From Claire Saffitz.
In this episode, Claire Saffitz shows how to make homemade wood-fired pita bread in an outdoor oven. Using a high-hydration dough and intense heat, these pitas puff beautifully, creating a soft interior and lightly charred exterior that’s impossible to replicate in a standard oven.
Claire walks through every step of the process, from mixing a 70% hydration pita dough to shaping, proofing, and baking directly on the hot surface of a wood-fired oven. The result is tender, airy pita bread that’s perfect for wraps, dipping, or serving alongside grilled meats and vegetables.
This recipe uses a blend of whole wheat flour and bread flour, instant yeast, olive oil, and honey for flavor and structure, making it approachable while still delivering bakery-level results at home.
Whether you’re cooking in a pizza oven, wood-fired oven, or adapting the method for high-heat baking, this episode breaks down what makes pita puff and how to achieve that iconic pocket every time.
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#pita #bread #clairesaffitz
Homemade Woodfired Pita
Makes 8
113g whole wheat flour
450g bread flour, plus more for dusting
11g teaspoons kosher salt
1½ teaspoons instant yeast
394g room temperature water (70% hydration)
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for the bowl and dough
1 tablespoon honey
Chapters
00:00 Intro
01:10 Ingredients & Special Equipment
02:38 Make the Dough
09:18 Divide & Pre-Shape
13:05 Roll out the Dough
16:20 Bake
21:26 Serve
22:59 Cat cam
What’s for Dessert by Claire Saffitz is out now: https://geni.us/WjcIbfp
Dessert Person Online: https://www.dessertperson.com/
Claire on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/csaffitz/?h…
Claire Merchandise: https://www.dessertperson.com/buystuff
Penguin Random House Books: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/
Video Series:
Producer/Director: Vincent Cross
Camera Operator: Calvin Robertson
Editor/Motion Graphics: Hal McFall
Animation Credits:
Character Designer/Animator/Backgrounds: Jack Sherry
Character Rigger: Johara Dutton
