Pita Bread Pizza

There’s a lot to love about pita bread pizza. It’s personal-sized and customizable, and it’s a great way to satisfy a pizza craving in a hurry. Using pita bread as a shortcut crust means there’s no sticky dough to mix, proof or stretch, so it’s easy for everyone to build their perfect pie on family pizza night.

This recipe makes Alfredo and ham pita bread pizzas, but you can easily swap in your favorite toppings. From classic pepperoni to a  variety of veggies, any combo you love on regular pizza works just as well on a pita. Simply swirl your sauce onto a pita round, sprinkle on the toppings and pop the pizzas in the oven until the edges are crisp and the cheese is melty.

Ingredients for Pita Bread Pizza

• Alfredo sauce: Rich and creamy Alfredo sauce creates an indulgent base for the pizzas and pairs beautifully with the ham and gooey cheese.
• Pita breads: Soft, round pita bread makes the perfect shortcut pizza crust. Try whole-wheat or garlic-flavored pita for a fun twist, or swap in naan or flatbread for a slightly different texture.
• Shredded cheese: The combination of Swiss and mozzarella delivers nutty depth and that classic melty stretch. Freshly grated cheese melts the best, but bagged shredded cheese works in a pinch.
• Ham: Leftover ham or thick-cut deli slices work perfectly here. Just dice them into bite-size cubes and sprinkle them over the pizzas for a salty, meaty bite.
• Chives: Fresh chives add a mild oniony flavor and bright pop of color. Snip them with kitchen scissors right over the pita bread pizzas before baking.

Directions

Step 1: Assemble the pizzas

Spread the Alfredo sauce evenly over the pita breads, leaving a small border around the edge for a crust. Top them with Swiss cheese, ham and mozzarella cheese, then sprinkle them with chives.

Editor’s Tip: For crispier crusts, lightly toast the pitas in the oven or a skillet for a few minutes before adding the toppings.

Step 2: Bake the pizzas

Place the pita breads on an ungreased baking sheet. Bake them for 10 to 15 minutes or until the cheese is melted. If desired, use a pizza cutter to slice each pizza into halves or quarters.

Editor’s Tip: You can also line the baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. For a golden brown top and crispier edges, switch the oven to broil for the last one or two minutes of baking. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.

Pita Bread Pizza Variations

• Change cheeses: Mix and match your favorite cheeses. Try a mix of shredded Parmesan, provolone or fontina instead of mozzarella and/or Swiss.
• Swap the sauce: Replace the Alfredo sauce with store-bought or homemade pesto to give the pizzas a herbaceous boost, or spoon on your favorite marinara sauce for a more traditional pizza.
• Veggie lovers pizza: Skip the ham and add sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, olives or spinach. To keep the pita crust crisp, saute or roast the veggies first to remove excess moisture.
• Mix up the meat: Instead of ham, top your pizzas with shredded chicken to make a chicken Alfredo pizza (a store-bought rotisserie chicken is the perfect protein shortcut). Alternatively, you could layer on small cooked shrimp, classic pepperoni or mini meatballs to give your pizza a meaty bite.
• Hawaiian style: Top your pita bread pizzas with a bit of diced pineapple for a sweet and savory tropical combo.

How to Store Pita Bread Pizza

Let any leftover pizzas cool completely, then place them in an airtight container or wrap each one tightly in foil or storage wrap. Store them in the refrigerator for up to four days.

How do you reheat pita bread pizzas?

For the best texture, we recommend reheating pizza in the oven. Reheat pita bread pizzas in a 375° oven for about 10 minutes, or until the crust is crisp and the cheese is melty. You can also warm slices in a covered skillet over medium heat. Skip the microwave; it can make the crust soft or soggy.

Pita Bread Pizza Tips

What else can I use for the crust instead of pita?

Naan and flatbread also make excellent bases for pizza, giving them a slightly softer, chewier texture. If you’d like to make flatbread pizza dough from scratch, try this flatbread pizza recipe.

Do I need to toast the pitas before adding toppings?

Nope! You don’t need to toast the pitas before adding the sauce and toppings for this recipe. If you prefer a crisper crust, you can toast the pitas for a few minutes before assembling them.

How do you make pita bread pizza crispy?

For the crispiest pita bread pizza, lightly toast the pitas in the oven for three or four minutes before adding the toppings. This dries them out just enough so that they don’t absorb moisture from the toppings. Be careful not to overload the pizzas with sauce or toppings, which can contribute to sogginess.

Baking the pizzas directly on an ungreased sheet pan will also help the bottoms crisp up nicely. Finishing them under the broiler for one to two minutes will make the edges golden and crunchy.

Can you grill pita bread pizzas?

Yes! You can cook pita bread pizzas on a gas or charcoal grill. Preheat your grill over medium heat and assemble the pizzas as directed. Place the pita bread pizzas directly on the grates and cook for 5 to 10 minutes, or until the cheese melts and the bottoms are crisp. If your grill runs hot, grill the pizzas over indirect heat to prevent them from burning.