Gluten-Free Pita Bread Recipe (Dairy-Free, Vegan)

What is Pita Bread?

With origins in the Middle East and Greece, pita bread is a family of a round, yeast-leavened flatbreads that is usually made from wheat flour.

The most commonly-known type of pita bread is probably the one with an interior pocket (pita pockets), in which ingredients can be tucked into and eaten as a sandwich. However, pita can also come without the pocket (“pocket-less pita”), and can be dipped in sauces or dips, or folded around ingredients to make a wrap.

Is Pita Bread Gluten-Free?

Traditionally, pita bread is made with wheat flour (which contains gluten) and hence is not gluten-free, and not safe for Celiacs or those with gluten allergies or intolerances.

However, today, we’re making a gluten-free and vegan version of this arabic flatbread that you’re going to love!

Why This Recipe Works:

• Simple Ingredients: The ingredients required for this easy gluten-free pita bread recipe are easily accessible at the local grocery store (nothing fancy required!).
• Easy to Make: Preparing the gluten free pita bread dough is a matter of mixing the ingredients together, kneading the dough and letting it rise, before rolling out the dough and cooking!
• Totally Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free & Vegan: The best part is that this gluten-free flatbread recipe is 100% gluten-free, dairy-free and vegan, which means that even those with Celiac disease or gluten or lactose intolerances, or those simply on a vegan diet or gluten-free diet can enjoy them without issues!

Ingredients You’ll Need:

Here’s an overview of the ingredients required for this gluten-free vegan pita bread recipe.

(For exact measurements, please scroll down to the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.)

Recipe Notes + Substitutions

• All Purpose Gluten-Free Flour: I recommend using a good-quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend made up of lighter flours/starches (such as rice flour, tapioca starch, corn starch or potato starch). I do NOT recommend using a gluten-free flour blend made up of heavier flours (such as garbanzo flour) as that will result in a denser texture. Alternatively, you may also use rice flour instead.
• Tapioca Starch: Also known as tapioca flour, this is a gluten-free flour made from the starchy root of the cassava plant. It is often used in gluten-free baking because it helps to give baked goods a chewy texture. Alternatively, if you don’t have tapioca starch, you can substitute it with arrowroot starch (also known as arrowroot flour or arrowroot powder) instead.
• Psyllium Husk Powder: Psyllium husk powder is a fiber supplement made from the seeds of the Plantago ovata plant. It is often used as a binding agent in gluten-free baking, as it helps to give baked goods a more elastic texture. Make sure to add it in so you get flexible pitas. If you only have access to whole psyllium husks, you can grind the whole psyllium husks in a coffee grinder or high-speed blender to get a fine powder.
• Olive Oil: I like using extra virgin olive oil, but you can also use avocado oil, flaxseed oil, melted coconut oil, melted vegan butter, or another vegetable oil (such as sunflower oil or canola oil) instead.
• Yeast: Yeast is used as a leavening agent to help the bread rise, so much sure you add it in. You can either use fresh yeast (a moist, crumbly block of yeast that is typically used in professional bakeries), or active dry yeast (a granular form of yeast that is more commonly used in home baking).
• Cane Sugar: Sugar is used to feed the yeast, which will then produce the gases that make the bread dough rise. I used cane sugar, but you can also use white sugar, light brown sugar or dark brown sugar.
• Warm Water: Make sure to use warm water that is between 105F to 115F (the warmth is required for the yeast to be activated, but if the water is too hot, the high heat will kill the yeast).

How to Make Gluten-Free Pita Bread (Step by Step)

1. Activate Yeast

Combine the yeast, sugar and lukewarm water and stir with a spoon until well-combined. Set it aside for 5 minutes to proof the yeast – if it becomes frothy, the yeast is active and can be used.

2. Whisk Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients (gluten-free all-purpose flour, tapioca flour, psyllium husk powder, and salt).

3. Add Wet Ingredients to Dry Ingredients

Once the yeast mixture is foamy, pour the yeast mixture and olive oil into the bowl with the dry ingredients and stir until everything is evenly combined.

4. Knead Dough

Work the dough with your hands until you get an elastic and smooth dough, then return it to the mixing bowl.

5. Let Dough Rise

Cover the bowl tightly with cling film and move it to a warm, draft-free area. Leave it for 60 minutes or until the dough ball has visibly expanded and risen.

6. Divide Dough Into Equal Portions

Once the gf pita dough has risen, divide it into 5 equal pieces (around 90 grams each) and shape them into balls.

Place the balls on a baking sheet lined with a piece of parchment paper.

7. Roll Out Dough

Dust your rolling pin with gluten-free flour and gently flatten each ball of dough into a circular shape (approximately 1/4-inch thick).

8. Heat Up Skillet and Cook Dough

Heat up a nonstick skillet or cast iron skillet over medium-high heat for a few minutes until it’s hot.

Place one of the rolled-out circles of dough into the hot pan and cook it for about a minute, or until bubbles start to form on the surface.

9. Flip Pita

Flip the pita over and cook it for another minute or two on the other side, until it’s golden brown and slightly puffed up.

10. Repeat Until All Dough is Used

Repeat this process with the remaining circles of dough, making sure to keep the cooked pitas covered with a kitchen towel to keep them warm.

Recipe FAQs:

What to Serve with Pita Bread:

• Creamy Hummus (Gluten-Free, Vegan)
• Baba Ganoush (Gluten-Free, Vegan)

Other Favorite Gluten-Free Bread Recipes:

• Naan Bread (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free)
• Focaccia Bread (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free)
• No-Knead Artisan Bread (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free)
• Soft, Fluffy Potato Bread (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free)
• Brown Rice Bread (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free)
• Gluten-Free White Bread (Dairy-Free)