Mediterranean Nachos
Mediterranean nachos feature crispy pita chips topped with fresh tomatoes, melted mozzarella, and herbs, offering vibrant flavors perfect for sharing at casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 3 pita breads, about 6 inches in diameter ⓘ
- 1 large garlic clove ⓘ
- 3/4 lb. tomatoes, seeded and diced ⓘ
- 6 oz. mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 2 Tbsp. chopped fresh parsley ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. balsamic vinegar ⓘ
- 1 1/2 tsp. chopped fresh basil or 1/2 tsp. dried basil ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. salt ⓘ
- pinch crushed red pepper flakes ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Cut each pita horizontally in half.
- Cut each half into quarters.
- Arrange pita pieces cut-side up on a cookie sheet.
- Bake until golden brown, about 5 to 6 minutes.
- Remove from oven, but keep oven on.
- Gently rub the tops of pita quarters with garlic cloves, taking care not to break the pitas.
- Arrange the pita quarters on an ovenproof plate.
- In a medium bowl, combine diced tomatoes, shredded mozzarella, chopped parsley, balsamic vinegar, chopped basil, salt, and crushed red pepper flakes.
- Spoon the tomato mixture onto the pita pieces.
- Bake until the cheese melts, about 5 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider marinating the diced tomatoes in balsamic vinegar for a bit before mixing. If you're out of mozzarella, feta cheese can offer a tangy twist. You can also swap pita for tortilla chips for a different texture. Adjust the red pepper flakes according to your heat preference. Try pairing these nachos with a refreshing Goat Cheese Salad for a complete Mediterranean meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these Mediterranean Nachos as a delightful appetizer or snack at gatherings. They pair well with a light salad or fresh veggies, and a glass of chilled white wine complements the flavors beautifully. For a heartier meal, consider serving alongside Creamy Greek Potatoes for a satisfying feast.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Mediterranean Nachos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes to ensure the pita crisps up again and the cheese melts nicely. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the pita chewy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mediterranean Nachos contains roughly 133 calories, with 8g protein, 14g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (149% of the Daily Value) and vitamin A (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 708mg per serving (31% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these nachos ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the pita chips and the tomato mixture in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, assemble the nachos and bake them for a fresh, warm dish. This is perfect for parties or when hosting friends.
What can I use instead of pita bread?
If you don't have pita bread on hand, you can use tortilla chips or even sliced baguette for a different take on nachos. Just keep in mind that baking times may vary based on the thickness and type of bread used.
Are there any vegetarian substitutions for the cheese?
Absolutely! You can use a plant-based cheese alternative to keep this recipe vegetarian-friendly. Nutritional yeast can also add a cheesy flavor without dairy. Additionally, skip the cheese entirely and load up on more veggies for a lighter option.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).