Mozzarella and Feta Pita Grilled Cheese: A Mediterranean Twist on a Classic
Looking to elevate your grilled cheese game? This Mozzarella and Feta Pita Grilled Cheese is the perfect combination of Mediterranean flavors and classic comfort food. With warm, toasty pita pockets stuffed with creamy feta, fresh mozzarella, basil pesto, and sun-dried tomatoes, this sandwich will transport your taste buds to the sunny shores of the Mediterranean. It’s the perfect recipe for a quick lunch, light dinner, or even a savory snack.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flavor Explosion: Each bite bursts with the creamy richness of feta and mozzarella, the fresh herbal notes of pesto, and the tangy sweetness of sun-dried tomatoes.
- Quick & Easy: Ready in just 20 minutes, this is the perfect meal for busy weeknights.
- Healthy Twist: Baby spinach and sun-dried tomatoes add a nutritious boost, while using pita bread instead of traditional sandwich bread adds a delightful texture.
Ingredients
- Extra virgin olive oil
- 3 heaping cups baby spinach
- 4 pita pockets (from 2 pita loaves, cut in half)
- 3 ounces feta cheese (more as needed)
- ¼ to 1/3 cup basil pesto
- 3 to 4 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced into ¼-inch slices (more as needed)
- 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil, drained and chopped
Instructions
1. Sauté the Spinach
Begin by heating 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil in a grill pan over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Add the baby spinach and sauté for a couple of minutes, tossing occasionally, until it wilts down. This step adds freshness and balance to the richness of the cheeses. Once the spinach is ready, remove it from the pan and set it aside. Turn off the heat while you assemble the sandwiches.
2. Assemble the Sandwiches
To prevent the pita pockets from breaking, warm them slightly before filling. Start by spreading a layer of crumbled feta cheese on the bottom of each pita pocket. Follow this with a generous spread of basil pesto for a burst of herbaceous flavor. Add a spoonful of the sautéed spinach, then layer on slices of fresh mozzarella. Finally, sprinkle the chopped sun-dried tomatoes on top.
3. Grill the Pitas
Reheat the grill pan over medium-high heat. Brush both sides of each pita pocket with extra virgin olive oil to ensure a crispy and flavorful exterior. Arrange the pita sandwiches in the hot pan, ensuring that each sandwich makes direct contact with the surface. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes on one side, pressing down gently with a spatula to help the cheese melt and create beautiful char marks. Flip the sandwiches over and repeat on the other side, continuing to press lightly.
If you notice the cheese isn’t melting as quickly as the pita is cooking, briefly cover the pan to trap the heat and ensure the mozzarella melts fully. Adjust the heat as needed to avoid burning while still achieving a perfectly melted, gooey center.
4. Serve and Enjoy!
Once the pitas are golden and the cheese is fully melted, remove them from the pan. Let them cool slightly before serving. You can cut the sandwiches in half for easy eating or serve them whole with a side of fresh salad or soup.
Tips for Success
- Prevent Pita Breakage: Warming the pita slightly before filling helps it become more pliable and less likely to tear when opened.
- Cheese Choices: Feel free to add extra mozzarella or feta for an even cheesier experience. You can also experiment with other cheeses like halloumi or provolone for variety.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: If you prefer a less tangy taste, use roasted red peppers or fresh cherry tomatoes as an alternative to sun-dried tomatoes.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Servings: 4 sandwiches
- Calories: 300 kcal per sandwich
Final Thoughts
This Mozzarella and Feta Pita Grilled Cheese brings together the best of Mediterranean flavors in a quick, satisfying dish. Whether you’re enjoying it for lunch, dinner, or as a snack, this sandwich is packed with bold, fresh ingredients that make every bite delicious. With the perfect blend of cheeses, fresh spinach, and the zing of sun-dried tomatoes, this grilled cheese will quickly become a favorite in your household.
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Mozzarella and Feta Pita Grilled Cheese
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
This Mozzarella and Feta Pita Grilled Cheese is the perfect combination of crispy, cheesy goodness with a Mediterranean twist. Inside warm, toasty pita pockets, you’ll find creamy mozzarella and tangy feta paired with sautéed spinach, vibrant basil pesto, and sweet sun-dried tomatoes. Each bite delivers an explosion of rich flavors and textures.
Ingredients
Extra virgin olive oil
3 heaping cups baby spinach
4 pita pockets (from 2 pita loaves, cut in half)
3 ounces feta cheese (more as needed)
¼ to 1/3 cup basil pesto
3 to 4 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced into ¼-inch slices (more as needed)
1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil, drained and chopped
Instructions
Sauté the Spinach: In a grill pan, heat 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the baby spinach and sauté for a couple of minutes, tossing occasionally, until wilted. Remove from the pan and set aside. Turn off the heat for now.
Assemble the Sandwiches: Warm the pita pockets slightly to prevent them from breaking when opened. Spread feta cheese evenly on the bottom of each pita, followed by a layer of basil pesto. Add a spoonful of the wilted spinach, then top with fresh mozzarella slices and sun-dried tomatoes.
Grill the Pitas: Reheat the grill pan over medium-high heat. Brush both sides of each pita pocket with extra virgin olive oil. Arrange the pita sandwiches in the heated pan so they all make direct contact with the hot surface. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes on one side, pressing gently on the sandwiches with the back of a spatula. Flip them over and cook for another couple of minutes, applying pressure again, until the cheese is melted and the pitas have developed char marks. Adjust the heat as needed to avoid burning while ensuring the cheese is fully melted. You may need to briefly cover the pan to help the mozzarella melt completely.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 300