Total Time: 15 minutes | Prep: 5 minutes | Cook: 10 minutes
When the clock is ticking toward meltdown o’clock and the “what’s for dinner” question looms, these customizable grilled pita pizzas save the evening without sacrificing flavor or nutrition.
What You’ll Need:
- 4 whole wheat pita breads (regular or pocket-style)
- ½ cup pizza sauce or marinara
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Toppings of choice (see kid-friendly suggestions below)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
Kid-Approved Topping Ideas:
- Pepperoni slices
- Ham cubes
- Pineapple tidbits
- Bell pepper strips
- Cherry tomatoes, halved
- Black olives, sliced
- Cooked chicken pieces
Let’s Make It:
- Brush one side of each pita bread lightly with olive oil.
- Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium heat (or fire up your outdoor grill to medium). Tip: A panini press works wonderfully too if you have one!
- Place pitas oil-side down on the heated surface and cook for about 1-2 minutes until lightly toasted and grill marks appear.
- Flip the pitas and immediately spread each with 2 tablespoons of pizza sauce, leaving a small border around the edge.
- Sprinkle each pita with about ¼ cup of shredded cheese, then add your chosen toppings. Don’t overload – less is more for crispy results!
- Cover the pan with a lid (or close your grill) and cook for another 2-3 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from heat, sprinkle with Italian seasoning if desired, and let cool for 1 minute before cutting into quarters.
Swap It Out:
No pita bread? Use flour tortillas, naan, English muffins, or even thick-cut bread slices.
- Dairy-free? Substitute with dairy-free cheese shreds or skip cheese altogether and add a drizzle of olive oil after cooking.
- No pizza sauce? Use hummus, pesto, barbecue sauce, or even a thin layer of ranch dressing.
- Need protein? Add canned tuna, leftover rotisserie chicken, or beans for an easy boost.
Make-Ahead Magic:
Prep your toppings in advance and store in containers in the fridge for a DIY pizza bar. Kids can build their own pizzas while you handle the cooking part.
Why This Works:
The grilling method gives you crispy edges and perfectly melted cheese in minutes without heating up your kitchen. Each family member gets exactly what they want with minimal effort and cleanup.
The best part? You can supervise homework while these cook!
Have a sanity-saving recipe that’s rescued dinner time in your home? Email it to contact@organizedmomcollective.com with “Recipe Submission” in the subject line, and your brilliant solution might be featured in an upcoming post!
