What To Know
- While you might be used to baking pita bread in the oven, grilling it on the BBQ adds a unique smoky flavor and a delightful crispy texture.
- Whether you’re serving it alongside your favorite dips, using it as a base for flavorful wraps, or simply enjoying it as a side dish, grilled pita bread is sure to impress your guests.
- Once the pita bread is golden brown and puffed up, remove it from the grill and place it on a wire rack to cool slightly.
Are you looking for a simple yet delicious way to elevate your next BBQ? Look no further than grilling pita bread! This versatile flatbread is perfect for soaking up dips, wrapping up delicious fillings, or even enjoying on its own. While you might be used to baking pita bread in the oven, grilling it on the BBQ adds a unique smoky flavor and a delightful crispy texture. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the process of how to cook pita bread on BBQ, ensuring you achieve a perfect golden-brown, slightly charred masterpiece.
Why Grill Pita Bread?
Grilling pita bread offers a unique advantage over traditional oven baking. The direct heat of your BBQ grill allows for faster cooking times and creates a distinct smoky flavor that elevates the overall taste. The high heat also encourages the pita bread to puff up beautifully, resulting in a soft and airy interior with a crispy exterior. Whether you’re serving it alongside your favorite dips, using it as a base for flavorful wraps, or simply enjoying it as a side dish, grilled pita bread is sure to impress your guests.
Choosing the Right Pita Bread
The quality of your pita bread plays a crucial role in achieving the best grilling results. Here are a few tips for selecting the right pita bread:
- Freshness: Opt for fresh pita bread that has a soft and pliable texture. Avoid any pita bread that feels dry or crumbly.
- Thickness: While thinner pita bread cooks faster, thicker pita bread tends to hold its shape better and creates a more substantial base for fillings.
- Flavor: If you’re looking for a plain and simple base, choose plain pita bread. However, if you prefer a bit more flavor, consider pita bread with herbs or spices.
Preparing the Pita Bread
Before you start grilling, take a few moments to prepare your pita bread. This simple step helps ensure even cooking and prevents the pita bread from sticking to the grill grates:
1. Warm the pita bread: Place the pita bread on a baking sheet and warm it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes. This helps to soften the bread and make it more pliable.
2. Brush with oil: Once the pita bread is warm, brush both sides lightly with olive oil or melted butter. This will help to create a crispy exterior and prevent the bread from sticking to the grill.
3. Score the pita bread: For extra crispiness and to help the pita bread puff up, gently score the surface of the pita bread with a sharp knife. Make a few diagonal cuts across the top of each pita bread.
Grilling the Pita Bread
Now comes the fun part! Grilling your pita bread is a quick and easy process. Here’s how to achieve perfect results:
1. Preheat the grill: Set your gas or charcoal grill to medium-high heat. The ideal temperature range for grilling pita bread is around 400°F (200°C).
2. Place the pita bread on the grill: Carefully place the oiled and scored pita bread directly onto the hot grill grates.
3. Cook for 1-2 minutes per side: Allow the pita bread to cook for 1-2 minutes per side, or until golden brown and slightly charred.
4. Watch for puffing: As the pita bread cooks, it will start to puff up. This is a good indication that it’s cooking properly.
5. Remove from the grill: Once the pita bread is golden brown and puffed up, remove it from the grill and place it on a wire rack to cool slightly.
Serving and Enjoying your Grilled Pita Bread
Now that your pita bread is perfectly grilled, it’s time to enjoy it! Here are a few serving suggestions:
- Dips: Serve your grilled pita bread with your favorite dips, such as hummus, baba ghanoush, tzatziki, or guacamole.
- Wraps: Fill your grilled pita bread with delicious ingredients for flavorful wraps, such as grilled chicken, vegetables, and cheese.
- Side dish: Serve grilled pita bread as a simple and satisfying side dish alongside your favorite BBQ dishes.
Tips for Perfect Grilled Pita Bread
Here are a few additional tips to help you achieve perfect results when grilling pita bread:
- Don’t overcook: Pita bread can quickly burn, so keep a close eye on it while it’s grilling.
- Use a grill brush: Before grilling, brush your grill grates with a grill brush to remove any debris that could cause sticking.
- Experiment with flavors: Get creative with your grilled pita bread by adding different herbs, spices, or even a drizzle of honey.
- Enjoy it fresh: Grilled pita bread is best enjoyed fresh. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature.
Beyond the Basics: Creative Grilled Pita Bread Ideas
Once you master the basics of grilling pita bread, you can experiment with different flavors and fillings to create unique and delicious dishes. Here are a few creative ideas to get you started:
- Grilled Pita Pizza: Top your grilled pita bread with tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and your favorite toppings for a quick and easy pizza.
- Grilled Pita Quesadillas: Fill your grilled pita bread with cheese, beans, and your favorite fillings for a delicious quesadilla.
- Grilled Pita Bread Salad: Combine grilled pita bread with fresh vegetables, herbs, and a light vinaigrette for a refreshing salad.
Grilled Pita Bread: A Delicious and Versatile Addition to Your BBQ
Grilling pita bread is a simple yet delicious way to add a unique and flavorful element to your next BBQ. From classic dips to creative wraps, the possibilities are endless. With a few simple tips and tricks, you can achieve perfect results and impress your guests with this versatile and satisfying flatbread.
What You Need to Know
Q: Can I grill pita bread on a gas grill?
A: Yes, you can grill pita bread on a gas grill. Just make sure to preheat the grill to medium-high heat and follow the instructions provided above.
Q: Can I use a flat top grill to cook pita bread?
A: Yes, you can use a flat top grill to cook pita bread. Simply heat the grill to medium-high heat and cook the pita bread for 1-2 minutes per side, or until golden brown and slightly charred.
Q: How do I know when pita bread is done grilling?
A: Pita bread is done grilling when it is golden brown and slightly charred on both sides. It should also be puffed up and have a soft and airy interior.
Q: What can I do with leftover grilled pita bread?
A: You can store leftover grilled pita bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. You can also use it to make croutons, bread crumbs, or even a delicious bread pudding.
