15 minutes to be easier to roll out.
Using a rolling pin, roll each dough ball into a circle about 8 inches in diameter and ¼ inch thick. Ensure the circle is smooth, with no creases or seams in the dough, preventing the pitas from puffing up properly. Cover the disks as you roll them out, but do not stack them up. Put 2 pita rounds at a time on the hot pizza stone and bake for 4 to 5 minutes, or until the bread puffs up like a balloon and is pale golden. *(Watch closely; they bake fast). Remove the bread from the oven and place it on a rack to cool for 5 minutes; it will naturally deflate, leaving a pocket in the center. Wrap the pitas in a large kitchen towel to keep the Whole Wheat Pita Bread soft. Enjoy!
Substitutions
- White whole wheat flour: You could substitute regular whole wheat flour or all-purpose flour, but note that the texture and flavor of the bread may differ slightly.
- Light brown sugar: You could substitute regular granulated sugar or honey, but the flavor may differ slightly.
- Instant yeast: You could substitute active dry yeast, but you must activate it in warm water before adding it to the dough.
- Olive oil: You could substitute another type of oil, such as vegetable or canola, but the flavor may differ slightly.
Variations
- Add herbs and spices: You could add rosemary or thyme or spices like cumin or paprika to the dough for added flavor.
- Stuff with different fillings: Instead of traditional falafel or hummus fillings, try stuffing your pita bread with varying veggies, meats, or spreads.
- Make mini pitas: Roll the dough into smaller circles to make mini pitas perfect for appetizers or snacks.
- Add cheese: Mix grated cheese into the dough for cheesy pita bread.
- Make sweet pitas: Omit the salt and add cinnamon and sugar to the dough for a sweet twist on pita bread. Serve with fruit or yogurt.
- Use different flours: Experiment with different types of flours, such as rye, spelled, or oat flour, to create unique flavors and textures.
How to Serve
Whole Wheat Pita Bread is versatile and can be served in many ways. Traditionally, it is served alongside Mediterranean dishes like falafel or hummus, where it is used to scoop up the dips and fillings. However, it can also be a sandwich bread with fillings such as grilled veggies, chicken, or turkey. To make a pita sandwich, slice the pita bread in half and stuff it with your favorite fillings. Pita bread can also be cut into triangles and toasted in the oven for a crispy snack or served alongside a salad for a healthy and filling meal. The possibilities are endless with this delicious and nutritious bread!
How to Store & Re-Heat
To store: The pita bread at room temperature for up to 3 days; place the cooled pita bread in a paper bag or wrap it in a clean kitchen towel. Ensure the bread is completely cool before storing it to prevent moisture buildup. This method is convenient if you plan to use the bread within a few days and don't want to freeze it.
To reheat: The bread, wrap it in foil and heat it in a 350°F (177°C) oven for 5-10 minutes until warmed. You can also reheat the bread in a toaster oven or on a dry skillet on medium heat for 1-2 minutes per side until warm and slightly crispy. Remember not to overheat the bread, as it can become inflexible and dry.
Make-Ahead
Whole Wheat Pita Bread is a great make-ahead recipe that you can prepare and store until you're ready to use it. For example, you can make the dough, shape it into balls, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Then, when you're ready to bake the bread, remove the dough from the fridge and let it come to room temperature for 30 minutes before rolling it out and baking it. This method allows you to have fresh, homemade pita bread without doing all the work at once.
Alternatively, you can also bake the pita bread in advance and store it later. Once the bread has cooled completely, please place it in an airtight container or zip-top bag and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Then, when you're ready to use the bread, reheat it using one of the methods mentioned earlier. Pre-baked pita bread is a great way to save time when preparing meals, as you can fill the bread with your desired fillings and enjoy!
How to Freeze
To freeze Whole Wheat Pita Bread, wait until it has completely cooled to room temperature. Then, place the pita bread in a freezer-safe bag, remove as much air as possible, and seal tightly. Label the bag with the date to know how long it has been frozen. For best results, freeze the bread as soon as possible after baking it. This will ensure it is as fresh as possible when you thaw it. To thaw the pita bread, remove it from the freezer and let it thaw at room temperature for a few hours or overnight in the refrigerator. Once thawed, you can reheat the bread using one of the earlier methods.
It's important to note that freezing and thawing the bread may cause it to become slightly drier and less fluffy than when it was freshly baked. However, if you store it properly and reheat it carefully, it should still be delicious and satisfying.
Tips for Making The Best Whole Wheat Pita Bread
- Use fresh ingredients: Make sure your flour, yeast, and other ingredients are fresh and not expired, as this can affect the rise and texture of the bread.
- Don't over-knead the dough: Knead the dough until it's smooth and elastic, but be careful not to over-knead it, as this can make the bread challenging.
- Let the dough rise properly: Make sure it has enough time to rise properly, giving the bread its fluffy texture. Make certain the room is warm and draft-free for best results.
- Preheat the oven and baking surface: For the best rise and texture, ensure the oven and baking surface (such as a pizza stone or baking sheet) are preheated to the correct temperature before baking.
- Keep the oven door closed: Resist the urge to peek at the bread while it's baking, as this can cause the temperature to fluctuate and affect the rise of the bread.
- Store the bread properly: Store it in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag to keep it fresh. You can also wrap it in a clean kitchen towel and store it at room temperature for up to 3 days.
FAQ
Can I substitute whole wheat flour with all-purpose flour?
You can substitute all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour, but note that the texture and flavor of the bread may differ slightly.
Can I freeze pita bread?
You can freeze pita bread for up to 3 months. Store it in a freezer-safe bag and remove as much air as possible.
How do I reheat pita bread?
To reheat pita bread, wrap it in foil and heat it in a 350°F (177°C) oven for 5-10 minutes until warmed. You can also reheat the bread in a toaster oven or on a dry skillet on medium heat for 1-2 minutes per side until warm and slightly crispy.
How long does pita bread last?
Pita bread can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it fresh longer, store it in the freezer for up to 3 months.
How do I know when the pita bread is done?
Pita bread is done when it has puffed up and is lightly browned, which usually takes 4-5 minutes in the oven. Keep an eye on it while baking, as it can burn quickly.
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Recipe
Easy Whole Wheat Pita Bread
Ingredients
- 841 g (6 - ½ cups) white whole wheat flour, spooned, leveled & sifted
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 Tablespoon light brown sugar
- 1 Tablespoon honey
- 4 teaspoons instant yeast
- 2- ½ cups warm water
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Combine all the ingredients in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a dough hook. Mix at the lowest speed until all the flour has been incorporated and the dough gathers into a ball; this should take about 4 to 5 minutes.
- Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead until it's smooth and elastic. Transfer the dough to a lightly oiled bowl, turn it over to coat, and cover with plastic wrap. Allow rise until doubled in size, about 1 ½ hours.
- Place a large baking sheet or a large pizza stone on the lower oven rack, and preheat the oven to 500 degrees F.
- Punch the dough down, divide it into 16 pieces, and gather each piece into a ball, keeping all of them lightly floured and covered while you work. Allow the dough balls to rest, covered, for 15 minutes to be easier to roll out.
- Using a rolling pin, roll each dough ball into a circle about 8-inches in diameter and ¼ inch thick. Ensure the circle is smooth, with no creases or seams in the dough, preventing the pitas from puffing up properly. Cover the disks as you roll them out, but do not stack them up.
- Put 2 pita rounds at a time on the hot pizza stone and bake for 4 to 5 minutes, or until the bread puffs up like a balloon and is pale golden. *(Watch closely; they bake fast).
- Remove the bread from the oven and place it on a rack to cool for 5 minutes; they will naturally deflate, leaving a pocket in the center. Wrap the pitas in a large kitchen towel to keep the Whole Wheat Pita Bread soft
- Enjoy
Notes
All nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and is only an estimate. Each recipe and nutritional value will vary depending on the brands you use, measuring methods, and portion sizes per household.