Homemade pita chips are a delightful and versatile snack that you can easily make in your own kitchen. This recipe elevates the classic pita chip experience by allowing you to customize the flavors to your liking. With just a few simple steps, you’ll create thin and crispy pita chips that are far superior in taste and texture to store-bought alternatives. These chips can be a fantastic addition to parties, gatherings, or simply enjoyed as a satisfying snack. The method shared here ensures that each chip is perfectly seasoned and baked to perfection.
SERVES 8
INGREDIENTS:
- 4 (8-inch) pita breads
- ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sea salt or kosher salt
INSTRUCTIONS:
- Adjust Oven and Prep Pitas: Adjust oven racks to upper-middle and lower-middle positions and preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Using kitchen shears, cut around the perimeter of each pita and separate them into 2 thin rounds.
- Brush and Season Pitas: Take one round at a time and generously brush the rough side with olive oil. Sprinkle sea salt or kosher salt over the oiled surface. Stack the rounds on top of each other, with the rough sides facing up, as you proceed.
- Cut and Arrange Wedges: Using a chef’s knife, cut the stacked pita rounds into 8 wedges. Place the wedges, rough side up, in a single layer on 2 rimmed baking sheets.
- Bake Pita Chips: Bake the pita wedges in the preheated oven until they turn golden brown and become crisp, approximately 15 minutes. Rotate and switch the baking sheets halfway through the baking process to ensure even cooking.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the baked pita chips to cool before serving. The homemade pita chips can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days.
TIPS:
- When cutting the pita rounds into wedges, stacking them before cutting not only saves time but also allows the unseasoned sides of the rounds to absorb the seasoned oil from the adjacent rounds, enhancing flavor.
- To achieve the best results, use extra-virgin olive oil for its robust flavor. This choice of oil adds a rich taste to the chips.
- For an even bake, arrange the pita chip wedges in a single layer on baking sheets. This prevents overcrowding, which can lead to uneven cooking.
- While flipping the chips halfway through baking might seem beneficial, it’s unnecessary in this recipe. The chips brown evenly due to contact with the baking sheet.
- Feel free to explore various flavor options by trying the suggested variations provided after the main recipe. Experiment with herbs, spices, and seasonings to create your own signature pita chip flavors.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS:
- Brunch Spread: Serve the pita chips as part of a brunch spread. Pair them with scrambled eggs, smoked salmon, cream cheese, and fresh herbs for a satisfying and elegant morning meal.
- Sweet and Savory Pairings: Don’t limit yourself to just savory flavors. Consider pairing the pita chips with sweet options like yogurt, honey, or fruit preserves for a delightful sweet and savory contrast.
- Kids’ Snack Time: Kids will love the crunchy texture of the pita chips. Serve them with kid-friendly dips like peanut butter, chocolate-hazelnut spread, or yogurt-based dips for a fun and nutritious snack.
Enjoy the delightful crunch and unique flavors of these homemade pita chips – a wonderful snack that’s sure to become a household favorite.
