Pita bread is a versatile and popular food item in many kitchens. It can be used for sandwiches, dipping, or as a side dish. However, keeping pita bread fresh can be difficult if you don’t eat it quickly. The good news is that you can freeze pita bread to make it last longer without losing its quality.
Freezing pita bread helps preserve its freshness and ensures you always have some on hand for meals. This guide will show you how to freeze pita bread properly, how to thaw it, and how to keep it tasting great. Say goodbye to wasted bread and hello to always having delicious pita bread ready to eat.
Can You Freeze Pita Bread?
Yes, you can freeze pita bread! Freezing pita bread is a good way to make it last longer and always have some available for meals and snacks. Here’s how to freeze pita bread correctly to keep it fresh and tasty:
Cool Completely
If you made pita bread at home, make sure it is totally cool before putting it in the freezer. Cooling it down stops moisture from building up, which could cause freezer burn and change the texture of the bread.
Wrap Individually
Wrap each pita bread separately in plastic wrap or foil. This will keep them from sticking together and protect them from getting freezer burn.
Use Freezer Bags
Place the pita bread in a reuseable bag. Squeeze out any extra air before closing the bag. This will keep the bread fresh and stop it from getting freezer burn.
Label And Date
When you freeze the pita bread, write the date on the freezer bag. You can keep pita bread in the freezer for about three months. Writing the date will help you remember how long it has been stored.
Why Freeze Pita Bread?
Putting pita bread in the freezer helps keep it fresh for longer and stops it from getting stale or moldy. This is great if you have extra pita bread and can’t eat it all right away. Freezing it means you’ll always have pita bread on hand for meals without needing to go to the store often.
How To Make Fresh Homemade Pita Bread?
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon instant yeast, see notes above
- scant 3/4 cup lukewarm water
- 1 tbls olive oil
Instructions
Mix the dough: In a big bowl, mix the flour, salt, and instant yeast. Pour in the water and oil. Use a spatula to mix until a rough dough forms, it might look dry and not fully mixed. Use your hands to quickly knead the dough in the bowl until it becomes a sticky ball, for about 30 seconds. Put some olive oil on top, cover the bowl with a towel, and put it in a warm spot to rise for 1.5 hours.
Preheat oven to 550ºF with a Baking Steel or stone inside. Cut a piece of parchment paper into 6 small squares that are about 6 inches on each side.
Portion the dough: Place the dough on a floured surface. Shape it into a ball by kneading it quickly. Cut the dough into six equal pieces, each weighing about 73 grams. Shape each piece into a ball with your fingers. Let the dough sit for 30 minutes.
Roll out each ball: Flatten one ball of dough. Use flour as needed to gently roll it out with a rolling pin until it’s a 6-inch circle. Be careful not to press too hard and push out any air pockets. If the dough is difficult to roll out, leave it aside and work on another one first. Place each 6-inch circle on a piece of parchment paper and let them rest for 15 minutes.
Bake the pita: Once the oven is hot, use a pizza peel to slide one pita onto the hot Baking Steel. I usually cook three at a time. Set a timer for 2 minutes. If the pita is slightly browned, it’s ready. Take out the pita, put it in a bowl lined with a tea towel, and cover it with the towel. Do the same with the other pitas.
Keep pita bread in a sealed bag or container at room temperature for 3 days, or freeze it for up to 3 months. Warm it up before eating.
How To Thaw Pita Bread?
There are different ways to thaw your frozen pita bread.
Room Temperature Thawing
Take out the pitas you want from the freezer and leave them out at room temperature for a few hours until they get soft. This way is easy and keeps the bread’s texture nice.
Refrigerator Thawing
Place the pita bread in the refrigerator overnight. This slower thawing process helps retain moisture and freshness, ensuring the pita bread stays soft and pliable.
Quick Thawing
To heat up frozen pitas quickly, first preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Then, put the pitas in the oven for 10-15 minutes until they are warm and soft. You can also use a toaster oven, but be careful not to heat them up too much or they will be too crispy.
Putting pita bread in the freezer helps it last longer and lowers waste. Wrap each piece in plastic or foil, then put them in a bag in the freezer. Write the date on the bag. To thaw, leave the bread at room temperature for a few hours, in the fridge overnight, or in a hot oven for 10-15 minutes. These steps will keep your pita bread fresh for when you want to eat it.
Thanks for reading. I hope you find it helpful.