Grilled Gyro Flatbread Recipe

Name: Grilled Gyro Flatbread
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 23 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: 1 lb pizza dough; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1/3 cup tzatziki sauce; 1/3 cup quesadilla cheese; 1/4 cup garlic & herb seasoned feta cheese; 2 ounces prepared gyro meat, chopped; 1 Roma tomato, sliced; 2 Tablespoons sliced black olives; Fresh dill, optional

Cook Time: 8 minutes

This delicious pizza brings together the best of Mediterranean flavors, with tzatziki sauce, gyro meat, feta, and a perfect crispy grilled crust. It's easy to prepare and packed with flavor ideal for a fun weeknight dinner or casual gathering!

Ingredients (4 servings)

1 pound pizza dough
1 tablespoon olive oil (or as needed)
1/3 cup tzatziki sauce
1/3 cup shredded quesadilla cheese
1/4 cup crumbled garlic & herb seasoned feta cheese
2 ounces prepared gyro meat, chopped
1 roma tomato, sliced
2 tablespoons sliced black olives
2 sprigs fresh dill, torn (optional)

Directions

Step 1: Preheat your gas grill with all burners set to High. Allow it to heat up for 10 to 15 minutes.

Step 2: While the grill is heating, shape the pizza dough into your desired size. Brush one side of the dough lightly with olive oil.

Step 3: Reduce the flame on half of the grill burners to Low, creating two distinct heat zones: one for direct heat and one for indirect heat.

Step 4: Carefully place the pizza dough onto the grill over direct heat, with the olive oil side facing down. Close the lid and let it grill for 1 to 3 minutes, or until the bottom is just barely cooked and you can see char marks.

Step 5: Using tongs, move the dough to the indirect heat zone without flipping it. Grill for an additional 2 to 3 minutes.

Step 6: Transfer the partially cooked dough to a baking sheet. Spread a generous layer of tzatziki sauce over the dough.

Step 7: Add the shredded quesadilla cheese, crumbled feta, chopped gyro meat, tomato slices, and black olives on top of the sauce.

Step 8: Return the pizza to the grill over indirect heat and close the lid. Grill for an additional 3 to 4 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted.

Step 9: Once the cheese has melted, remove the pizza from the grill and top with torn fresh dill. Slice into wedges and serve immediately.

Cook's Note

I like to buy pizza dough from the freezer section at Aldi and divide it in half to make two smaller pizzas. For convenience, I also purchase pre-cooked, ready-to-eat gyro meat from my local Greek shop.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories: 441
Total Fat: 18g (23% Daily Value)
Saturated Fat: 5g (26% Daily Value)
Cholesterol: 30mg (10% Daily Value)
Sodium: 616mg (27% Daily Value)
Total Carbohydrate: 55g (20% Daily Value)
Dietary Fiber: 3g (10% Daily Value)
Total Sugars: 5g
Protein: 15g (30% Daily Value)
Vitamin C: 8mg (9% Daily Value)
Calcium: 149mg (11% Daily Value)
Iron: 4mg (21% Daily Value)
Potassium: 283mg (6% Daily Value)

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

History and Origin:

The Gyro, a staple in Greek cuisine, has its roots in Middle Eastern shawarma, but it became a beloved fast food dish in Greece in the early 20th century. The name "gyro" comes from the Greek word " " (meaning "turn"), referring to the method of cooking the meat on a vertical rotisserie. Over the years, the gyro sandwich evolved into various forms, with flatbreads and pita being the traditional bread used to wrap the savory fillings. The Grilled Gyro Flatbread recipe is a modern twist on this classic, combining the iconic gyro flavors with a deliciously grilled flatbread base for a smoky and flavorful result. It's a perfect dish for those looking to experience authentic Greek flavors in a new way.

Regional Variations:

While the gyro is predominantly a Greek dish, it has spread across the world and is especially popular in countries like Turkey, the United States, and various parts of Europe. In Greece, the gyro is often served with pita or flatbread, tomatoes, onions, and a dollop of tzatziki sauce. Regional variations may include different types of cheese, meats, or toppings. In the United States, gyro shops often serve them with fries or in a wrap, while in Greece, they are typically enjoyed as street food with fresh, local ingredients. The Grilled Gyro Flatbread recipe represents a fusion of traditional Greek ingredients with a modern cooking techniquegrilling the dough to perfection, which imparts a lovely char and smoky flavor to the base.

Differences from Similar Dishes:

At first glance, the Grilled Gyro Flatbread might seem similar to a pizza or a quesadilla, but there are distinct differences. Unlike pizza, which often uses tomato sauce as a base, this flatbread features tzatziki saucea creamy cucumber-yogurt sauce with fresh herbswhich is characteristic of Greek cuisine. Additionally, the use of grilled gyro meat, crumbled feta cheese, and black olives gives it a distinctly Mediterranean flavor, unlike the more common cheese and tomato toppings of a pizza. While quesadillas may also feature cheese and grilled meat, they use a flour tortilla as the base, which is very different from the crispy, slightly smoky flatbread in this recipe.

Where It's Typically Served:

Grilled Gyro Flatbread is a versatile dish that can be served as a quick snack, appetizer, or main course. It is especially popular in Greek restaurants and food trucks that serve street food. The dish is perfect for casual gatherings, BBQs, or even a weeknight dinner when you crave something flavorful but easy to prepare. It can be served with a side of Greek salad or a portion of fries for a complete meal. In Greece, you'll find variations of gyro served on flatbread or pita in casual dining spots, but the grilled version with added cheese and toppings is a modern spin that's gaining popularity worldwide.

Interesting Facts:

The gyro is often confused with the Turkish dner kebab and the Arabic shawarma, but while all three are similar in their method of meat preparation (cooked on a vertical rotisserie), the seasoning and serving style differ.
The classic gyro meat is made of pork or chicken, but in the United States, beef or lamb are common variations due to different dietary preferences.
The tzatziki sauce used in this recipe is a refreshing accompaniment, often made with yogurt, cucumber, garlic, and fresh herbs like dill or mint. It's also a common side dish in many Mediterranean meals.
The Grilled Gyro Flatbread recipe is a great way to enjoy the smoky, grilled flavors of the gyro without needing a vertical rotisserie, making it a more accessible dish for home cooks.

This Grilled Gyro Flatbread recipe is a perfect example of how food evolves and adapts, blending the rich history of Greek cuisine with modern cooking techniques to create a delicious and unique dish. Whether you're hosting a BBQ or just looking for something tasty for dinner, this recipe is sure to impress your guests with its combination of savory flavors and crispy, grilled goodness.

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FAQ about Grilled Gyro Flatbread Recipe

Leftover Grilled Gyro Flatbread can be stored in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in foil or plastic wrap. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place it on a grill or in an oven for a few minutes to bring back its crispiness.

Yes, you can freeze the flatbread. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place it in a freezer bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat on the grill or in the oven.

Yes, using store-bought, pre-cooked gyro meat is a great time-saver. Just make sure to chop it into small pieces before adding it to the flatbread.

If you can't find tzatziki sauce, you can substitute it with a mixture of plain yogurt, chopped cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, and fresh dill for a similar flavor profile.

Yes, if you don’t have a grill, you can use a stovetop griddle or a non-stick skillet to cook the dough. Simply heat the pan over medium-high heat and cook the dough until golden on both sides.

Yes, you can easily make this recipe vegetarian by omitting the gyro meat and replacing it with additional vegetables, such as bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms. You can also add extra feta cheese for a boost of flavor.

The dough should be lightly golden and show char marks on the bottom. If it's slightly firm to the touch but not hard, it's cooked. You’ll want to move it to the indirect heat to finish cooking without over-charring.

Yes, you can prepare the toppings ahead of time. Chop the gyro meat, slice the tomatoes, olives, and any other vegetables you plan to use. Store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble the flatbread.

To add spice, you can drizzle the flatbread with hot sauce or sprinkle red pepper flakes over the toppings before grilling. Additionally, adding a spicy feta cheese or some sliced jalapeños would also increase the heat.