Greek Smashed Pita: A Quick and Delicious Mediterranean Delight

Are you craving a taste of the Mediterranean but short on time? Look no further than the Greek Smashed Pita! This incredibly easy and satisfying recipe takes the humble pita bread and transforms it into a flavor-packed delight. Think crispy, cheesy, herby goodness in every bite. It’s perfect for a quick lunch, a light dinner, an appetizer for gatherings, or even a late-night snack. This recipe is highly customizable, allowing you to use ingredients you already have on hand and tailor it to your personal preferences. Get ready to ditch the boring sandwich and embrace the vibrant flavors of Greece!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

* **Quick & Easy:** This recipe comes together in under 20 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
* **Customizable:** Use your favorite cheeses, vegetables, and herbs to create your own unique flavor combinations.
* **Versatile:** Serve it as a snack, appetizer, light meal, or even a side dish.
* **Budget-Friendly:** Pita bread and most of the ingredients are relatively inexpensive.
* **Delicious!** The combination of crispy pita, melted cheese, and fresh herbs is simply irresistible.

Ingredients You’ll Need

* **Pita Bread:** Use your favorite type of pita bread. Whole wheat or white both work well. Look for pitas that are relatively flat and not too thick, as these will crisp up better.
* **Olive Oil:** Extra virgin olive oil is preferred for its flavor and health benefits.
* **Feta Cheese:** Crumbled feta cheese is the star of the show, providing a salty, tangy flavor.
* **Kalamata Olives:** Pitted and halved Kalamata olives add a briny, salty touch.
* **Cherry Tomatoes:** Halved or quartered cherry tomatoes add a burst of sweetness and acidity.
* **Red Onion:** Thinly sliced red onion provides a sharp, pungent flavor.
* **Fresh Oregano:** Fresh oregano leaves add a fragrant, herbaceous note. Dried oregano can be substituted, but use about half the amount.
* **Fresh Mint:** Fresh mint leaves add a refreshing, cool flavor.
* **Lemon Juice:** A squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens up all the flavors.
* **Garlic:** Minced garlic adds a pungent, aromatic base flavor. Garlic powder may be used in a pinch, but fresh garlic is highly recommended.
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste, to enhance all the flavors.
* **Optional Toppings:** Consider adding other toppings like bell peppers, spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, artichoke hearts, or different types of cheese (mozzarella, halloumi, parmesan).

Equipment You’ll Need

* **Large Skillet or Cast Iron Pan:** A large skillet or cast iron pan is essential for cooking the pita bread.
* **Spatula:** A spatula is needed for flipping the pita bread and pressing down on the toppings.
* **Cutting Board:** For prepping the vegetables and herbs.
* **Knife:** For chopping the vegetables and herbs.
* **Small Bowl:** For mixing the olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make the perfect Greek Smashed Pita:

**Step 1: Prepare the Pita Bread**

* Lightly brush both sides of the pita bread with olive oil. This will help it crisp up nicely in the pan. Be sure to distribute the oil evenly. A pastry brush works well for this.

**Step 2: Make the Garlic-Lemon Oil**

* In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. This flavorful oil will be drizzled over the toppings and add a burst of flavor to the pita. Adjust the amount of lemon juice and garlic to your liking.

**Step 3: Layer the Toppings**

* Place the pita bread in the skillet or cast iron pan over medium heat.
* Sprinkle the pita with crumbled feta cheese, making sure to distribute it evenly. Don’t be shy with the cheese! It’s what makes this dish so delicious.
* Add the halved Kalamata olives, halved or quartered cherry tomatoes, and thinly sliced red onion. Arrange the toppings so they are evenly distributed across the pita bread.
* Drizzle the garlic-lemon oil over the toppings. Be generous with the oil, as it will help the cheese melt and the toppings cook evenly.
* Sprinkle with fresh oregano and fresh mint leaves. The fresh herbs add a wonderful aroma and flavor to the pita.

**Step 4: Smash and Cook**

* Using a spatula, gently press down on the toppings to help them adhere to the pita bread. This will also help the cheese melt more evenly.
* Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the pita bread is golden brown and crispy on the bottom and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep a close eye on the pita to prevent it from burning. Adjust the heat as needed.

**Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!**

* Remove the Greek Smashed Pita from the skillet and place it on a cutting board.
* Let it cool slightly before slicing into wedges or squares. This will make it easier to handle and prevent the toppings from falling off.
* Serve immediately and enjoy! This dish is best enjoyed warm, when the pita is crispy and the cheese is melted.

Tips and Variations

* **Cheese Variations:** Experiment with different types of cheese. Mozzarella cheese will give you a stringier, meltier texture. Halloumi cheese will add a salty, squeaky bite. Parmesan cheese will add a sharp, nutty flavor. A combination of cheeses can also be used.
* **Vegetable Variations:** Add other vegetables such as bell peppers, spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, artichoke hearts, or zucchini. Roasting the vegetables before adding them to the pita can enhance their flavor.
* **Protein Additions:** For a heartier meal, add grilled chicken, shrimp, or lamb. You can also add chickpeas or white beans for a vegetarian protein boost.
* **Spice it Up:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic-lemon oil for a touch of heat.
* **Herb Variations:** Experiment with different herbs such as basil, thyme, or rosemary. Fresh herbs are always preferred, but dried herbs can be used in a pinch.
* **Make it Vegan:** Use vegan feta cheese and omit the feta cheese altogether. Add other toppings such as roasted vegetables, hummus, or tahini to create a delicious vegan smashed pita.
* **Grilling Method:** You can also grill the pita bread instead of cooking it in a skillet. Preheat your grill to medium heat and grill the pita bread for 2-3 minutes per side, or until it is golden brown and crispy. Then, add the toppings and cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
* **Oven Method:** Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the pita bread on a baking sheet and bake for 5-7 minutes, or until it is golden brown and crispy. Then, add the toppings and bake for another 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
* **Leftovers:** Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet or oven until warm and crispy. The pita may not be as crispy as it was when freshly made, but it will still be delicious.

Serving Suggestions

* **Appetizer:** Serve as an appetizer at your next party or gathering. Cut the pita into small squares or wedges for easy serving.
* **Lunch:** Enjoy as a quick and easy lunch. Pair it with a side salad or a cup of soup.
* **Dinner:** Serve as a light dinner. Add a side of grilled chicken or fish for a more substantial meal.
* **Snack:** Enjoy as a late-night snack or a midday treat.
* **With Dips:** Serve with a variety of dips such as hummus, tzatziki, or baba ghanoush.

Nutritional Information (approximate, per serving)

* Calories: 300-400
* Fat: 20-30g
* Saturated Fat: 10-15g
* Cholesterol: 40-60mg
* Sodium: 500-700mg
* Carbohydrates: 20-30g
* Fiber: 2-4g
* Sugar: 5-10g
* Protein: 10-15g

*Note: Nutritional information may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.*

Recipe Card

**Greek Smashed Pita**

A quick and easy Mediterranean-inspired dish that’s perfect for a snack, appetizer, or light meal.

**Prep Time:** 5 minutes
**Cook Time:** 10 minutes
**Total Time:** 15 minutes
**Servings:** 2

**Ingredients:**

* 2 pita breads
* 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
* 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
* 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
* 1/4 cup cherry tomatoes, halved or quartered
* 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
* 1 tablespoon fresh oregano leaves
* 1 tablespoon fresh mint leaves
* 1 tablespoon lemon juice
* 1 clove garlic, minced
* Salt and pepper to taste

**Instructions:**

1. Lightly brush both sides of the pita bread with 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
3. Place the pita bread in a large skillet or cast iron pan over medium heat.
4. Sprinkle the pita with crumbled feta cheese, Kalamata olives, cherry tomatoes, and red onion.
5. Drizzle the garlic-lemon oil over the toppings.
6. Sprinkle with fresh oregano and fresh mint leaves.
7. Using a spatula, gently press down on the toppings to help them adhere to the pita bread.
8. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the pita bread is golden brown and crispy on the bottom and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. Remove from the skillet and let cool slightly before slicing into wedges or squares.
10. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Enjoy!

The Greek Smashed Pita is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s a simple, flavorful, and versatile dish that’s perfect for any occasion. So, gather your ingredients, get cooking, and enjoy a taste of the Mediterranean!