Are you ready to elevate your snacking experience to a whole new level by discovering How To Make Easy Baked Pita Chips Like Cava? the secrets to crafting irresistibly delicious baked pita chips that rival those from the beloved CAVA restaurant. With just a handful of ingredients and a pinch of creativity, you can whip up a batch of these crispy, golden treats in no time.
Start by selecting your favorite pita bread, whole wheat, white, or gluten-free, the choice is yours. Then, follow our step-by-step instructions to season and bake these pita rounds to perfection. The result? A wholesome, addictive snack that's perfect for dipping, topping with your favorite hummus, or enjoying on its own. Say goodbye to store-bought chips and hello to the mouthwatering, homemade pita chips you've been craving.
Easy Baked Pita Chips Like Cava
Easy Baked Pita Chips Like Cavaare a delicious and healthy snack that is perfect for dipping in hummus, guacamole, or other dips. They are also a great way to use up leftover pita bread. These homemade pita chips are perfect for snacking or dipping. They're so easy to make and taste just as good as store-bought chips.
Ingredients
- 2-3 rounds of pita bread
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- Optional - 1/2 teaspoon of your favorite dry seasoning (garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, za'atar)
- Optional - 1/2 teaspoon dried herbs (rosemary, thyme, oregano)
- Optional - 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cut each pita round into 8 triangles.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, salt, and any desired seasonings.
- Brush the pita triangles with the oil mixture.
- Arrange the pita triangles in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Pita triangles arranged in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet
- Bake for 6-8 minutes per side, until golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let cool.
Tips
- For extra crispy pita chips, bake for an additional 1-2 minutes per side.
- If you don't have parchment paper, you can use a baking sheet without lining it. However, the pita chips may stick to the pan.
- You can also use flavored olive oil, such as garlic or chili oil.
- Get creative with your seasonings! Try adding za'atar, a blend of Middle Eastern spices, or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Enjoy your delicious snack!
Air Fryer Version - Crispier, Faster, And Just As Delicious
The air fryer version of baked pita chips like Cava offers a crispier, faster, and equally delicious alternative to the traditional oven-baked method. Here's a step-by-step guide to creating these delectable treats:
Ingredients:
- 2-3 rounds of pita bread
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
Instructions:
- Preheat the air fryer - Set your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Cut the pita bread -Cut each pita round into 8 triangles.
- Toss with seasonings -In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, salt, garlic powder, and oregano. Add the pita triangles and toss gently to coat evenly with the seasoning mixture.
- Air fry in batches - Arrange the pita triangles in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding the basket to ensure even crisping. For a large batch, work in smaller installments.
- Air fry for 5-7 minutes -Air fry the pita triangles for 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking.
- Check for crispiness -Remove the pita chips from the air fryer and check for desired crispiness. If they need additional browning, air fry for another minute or two.
- Cool and serve - Allow the pita chips to cool slightly before enjoying them with your favorite dips.
Tips:
- For extra-crispy pita chips, you can increase the air fryer temperature to 375°F (190°C) and reduce the cooking time to 4-6 minutes.
- If your air fryer basket is small, consider air frying the pita chips in two batches to prevent overcrowding and ensure even crisping.
- For a more flavorful twist, try adding additional seasonings like za'atar, a blend of Middle Eastern spices, or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Enjoy your homemade, crispy, and delicious air fryer pita chips like Cava!
Serving Suggestions
Pita chips are a versatile snack or appetizer that can be enjoyed with a variety of dips and spreads. Here are some of the most popular serving suggestions for pita chips like Cava:
- Hummus -Hummus is a classic Middle Eastern dip made from mashed chickpeas, tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic. It is a creamy and flavorful dip that pairs perfectly with pita chips.
- Muhammara -Muhammara is a roasted red pepper dip that is popular in the Middle East and North Africa. It is made with roasted red peppers, walnuts, pomegranate molasses, and spices. Muhammara has a smoky and sweet flavor that is perfect for pita chips.
- Baba ghanoush -Baba ghanoush is a smoky eggplant dip that is popular in the Middle East and North Africa. It is made with roasted eggplant, tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic. Baba ghanoush has a creamy and flavorful texture that pairs perfectly with pita chips.
- Tzatziki -Tzatziki is a refreshing yogurt dip that is popular in Greece. It is made with yogurt, cucumbers, garlic, dill, and olive oil. Tzatziki has a cool and refreshing flavor that is perfect for pita chips.
- Guacamole - Guacamole is a Mexican dip made with mashed avocados, lime juice, onions, cilantro, and spices. It is a creamy and flavorful dip that pairs perfectly with pita chips.
- Tomato and feta cheese -This is a simple but delicious way to enjoy pita chips. Simply slice some fresh tomatoes and feta cheese, and sprinkle them on top of the pita chips.
- Olives and olive oil -This is another simple but tasty way to enjoy pita chips. Simply drizzle some olive oil over the pita chips, and then add some olives.
What Kind Of Pita Does Cava Use?
CAVA uses a sprouted grain pita bread that is made exclusively for them by Brooklyn-based Damascus Bakery. The pita is made with a mix of sprouted grains, including lentils, wheat berries, and 7 more wholesome grains. This makes the pita more nutritious and flavorful than traditional pita bread.
CAVA's sprouted grain pita bread is also free of artificial preservatives, making it a healthier option for customers. The pita is perfect for using as a base for CAVA's dips, spreads, and other toppings. It is also a great option for using as a side dish or for making sandwiches.
How To Store Pita Chips?
Proper storage is essential to maintain the freshness and crispness of pita chips, whether homemade or store-bought. Here are some tips on how to store pita chips:
- Cool completely -Before storing, ensure the pita chips are completely cooled to room temperature. This helps prevent moisture condensation and the formation of mold.
- Airtight container -Transfer the cooled pita chips to an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. This helps prevent them from absorbing moisture from the environment and becoming stale or soggy.
- Dry environment -Store the pita chips in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, heat sources, or areas with high humidity. These conditions can contribute to the chips losing their crispness and becoming stale.
- Avoid overcrowding -If storing pita chips in a container, avoid overcrowding them. Overcrowding can cause the chips to break and lose their shape.
- Room temperature -Store the pita chips at room temperature for up to 7 days. For extended freshness, consider storing them in the freezer.
- Freezing - If freezing pita chips, wrap them tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen pita chips can last for up to 3 months.
- Reheating - When ready to enjoy, reheat the pita chips in a preheated oven or toaster oven until they are warmed through and crispy. Avoid using a microwave, as it can make the chips soft and chewy.
Can Diabetics Eat Baked Pita Chips?
Yes, diabetics can eat baked pita chips in moderation as part of a healthy eating plan. Pita bread is a moderate-carbohydrate food, which means it can be included in a diabetic diet as long as it is consumed in appropriate portions.
Here are some tips for diabetics who want to enjoy baked pita chips:
- Choose whole-wheat pita bread -Whole-wheat pita bread is a higher-fiber option than white pita bread, which can help to regulate blood sugar levels.
- Limit portion sizes -A serving of pita bread is typically two 3-inch triangles. Diabetics should limit their intake to one or two servings per day.
- Pair with protein and fiber -When eating pita chips, it is important to pair them with a source of protein and fiber, such as hummus, vegetables, or Greek yogurt. This will help to slow down the absorption of carbohydrates into the bloodstream.
- Monitor blood sugar levels -Diabetics should monitor their blood sugar levels closely after eating pita chips to make sure they are not experiencing any spikes.
What Is Pita Chips Made Of?
Pita chips are made from pita bread, which is a type of flatbread that is popular in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine. Pita bread is typically made from a combination of flour, water, yeast, and salt. The dough is then fermented and baked in a hot oven until it is puffy and slightly charred.
To make pita chips, the pita bread is cut into triangles and then baked or fried until it is crisp. Pita chips are often seasoned with salt, olive oil, and other herbs and spices.
Here is a more detailed breakdown of the ingredients in pita chips:
- Flour -The most common type of flour used to make pita bread is wheat flour. However, pita bread can also be made from other types of flour, such as whole-wheat flour, spelt flour, or rice flour.
- Water -Water is essential for the development of gluten in the dough, which gives pita bread its characteristic texture.
- Yeast -Yeast is a type of fungus that helps the dough to rise.
- Salt - Salt is added to pita bread for flavor and to help the dough to ferment.
- Olive oil -Olive oil is often added to pita chips to give them flavor and to help them crisp up.
- Herbs and spices - Pita chips can be seasoned with a variety of herbs and spices, such as salt, garlic powder, oregano, and za'atar.
Pita chips are a good source of carbohydrates and fiber. They are also a good source of iron, magnesium, and potassium. However, pita chips are also high in calories and sodium.
Here is a nutritional breakdown of pita chips:
- Calories -130 calories per ounce
- Fat -5 grams per ounce
- Saturated fat -1 gram per ounce
- Carbohydrates - 21 grams per ounce
- Fiber -2 grams per ounce
- Sugar -1 gram per ounce
- Protein -3 grams per ounce
- Sodium -240 milligrams per ounce
See Also: How To Cook Sausage Links In The Oven
FAQ's About How To Make Easy Baked Pita Chips Like Cava
Are Baked Pita Chips Healthy?
Because they're baked instead of fried, pita chips are a step above potato chips, but they still aren't ideal for a healthy snack. Most pita chips are primarily made of enriched flour and contain very little nutrients to stave off hunger for long. If you like a little crunch for your snack, try kale chips.
What Makes Pita Chips Different?
Pita chips are made from pita bread that has been cut into triangles and then baked or fried. For this reason, pita bread is typically lower in fat and calories, plus more versatile. It can be enjoyed as a sandwich substitute or used in place of bread in just about any dish, from wraps to mini pizzas and beyond.
What Is A Good Substitute For Pita Chips?
You can use whole grain crackers like Triscuit Thins or Mary's Gone Crackers (btw one of the few whole grain gluten-free crackers on the market), but again, keep an eye on portions to keep calories in check. Or save even more calories by using veggies for dipping.
Can I Use Naan Instead Of Pita?
Naan can be used in place of pita bread for many dishes, adding a unique twist to traditional recipes. For example, instead of using a pita to make a gyro or falafel sandwich, you can use naan to create a delicious fusion dish.
Conclusion
In conclusion, making easy baked pita chips like CAVA is a simple yet rewarding culinary adventure that anyone can embark upon. These chips, with their unmatched crunch and versatility, will quickly become a staple in your snacking repertoire. By following the straightforward steps and adding your personal touch, you can tailor the seasoning to your taste and dietary preferences.
So, whether you're hosting a gathering, seeking a wholesome snack, or simply craving that CAVA-like experience, making your own baked pita chips is the way to go. Embrace the deliciousness and creativity of this recipe, and you'll not only impress your taste buds but also your friends and family. Give it a try, and you'll never want to go back to pre-packaged snacks again.