Craving some fluffy pita bread, but on a keto diet? No worries! This keto-friendly pita bread recipe is here to save the day. You can enjoy it without blowing up your carb count, and it tastes just as good as the real thing. With only a few basic ingredients and some time in the kitchen, you’ll be biting into your low-carb pita in no time!
Why Keto Pita Bread?
Pita bread has always been a go-to for Mediterranean dishes or a quick snack with some hummus or tzatziki. But traditional pita bread is loaded with carbs—something keto followers need to avoid. That’s where this low-carb version comes in. By swapping out the high-carb wheat flour for alternatives like almond flour, you’ll get a bread that’s soft, chewy, and guilt-free.
What’s Keto?
If you’re new to keto, it’s a high-fat, moderate-protein, and very low-carb diet designed to put your body into ketosis—a state where you burn fat for energy instead of carbohydrates. Traditional bread doesn’t fit into that plan, which is why recipes like this one are essential. This pita bread recipe keeps it low-carb without sacrificing texture or flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s the beauty of keto pita bread: the ingredients are simple and easy to find. If you’ve been keto for a while, you probably already have them in your pantry!
- 1 ½ cups almond flour – Almond flour is our carb-friendly base. It’s lighter and lower in carbs than traditional flour but still gives that soft texture we’re aiming for.
- 2 tbsp coconut flour – Coconut flour helps absorb moisture and makes the dough less dense.
- 1 tsp baking powder – This adds just a bit of lift so your pita isn’t flat and lifeless.
- 2 tbsp psyllium husk powder – This is the secret ingredient for chewy, bread-like texture. It also adds fiber to your diet.
- 1 tsp salt – Because all bread needs a bit of salt to enhance the flavor.
- 2 eggs – Eggs help bind the ingredients together and also provide some lift.
- 1 tbsp olive oil – Olive oil adds flavor and moisture.
- ¼ cup warm water – Helps bind everything together into a workable dough.
Step-by-Step Keto Pita Bread Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Make sure to line a baking sheet with parchment paper to avoid any sticking. Trust me, it makes cleanup easier, too!
Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, stir together the almond flour, coconut flour, psyllium husk powder, baking powder, and salt. It’s important to make sure all the dry ingredients are evenly mixed so you don’t end up with clumps in your pita dough.
Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, olive oil, and warm water together until smooth. The warm water is key here, as it will help activate the psyllium husk, giving the dough that chewy pita texture we’re after.
Step 4: Combine and Form the Dough
Slowly pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and mix until you form a dough. It should be a bit sticky but firm enough to handle. If it feels too dry, add a tiny bit more water, about a teaspoon at a time. Let the dough sit for a few minutes to allow the psyllium husk to absorb the moisture fully.
Step 5: Shape the Pitas
Divide the dough into about 5-6 equal portions (depending on how big or small you want your pita bread). Roll each portion into a ball, then flatten it into a circle about ¼-inch thick.
Pro Tip: Don’t worry if your pita isn’t a perfect circle. Rustic is charming, right?
Step 6: Bake
Place your pita dough rounds on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until they’re lightly golden on top. They should puff up slightly, giving that classic pita pocket.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Once they’re out of the oven, let them cool for about 5 minutes before slicing into them. You’ll notice that they have that signature pocket, perfect for stuffing. Now, you can fill them with your favorite keto-friendly fillings like grilled chicken, veggies, or a dollop of tzatziki.
Tips for Perfect Keto Pita Bread Every Time
- Measure your ingredients accurately. The balance between almond flour and psyllium husk is important for getting that soft texture.
- Don’t skip the psyllium husk! It’s essential for the chewy texture and for holding the dough together. Without it, you’ll end up with crumbly pita bread.
- Rest your dough. Letting the dough sit before baking allows the psyllium husk to fully absorb the moisture, giving you a more workable dough.
- Storing your keto pita bread: These pitas will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 5 days. Just pop them in a toaster or oven to reheat before serving.
- Freeze for later: This pita bread freezes beautifully. Place them in a freezer-safe bag, and when you’re ready to eat, simply thaw them out and reheat in the oven.
Keto Pita Bread vs. Traditional Pita Bread
So, how does this keto pita bread stack up against the classic?
Carbs: That’s the biggest difference. Regular pita bread can have anywhere from 20 to 30 grams of carbs per serving, depending on the size. Our keto version? A whopping 3-5 net carbs per serving, depending on how big you make them.
Texture: While traditional pita bread has a slightly more fluffy texture, this keto version is still surprisingly soft, especially for a gluten-free, low-carb bread. You might notice that the keto version is a bit denser, but the psyllium husk helps create a chewy bite that makes up for it.
Flavor: Almond flour gives the keto pita bread a slightly nuttier flavor compared to the mild wheat flour in traditional pita bread. However, the flavors complement most fillings perfectly, so it’s still very versatile.
Fun Keto Pita Bread Fillings
Now that you’ve made your pita bread, it’s time to think about what to stuff it with. Here are some keto-friendly fillings that’ll keep your taste buds happy and your carb count low:
1. Keto Chicken Gyro
Fill your pita with some grilled chicken seasoned with Greek spices (like oregano, garlic, and lemon). Add some lettuce, cucumbers, tomatoes, and a spoonful of tzatziki sauce for a classic Greek vibe.
2. Egg and Avocado Breakfast Pita
For a quick and filling breakfast, scramble a couple of eggs with cheese and avocado, then stuff it inside your pita bread. It’s a breakfast sandwich, keto-style.
3. Turkey and Cheese Wrap
Use your pita as a wrap by stuffing it with turkey slices, cheddar cheese, lettuce, and mayo. A quick, protein-packed lunch option.
4. Mediterranean Keto Pita
Fill your pita with olives, feta cheese, artichokes, and spinach. Add some grilled chicken for a bit more protein, and you’ve got a flavorful Mediterranean sandwich.
5. Keto Shawarma
Marinate your choice of protein (chicken, beef, or lamb) in shawarma spices and cook it up. Stuff your pita with the meat, some low-carb veggies, and a keto-friendly garlic sauce for an exotic and satisfying meal.
Why Make Your Own Keto Bread?
Sure, there are some low-carb bread options you can buy in stores now, but they often have strange ingredients or preservatives that aren’t always ideal for clean keto. Plus, making your own keto pita bread lets you control exactly what goes into it. No hidden sugars, no funky oils, just wholesome, keto-approved ingredients. It’s cheaper in the long run, too, and you get the bonus of enjoying warm, freshly baked pita bread!
Conclusion
Keto pita bread is a game-changer for anyone following a low-carb diet but missing those fluffy, carby sides. Whether you’re stuffing it full of gyro meat, using it as a wrap, or just eating it plain with a smear of butter, this recipe is here to keep you satisfied without breaking your carb bank.
So grab your almond flour and psyllium husk, and get to baking! With this recipe in your pocket (literally), there’s no reason to feel deprived on keto. Happy baking, and more importantly, happy eating!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make this recipe without almond flour?
If you’re allergic to almonds or simply don’t have almond flour, you can substitute it with sunflower seed flour. It’s a 1:1 swap, but keep in mind the flavor will change slightly.
What can I use instead of psyllium husk?
There’s no great substitute for psyllium husk in this recipe because it’s what gives the bread its chewy, elastic texture. Without it, the dough will likely fall apart and not hold its shape.
How many carbs are in keto pita bread?
This recipe has about 3-5 net carbs per pita, depending on how large you make them and the specific brands of ingredients used.
Can I make this pita bread vegan?
You can try replacing the eggs with a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flax mixed with 3 tbsp water), but the texture might be slightly different. The eggs help with structure, so it’s not a perfect swap.