This Pita Grilled Cheese Sandwich is a Middle Eastern-inspired twist on the classic grilled cheese that’s nothing short of a cheese lover’s dream come true.

This Pita Grilled Cheese Sandwich is a Middle Eastern-inspired twist on the classic grilled cheese that’s nothing short of a cheese lover’s dream come true. It combines hickory cheddar cheese’s smoky flavor, crumbled feta cheese’s tanginess, and an aromatic za’atar blend, all wrapped in warm buttery pita bread.

Imagine eating buttery pita bread filled with layers of ooey-gooey melted cheese. Take a bite, and your taste buds will instantly be transported to the Middle East’s vibrant and exotic flavors.

The smoky and tangy flavor of the hickory cheddar blended perfectly with crumbled feta cheese will tantalize your senses. On the top of it, the za’atar adds an aromatic and savory twist that will leave you craving more.

Not only does the combination of cheeses and za’atar make this Grilled Cheese Sandwich a flavor bomb, but the grilling method adds a delicious smoky flavor and a nice char to the bread that takes it to the next level. As the sandwich grills in the pan, the buttery pita bread becomes perfectly crispy, while the cheese melts and becomes gooey and decadent.

The melted cheese oozes out from between the crispy and buttery layers of pita bread, making every bite a heavenly experience. This sandwich is so addictive that even kids will beg you to make it every day.

Wondering what is Zaatar?

Adding a spice blend to a Grilled Cheese Sandwich might sound weird, but trust me when I say; it’s truly a game-changer. Za’atar is a Middle Eastern spice blend made from a flavorful combo of dried herbs such as thyme, oregano, marjoram, sesame seeds, sumac, and salt.

Za’atar is often mixed with olive oil and spread on bread or used as a seasoning for meats, vegetables, and dips like hummus. It has a tangy, slightly earthy flavor is known for its distinctive aroma.

Pita Grilled Cheese Sandwich Ingredients

Pita Bread – The base of the sandwich. Slice pita bread in half and grill for a crispy texture.

Cheese – A cheese blend, such as smoked hickory cheddar or muenster, sliced or shredded, will add a rich, smoky flavor to the sandwich.

Feta Cheese – Crumbled feta cheese adds tanginess and a creamy texture to the sandwich.

Za’atar Seasoning – This spice blend is the star of the recipe, with its unique blend of dried herbs, sesame seeds, and sumac providing an aromatic and savory flavor to the sandwich.

Butter – Generously buttering the pita bread and skillet will add richness and help achieve a crispy texture to the sandwich.

How to make Pita Grilled Cheese Sandwich

To prepare a Pita Grilled Cheese Sandwich, slice a pita bread in half and spread butter on one side. Place the buttered side down in a heated skillet and add your preferred cheese (such as smoked hickory cheddar or muenster) while being careful not to go too close to the edges.

Sprinkle za’atar seasoning and crumbled feta cheese on top of the cheese. Apply butter on the other half of the pita bread and place it on top of the sandwich with the buttered side up. Grill until crispy and golden, then flip and continue grilling until the cheese melts. Slice and serve hot to relish the fantastic combination of flavors and textures.

Ingredients:

1 pita bread, sliced in half
2 oz smoked hickory cheddar cheese or muenster cheese, sliced or shredded
1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
1 tsp za’atar spice
Butter, softened

Instructions:

Carefully slice the pita bread in half using a paring knife.
Preheat a skillet over medium heat.
Generously butter one side of a slice of pita bread.
Place the pita bread butter-side-down onto the skillet bottom.
Add the sliced or shredded cheese (hickory cheddar or muenster), ensuring it doesn’t get too close to the edges.
Sprinkle the za’atar spice and crumbled feta cheese on top of the cheese.
Butter the other half of the pita bread on one side.
Place the buttered side up on top of the sandwich.
Grill until lightly browned, flip the sandwich over, and continue grilling until the cheese is melted. Serve hot, and enjoy!

Best cheese for Pita Grilled Cheese Sandwich

When it comes to the best cheese for this grilled cheese sandwich, the versatility of this recipe welcomes a lot of different cheeses you can experiment with adding until you find a perfect one, depending on your personal preferences.

Cheddar Cheese – Cheddar has a sharp, tangy flavor that pairs well with hearty bread.

American Cheese – While it may not be the most gourmet option, American cheese melts very well and creates a gooey, creamy texture you’ll love.

Gouda Cheese – Gouda cheese has a rich, nutty flavor that adds depth to the grilled cheese sandwich.

Brie Cheese – Brie cheese adds a rich buttery flavor and a creamy texture to the sandwich.

Mozzarella Cheese – Mozzarella cheese has a mild flavor and creamy texture.

Recipe Tips:

Don’t Overstuff the Sandwich: This can break the pita bread or cheese will come out during cooking. Keep the ingredients closer to the center of the pita bread to avoid this.

Use A Non-Stick Skillet: To prevent the sandwich from sticking and to achieve a crispy exterior.

Watch The Heat: Cook the sandwich over medium heat to prevent the bread from burning and ensure the cheese melts evenly.

Serve Hot: The Pita Grilled Cheese Sandwich is best enjoyed hot off the skillet, with the cheese still gooey and melted. Serve immediately for the ultimate comfort food experience.

FAQ’s

Can I omit butter from the recipe?

While butter creates a crispy exterior and adds flavor, you can use a non-stick spray or oil instead if preferred.

Can I use other spices besides za’atar?

You can experiment with other spice blends that complement the cheese, such as garlic powder, smoked paprika, or Italian seasoning.

Can I add other ingredients to the sandwich?

Absolutely! Some great additions include sliced tomatoes, fresh herbs like basil or parsley, or thinly sliced onions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is za’atar and where can I buy it?

Za’atar is a Middle Eastern spice blend made from dried thyme, oregano, sesame seeds, sumac, and salt — it has a tangy, earthy, slightly nutty flavor. You can find it at Middle Eastern grocery stores, Whole Foods, or online; in a pinch, dried thyme mixed with sesame seeds and a pinch of sumac makes a decent substitute.

Can I substitute the smoked hickory cheddar in this Pita Grilled Cheese?

Yes — Muenster is already listed as an alternative, and Provolone, Gouda, or Gruyère also melt beautifully and complement the feta and za’atar. American cheese is the ultimate melty option if you want maximum gooeyness.

How do I keep the Pita Grilled Cheese from burning on the outside while the cheese melts inside?

Cook over medium (not high) heat and be patient — pita bread is thinner than regular bread, so lower heat ensures the cheese melts fully before the outside over-browns. Covering the skillet with a lid for 1-2 minutes helps trap steam and speeds up the cheese melting.

Is this Pita Grilled Cheese Sandwich vegetarian?

Yes — all ingredients in this recipe (pita, smoked hickory cheddar or Muenster, feta, za’atar, and butter) are vegetarian. To make it vegan, substitute the cheeses with your favorite plant-based cheese and use vegan butter.