Grilled Pita Pizza Recipe

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients

This recipe was developed at its original yield. Ingredient amounts are automatically adjusted, but cooking times and steps remain unchanged. Note that not all recipes scale perfectly.

• 1/4 red bell pepper
• 1/8 small red onion
• 2 1/4 teaspoons Italian dressing
• 1 (6 1/2-inch) pita bread
• 1/2 teaspoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons pizza sauce
• 1/8 cup sliced mushrooms
• 1/2 teaspoon chopped, drained black olives, or to taste
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Directions

1. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grate.
2. Preheat the oven to 425F (220C).
3. In a bowl, toss the red bell pepper and red onion with Italian dressing.
4. Grill the vegetables for 5 to 8 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are tender but still have a bite. Remove from the grill and allow to cool slightly.
5. Once cooled, slice the bell pepper into thin strips and cut the onion into 3/4-inch pieces.
6. Place the pita bread on the grill. Grill each side for 30 seconds to 2 minutes until grill marks appear.
7. Transfer the grilled pita to a sheet pan. On one side, spread olive oil and pizza sauce evenly.
8. Scatter the grilled peppers, onions, sliced mushrooms, and black olives over the pita. Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese on top.
9. Place the sheet pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 5 minutes, or until the cheese has melted.

Cook's Note

You can saut the vegetables instead of grilling them. Slice the peppers and onions first, then saut in a skillet over medium-high heat for about 2 minutes until tender with a bite.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories	732
Total Fat	16g (21% DV)
Saturated Fat	6g (30% DV)
Cholesterol	28mg (9% DV)
Sodium	1490mg (65% DV)
Total Carbohydrate	118g (43% DV)
Dietary Fiber	7g (24% DV)
Total Sugars	11g
Protein	29g (58% DV)
Vitamin C	200mg (222% DV)
Calcium	498mg (38% DV)
Iron	6mg (34% DV)
Potassium	669mg (14% DV)

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

The Story Behind Grilled Pita Pizza

Grilled Pita Pizza is a modern twist on two culinary staples: traditional pizza and Middle Eastern pita bread. While pizza itself dates back to 18th-century Naples, Italy, the idea of using pita bread as a base emerged as a convenient, quick alternative in home kitchens. The portability and light texture of pita made it an ideal choice for creating single-serving pizzas that can be grilled or baked in minutes, rather than waiting for traditional pizza dough to rise and bake.

Regional Variations and Characteristics

Although Grilled Pita Pizza is often considered an American adaptation, it draws inspiration from Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisines. In the Mediterranean region, pita is traditionally stuffed with vegetables, meats, and cheeses, while in American cuisine, it became a creative canvas for pizza toppings. In some regions, such as the Levant, pita pizzas may be topped with zaatar, labneh, or fresh herbs, emphasizing a lighter, herb-forward flavor compared to the classic cheese-and-tomato combination seen in the U.S.

How It Differs From Similar Dishes

Unlike standard pizza, which uses leavened dough baked in an oven, Grilled Pita Pizza is built on a pre-baked, thin pita bread that crisps quickly on a grill. This gives it a unique textureslightly chewy yet lightly charred. Compared to flatbreads or naan pizzas, pita pizza is smaller, often individual-sized, and requires minimal preparation time. The use of grilled vegetables as toppings also sets it apart from more conventional, sauce-heavy pizzas.

Typical Settings and Occasions

Grilled Pita Pizza is frequently served as a casual lunch, snack, or light dinner. Its single-serving size makes it popular for outdoor grilling, backyard parties, or quick weeknight meals. Cafs and food trucks often feature pita pizzas because they are easy to customize with seasonal vegetables, cheeses, and herbs, catering to individual tastes. They are also a common choice for healthy meal prep, as they balance protein, carbs, and vegetables efficiently.

Interesting Facts

• Pita bread dates back over 4,000 years, making it one of the oldest known forms of bread.
• Grilling the pita before adding toppings enhances its flavor by introducing subtle smoky notes that an oven alone cannot achieve.
• Because pita is thinner than traditional pizza dough, the cooking time is significantly shorter, making this a favorite for quick meals.
• Many modern adaptations include gluten-free pita, making this dish accessible to those with dietary restrictions.
• Some chefs use the grill marks as a decorative feature, enhancing both texture and visual appeal.

Overall, Grilled Pita Pizza represents a fusion of convenience, cultural heritage, and culinary creativity. Its versatility and approachable preparation have made it a favorite for home cooks and casual diners alike, bridging traditional Mediterranean flavors with modern pizza culture.

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