This hearty Mediterranean-inspired bake layers soft pita bread with fresh veggies, herbs, and gooey cheese for a flavorful, satisfying meal. Perfect for a light lunch or dinner, this dish captures the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean in an easy-to-make recipe.
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
- Pita Bread: 2 large, cut into triangles or strips
- Olive Oil: 2 tbsp
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Cherry Tomatoes: 1 cup, halved
- Zucchini: 1 medium, thinly sliced
- Red Onion: 1 small, thinly sliced
- Bell Pepper: 1, diced (red or yellow preferred)
- Kalamata Olives: ½ cup, pitted and sliced
- Feta Cheese: 100 g (3.5 oz), crumbled
- Mozzarella Cheese: 100 g (1 cup), shredded
- Italian Herbs: 1 tsp (or oregano and thyme mix)
- Fresh Basil: 2 tbsp, chopped (for garnish)
- Salt and Black Pepper: To taste
Directions
1. Prepare the Pita Bread
- Preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F).
- Lightly brush pita bread pieces with 1 tbsp olive oil and bake on a parchment-lined baking sheet for 5 minutes, or until slightly crisp. Remove from the oven and set aside.
2. Sauté the Vegetables
- Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- Toss in cherry tomatoes, zucchini, red onion, and bell pepper. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the veggies are tender but not mushy. Season with salt, black pepper, and Italian herbs.
3. Assemble the Bake
- In a baking dish, layer the crisped pita bread as the base.
- Evenly spread the sautéed vegetables over the pita layer.
- Sprinkle sliced Kalamata olives over the veggies.
- Top with crumbled feta cheese and shredded mozzarella.
4. Bake
- Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Turn on the broiler for an additional 1–2 minutes for a golden, crispy cheese topping.
5. Garnish and Serve
- Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes.
- Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a side of Greek salad for a complete Mediterranean meal.
- Pair with a cup of roasted red pepper soup.
- Enjoy with a dollop of tzatziki or hummus for added flavor.
- Serve alongside grilled chicken or fish for a heartier dish.
- Complement with a refreshing glass of iced mint tea or sparkling water.
Cooking Tips
- Use whole-wheat pita for a healthier option.
- Add sun-dried tomatoes or artichoke hearts for extra Mediterranean flair.
- For a vegan version, substitute cheese with dairy-free alternatives.
- Ensure pita bread is slightly crisp before assembling to avoid sogginess.
- Experiment with herbs like rosemary or parsley for a unique twist.
Nutritional Benefits
- Zucchini: Low in calories and high in vitamin C and potassium.
- Tomatoes: Rich in antioxidants like lycopene and vitamin C.
- Feta Cheese: Adds calcium and a distinct tangy flavor.
- Olive Oil: Provides healthy monounsaturated fats.
- Basil: Boosts the dish with vitamins A and K.
Dietary Information
- Vegetarian-Friendly: Perfect for vegetarians.
- Customizable: Can be made gluten-free with gluten-free pita.
- Low-Calorie: Packed with veggies for a balanced meal.
Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 12 g
- Fat: 16 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Sugar: 5 g
Storage
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven at 180°C (350°F) until heated through.
- Freezing: Not recommended as the pita bread may lose texture.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Advertisement
- Bursting with Flavor: Combines the best of Mediterranean ingredients.
- Quick and Easy: Comes together in under 40 minutes.
- Customizable: Adapt to your favorite veggies or dietary needs.
- Family-Friendly: A dish that everyone will love.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Works as a main course, side dish, or party appetizer.
Conclusion
The Mediterranean Veggie Pita Bread Bake is a versatile, wholesome dish that’s both comforting and flavorful. With a balance of crispy pita, fresh vegetables, and melted cheese, it’s a crowd-pleasing recipe perfect for any time of day.
Try this recipe and bring a taste of the Mediterranean to your table!
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use naan bread instead of pita? Yes, naan works well as a substitute.
- What other cheeses can I use? Try goat cheese or ricotta for a creamy alternative.
- Can I add meat? Yes, shredded chicken or lamb gyro slices would pair beautifully.
- Is this dish spicy? No, but you can add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Can I make it ahead? Assemble the bake, cover, and refrigerate; bake before serving.
- What’s a good vegan cheese alternative? Use a cashew-based or soy-based vegan cheese.
- Can I skip the olives? Yes, replace them with capers or leave them out entirely.
- Can I freeze this dish? Freezing is not ideal as the texture of the pita may change.
- What can I serve this with? Pair with a cucumber-yogurt dip or a simple vinaigrette salad.
- How do I keep the pita crispy? Bake the pita until crisp before adding toppings and avoid overloading with wet ingredients.