Skillet Greek Pita Bread (Pocketless)

Soft, pocketless Greek pita bread cooked in a skillet. Perfect for souvlaki, gyros, or scooping up dips.

This homemade Greek pita bread is soft, slightly chewy, and perfect for wrapping souvlaki or gyros. Cooked on a cast-iron skillet, it develops a light golden crust and a tender interior.

The dough is enriched with olive oil and a touch of thyme, giving it a subtle herbaceous flavor. It requires a short rise, then each pita is quickly cooked on the stovetop. Stack them in a towel to keep them soft and pliable.

Ingredients

Servings 8

Converted amounts are rounded.

Method

  1. In a small bowl, combine the sugar, yeast, lukewarm water, and milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy. Stir in the 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and chopped thyme.
  3. Gradually pour the yeast mixture into the flour, stirring until a dough forms.
  4. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 4–5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  5. Brush a clean bowl with olive oil, place the dough inside, and turn it to coat. Cover with a damp kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm spot for 40 minutes to 1 hour, until doubled in size.
  6. Punch down the dough and divide it into 8 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a ball.
  7. On a lightly floured surface, flatten each ball and gently stretch it with your fingers into a round about 7–8 inches in diameter.
  8. Heat a cast-iron skillet over high heat. Add 1 teaspoon of olive oil.
  9. Cook one pita at a time for about 1 minute per side, until it puffs slightly and browns in spots. Add a little more oil after every 1–2 pitas. Stack the cooked pitas in a clean kitchen towel to keep them soft.

💡 Tips

  • For best results, use a cast-iron skillet; it gives even heat and nice browning.
  • If the dough feels too sticky, add a little more flour while kneading, but not too much—it should remain soft.
  • Stacking the pitas in a towel traps steam and keeps them pliable.

Inspired by a recipe from The Greek Foodie

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