Garlic Pita Bread with Herbs

Featured in Complementary Creations.

This soft garlic pita is made from scratch using just a handful of everyday ingredients like flour, yeast, and milk. Each golden round is pan-cooked until puffy, then brushed with melted butter, fresh garlic, and chopped parsley so every bite is fragrant and savory. Serve warm with dips or alongside meals. Extra pitas stay tender for days or freeze well for later. To reheat, use your toaster or oven for a fresh-baked taste any time. Try a gluten-free version with your favorite all-purpose gluten-free flour for a delicious alternative.

Barbara Chef
Updated on Thu, 10 Jul 2025 15:53:07 GMT
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A stack of pita bread with herbs on top. | gracefulflavors.com

Few things are more comforting than warm garlic pita bread made fresh at home The aroma of garlic and herbs melting into butter brings everyone to the kitchen and creating these golden rounds is easier than you might think Perfect for pairing with dips soups or simply enjoying on their own this recipe yields soft pillowy pita with an irresistible garlicky topping

My friends could never believe I made these pitas from scratch and after one bite everyone wants the recipe They remind me of cozy weekends when we make a big batch and watch them disappear within minutes

Ingredients

  • All purpose flour: gives the pita its soft chewy texture Look for flour that feels silky and fresh for best results
  • Active dry yeast: creates those beautiful bubbles and lift Make sure the yeast is fresh check the expiration date
  • Salt: enhances all the flavors and balances the garlic
  • Milk: brings richness and makes the dough more tender Use whole milk for the softest pitas
  • Water: brings everything together Use warm not hot water to wake up the yeast
  • Olive oil: adds flavor and keeps the dough supple Choose a good quality extra virgin oil with a grassy aroma
  • Butter: is key for the garlic topping giving richness and shine Unsalted is best so you can control the salt
  • Garlic: infuses the bread with zingy flavor Fresh cloves are a must for maximum punch
  • Fresh parsley: brightens up the topping and adds a pop of color Choose vibrant flat leaf parsley

Step by Step Instructions

Make the Dough:
Combine your flour salt and yeast in a large mixing bowl and whisk until evenly blended
Pour in warm milk and warm water:
then mix until a shaggy mass forms
Knead and Rest:
Add olive oil to the bowl Use your hands to knead and press until all the stray bits come together forming a smooth dough Cover with plastic wrap and a kitchen towel Let the dough rest somewhere warm for one hour until puffy
Shape the Pitas:
Lightly flour your work surface and turn out the dough Press it with your hands to form a flat circle Cut into six equal pieces Roll each piece into a neat ball Keep dough balls covered with a towel as you work to prevent drying
Roll Out the Rounds:
Using a floured rolling pin roll each dough ball into a circle about a quarter inch thick
Pan Cook the Pitas:
Heat a large pan over medium high and brush it lightly with olive oil Place one pita round in the pan When bubbles appear after about thirty seconds flip and cook one to two minutes or until golden brown Flip again to ensure even toasting on both sides
Keep Finished Pita Warm:
Transfer finished pitas to a towel lined plate and cover Repeat for all dough balls
Make the Garlic Herb Butter:
Melt butter in a microwave safe bowl Add minced garlic and freshly chopped parsley Stir until combined then gently brush this fragrant mixture over each warm pita
A stack of pita bread with green herbs on top. Pin it
A stack of pita bread with green herbs on top. | gracefulflavors.com

My favorite thing is brushing on the garlic herb butter while the pita is steaming hot The scent takes me straight back to family gatherings when everyone hovers nearby just waiting for the first warm piece

Storage Tips

Fresh pitas keep best in an airtight bag at room temperature for up to three days To revive them quickly warm a round in a toaster pan or microwave until fluffy again For longer storage freeze cooled pita between parchment layers in a zip bag up to two months Heat from frozen in a single layer at three hundred fifty degrees until soft

Ingredient Substitutions

No dairy in your diet Swap the milk for any plant based version like oat almond or soy oil Use vegan butter or a splash more olive oil in place of regular butter For a gluten free version use a cup for cup gluten free baking flour and note that the texture will be slightly different but still delicious

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 garlic pita bread alongside hummus or baba ganoush as an appetizer It makes a fantastic partner for soups curries or as the base for personal pizzas Stuff with grilled meats and crisp veggies for a homemade gyro style sandwich Or simply enjoy warm as a snack with extra garlic butter for dipping

Cultural Context

Pita bread is a beloved staple in Greek and Mediterranean cuisine prized for its versatility And while store bought versions are common nothing matches the pillowy softness and depth of homemade pitas The addition of fresh garlic and herbs gives a classic recipe a flavorful upgrade rooted in the love of bold simple food

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How do I keep pita bread soft after cooking?

Cover warm pita with a clean kitchen towel to keep in steam and preserve softness until ready to serve.

→ Can I freeze homemade pita bread?

Yes, let the pitas cool fully, layer with parchment between each, and store in a freezer bag for up to 2 months.

→ What is the best way to reheat pita?

Warm in the oven at 350°F or use a toaster for a couple of minutes until heated through and slightly crisped.

→ Is it possible to make this gluten free?

Swap all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend to enjoy homemade pita without gluten.

→ When should I apply the garlic butter topping?

Brush the melted butter, garlic, and parsley over the warm pita right after cooking for best flavor and aroma.

→ Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh parsley?

Yes, substitute 2 teaspoons dried parsley for fresh, though fresh yields the brightest flavor.

Garlic Pita Bread with Herbs

Pillowy pita brushed with buttery garlic and parsley, perfect for snacking or serving alongside meals.

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, warmed
05 1/3 cup water, warmed
06 2 tablespoons olive oil

→ Garlic Herb Butter

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

Instructions

Step 01

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

Step 02

Add the warmed milk and water to the dry mixture, stirring until a shaggy dough forms.

Step 03

Pour in the olive oil, then knead the dough by hand until all flour is incorporated and the dough becomes smooth.

Step 04

Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and drape a kitchen towel on top. Allow the dough to rise at room temperature for 1 hour.

Step 05

Lightly dust a work surface with flour. Place the risen dough on the surface and flatten into a disc. Cut into 6 equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball and keep covered with a towel while working.

Step 06

With a floured rolling pin, roll each dough ball into a 1/4-inch thick circle. Repeat for all dough balls.

Step 07

Heat a large pan over medium-high and brush with olive oil. Place one pita dough round onto the pan. Cook until bubbles appear, about 30 seconds. Flip and cook 1–2 minutes until golden, then flip again to toast the opposite side for another 1–2 minutes. Repeat with remaining dough.

Step 08

Melt butter in a microwave-safe bowl for 30 seconds. Add minced garlic and chopped parsley to the melted butter, stirring well.

Step 09

Brush the warm, cooked pitas evenly with the garlic herb butter. Serve immediately for best flavor.

Notes

  1. For convenient storage, keep cooked pita in an airtight bag at room temperature for up to three days. Warm as needed in a toaster, microwave, or on the stovetop.
  2. To freeze, cool pita completely, separate each with parchment, and store in a freezer bag for up to two months. Reheat directly from frozen in a 350°F (177°C) oven.
  3. To prepare a gluten-free version, substitute the flour with a high-quality gluten-free all-purpose blend.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Plastic wrap
  • Kitchen towel
  • Rolling pin
  • Large nonstick pan
  • Microwave-safe bowl
  • Pastry brush

Allergy Information

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

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 265
  • Total Fat: 12 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 33 g
  • Protein: 6 g