Zaatar Pita Chips
Golden, crispy pita triangles tossed in olive oil and za’atar spice, baked to perfection. A healthy, fiber-rich, plant-based snack or appetizer that’s ready in just 15 minutes.
Equipment
- 1 Baking sheet, lined with parchment paper
- Kitchen scissors
- Large Mixing Bowl
- Spoon or Tongs (for tossing)
- Oven
Ingredients
- 2 large pita breads white or whole wheat
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons za’atar spice
Instructions
- Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven warms, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. To ensure your pita chips do not stick and come out crisp, lightly spray the parchment with cooking spray or brush a thin layer of olive oil. Set the prepared sheet aside so it’s ready when your pita is coated.
- Cut Pita Bread Into Triangles: Take your pita bread and, using a pair of kitchen scissors, carefully cut each piece into even triangular shapes. Aim for uniform sizes so that all pieces bake at the same rate, ensuring a consistent golden crunch. For visual appeal and even baking, you can cut each pita into 6–8 triangles depending on the size of your bread.
- Drizzle with Olive Oil: Place all the cut pita triangles into a large mixing bowl. Drizzle the olive oil evenly over the pieces. Use a spoon or clean hands to gently toss the pita, making sure each triangle is lightly coated. This step is essential for helping the za’atar spice stick and for creating a crisp, golden texture during baking.
- Season with Zaatar Spice: Sprinkle the za’atar evenly over the oiled pita triangles. Toss again until each piece is generously but evenly coated with the fragrant spice mixture. Take a moment to enjoy the aromatic scent of the za’atar—it adds a delicious, earthy flavor that makes these chips so irresistible.
- Arrange on the Baking Sheet: Spread the seasoned pita triangles in a single, even layer on the prepared baking sheet. Avoid overlapping pieces, as this can prevent them from baking evenly and achieving that perfect crunch. Make sure each triangle has a little space around it so heat circulates properly.
- Bake Until Golden and Crispy: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Bake the pita chips for 10–12 minutes, keeping a close eye on them after the 8-minute mark. They should turn a light golden brown and become crisp to the touch. Ovens vary, so adjust the time slightly if needed to prevent burning. For extra crunch, you can flip the triangles halfway through baking.
- Cool Slightly Before Serving: Once baked, remove the tray from the oven and allow the pita chips to cool for 2–3 minutes. This short resting period helps them firm up and enhances their crunchiness. While still slightly warm, they are perfect for dipping or snacking.
- Serve and Enjoy: Transfer the chips to a serving bowl or platter. Pair with your favorite dips like hummus, baba ganoush, or tzatziki for a flavorful snack. These chips are best enjoyed fresh but can also be stored for later use.
Notes
- Use fresh pita bread for the best texture; slightly stale pita can also work but may require careful baking to avoid burning.
- Cutting the triangles evenly ensures uniform baking, preventing some pieces from becoming overdone while others remain soft.
- Olive oil not only helps the za’atar stick but also promotes a golden, crispy finish. Don’t skip this step.
- Keep a close eye on the chips in the last few minutes of baking, as they can go from golden to burnt very quickly.
- Experiment with za’atar blends from different brands or regions for subtle flavor variations, adjusting the amount to your taste.
