Garlic Herb Pita Bread Delight

Featured in Complementary Creations.

Fluffy, warm pita is blended with a comforting mix of butter, minced garlic, and fresh parsley for an irresistible pull-apart treat. Made from scratch with simple pantry staples like flour, yeast, and olive oil, each flatbread bubbles up on the stovetop before being generously brushed with fragrant garlic herb butter. Perfect for serving warm alongside dips or main dishes, this Greek-inspired bread is easy to prepare in advance. Enjoy it fresh or store it for later, and try a gluten-free flour swap if you prefer. The irresistible aroma and soft texture make every bite a crowd-pleaser.

Barbara Chef
Updated on Thu, 10 Jul 2025 15:55:05 GMT
A stack of pita bread with herbs on top. Pin it
A stack of pita bread with herbs on top. | gracefulflavors.com

There is something truly satisfying about homemade garlic pita bread wafting buttery garlic aromas through the kitchen It is not only simple to make but tastes so much fresher than anything from the store and finishes soft fluffy and loaded with flavor Perfect for scooping up dips or as a side to your favorite Mediterranean feasts

Whenever I make these pitas the hardest part is waiting for them to cool enough to slather with garlic butter My family hovers around the stove just waiting for the first warm piece

Ingredients

  • All purpose flour: forms the structure and gives pita its tender crumb Use fresh flour for best results
  • Salt: balances flavor and helps control yeast fermentation Opt for fine sea salt if possible
  • Active dry yeast: provides the signature fluffiness Always check the expiration for strong rise
  • Milk: makes the dough rich and tender Slightly warm milk helps activate yeast
  • Water: brings everything together using room temperature or warm for best texture
  • Olive oil: keeps the bread soft and adds a subtle fruity note Go for extra virgin for full flavor
  • Butter: is the key to the irresistible garlic topping Choose high quality real butter for best taste
  • Fresh garlic: infuses every bite with bold zesty flavor Always use fresh pressed cloves never jarred
  • Fresh parsley: adds freshness and vibrant green color Chop just before using for best aroma

Step-by-Step Instructions

Mix the Dry Ingredients:
Start by whisking together the flour salt and yeast in a large mixing bowl Blend thoroughly to ensure even distribution so each pita rises perfectly
Combine Wet Ingredients:
Pour the warm milk and warm water into the bowl with the dry mixture Stir the wet components in until everything forms a rough shaggy mass This is the beginning of the dough coming together
Knead in the Olive Oil:
Add olive oil to the dough then knead deeply with your hands Scoop up stray bits from the sides and keep working until you have a smooth supple dough with no dry spots
Let the Dough Rise:
Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and add a kitchen towel over top Leave it to rest for about an hour in a warm place This step allows the yeast to develop so the bread puffs beautifully
Shape the Dough:
Lightly dust your work surface with flour Lay down your risen dough and press it out gently into a flat circle Use a knife to cut it into six equal pieces
Form Dough Balls:
Take each piece and roll into a smooth ball with your hands You want these to be even so each pita cooks the same Cover all the dough balls under a towel while you roll them out
Roll out the Pitas:
Take one dough ball and dust it with a touch of flour Use a floured rolling pin to roll it into a circle about one quarter inch thick Repeat this with the other five balls keeping them covered so they do not dry out
Cook on the Stove:
Heat a large pan over medium high and add a thin layer of olive oil Place a rolled out pita on the pan and let it cook until bubbles rise up about thirty seconds Flip and continue until both sides are golden and evenly toasted This may take a couple minutes per side
Keep Warm and Repeat:
As you finish each pita keep it wrapped in a kitchen towel to prevent it from drying out Repeat the process until all your dough balls turn into pitas
Make Garlic Butter Topping:
Melt the butter in a microwave safe bowl then stir in the freshly minced garlic and chopped parsley Immediately brush or spread the mixture across each warm pita so it soaks in perfectly
A stack of pita bread with green herbs on top. Pin it
A stack of pita bread with green herbs on top. | gracefulflavors.com

Every time I make these I am reminded of family movie nights spent pulling apart warm pita rounds and dipping them into garlicky hummus My favorite part is always the buttery garlic topping I never skip fresh parsley because of the way it brightens each bite

Storage tips

Once your garlic pita bread is completely cooled store the pitas in an airtight bag or container for up to three days To warm them up just pop in the toaster microwave or reheat briefly on the stove They also freeze exceptionally well Layer with parchment paper between pitas and seal in a ziplock bag to store for two months From frozen you can reheat directly in the oven at three hundred fifty degrees without thawing

Ingredient substitutions

You can substitute traditional all purpose flour with a quality gluten free all purpose blend if needed For even richer flavor use part whole milk yogurt in place of some of the milk For the herbs try fresh dill or cilantro for a different twist If you want a vegan version use plant based butter and a dairy free milk alternative

A stack of pita bread with green herbs on top. Pin it
A stack of pita bread with green herbs on top. | gracefulflavors.com

Serving suggestions

Serve warm and soft with dips like hummus baba ganoush or tzatziki They also shine as a side for soups stews and salads You can use them as a wrap for grilled chicken or veggies For a party snip into wedges and serve with a platter of spreads

Cultural context

Pita is a beloved staple throughout the Mediterranean and Middle Eastern regions It is prized for its versatility and signature puff which allows it to be stuffed with fillings or torn for sharing Garlic pita bread is a modern twist adding flavor inspired by Greek and Turkish traditions My Greek grandmother often brushed bread with herbed olive oil right out of the oven and this recipe always brings me back to those special meals

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How do I keep pita soft after cooking?

Cover freshly cooked pita with a kitchen towel to trap steam and keep it soft until serving.

→ Can I make this pita gluten-free?

Yes, simply replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for similar results.

→ What’s the best way to reheat pita?

Use a toaster, warm skillet, or oven at 350°F for a few minutes until just warmed through.

→ How should I store leftovers?

Keep cooled pita in an airtight bag at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze up to 2 months.

→ Can I add extra herbs or spices?

Yes, try adding extra parsley, chives, or a pinch of chili flakes to the butter for more flavor.

→ Is the bread suitable for dipping?

Absolutely! Its fluffy texture and garlic butter topping pair perfectly with hummus or tzatziki.

Garlic Pita Bread with Herbs

Fluffy pita brushed with garlic butter and fresh parsley, ideal as a flavorful Greek-inspired side.

Prep Time
75 Minutes
Cook Time
15 Minutes
Total Time
90 Minutes
By: Barbara

Category: Perfect Sides

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Greek

Yield: 6 Servings (6 pita breads)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

→ Dough

01 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
02 1 teaspoon salt
03 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
04 1/3 cup milk
05 1/3 cup water
06 2 tablespoons olive oil

→ Topping

07 1/2 cup unsalted butter
08 5 cloves garlic, minced
09 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

Step 01

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, salt, and active dry yeast.

Step 02

Pour in warm milk and warm water. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.

Step 03

Add olive oil to the dough and knead by hand until it becomes smooth and cohesive. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and a kitchen towel, then let rise at room temperature for 1 hour.

Step 04

Lightly dust a clean work surface with flour. Place the dough onto the surface and gently flatten into a circle. Cut into 6 equal pieces, roll each into a ball, and keep covered with a towel.

Step 05

Using a floured rolling pin, roll each dough ball into a circle approximately 1/4 inch thick.

Step 06

Heat a large pan over medium-high and brush with a little olive oil. Place one dough circle in the pan; cook until bubbles form, about 30 seconds. Flip and cook 1–2 minutes until golden on the underside. Flip again and cook for 1–2 minutes more. Transfer to a towel-covered plate. Repeat with remaining dough.

Step 07

Melt butter in a microwave-safe bowl for 30 seconds. Stir in minced garlic and chopped parsley.

Step 08

Brush the melted garlic-parsley butter over each warm pita. Serve immediately and enjoy.

Notes

  1. Store freshly made pita in an airtight bag for up to 3 days at room temperature. Pitas can be reheated in a toaster, microwave, or on the stovetop.
  2. To freeze, let pitas cool completely, separate with parchment paper, and store in a sealed freezer bag for up to 2 months. Reheat directly from frozen in a 175°C oven.
  3. Gluten-free option: Replace all-purpose flour with an equal amount of gluten-free flour blend.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Plastic wrap
  • Kitchen towel
  • Knife
  • Rolling pin
  • Large frying pan
  • Microwave-safe bowl
  • Basting brush

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains wheat (gluten).
  • Contains dairy (milk and butter).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 274
  • Total Fat: 13 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 33 g
  • Protein: 6 g