Pita Grilled Cheese: A Delectable Twist on a Classic

For many, a midday meal often revolves around simple bread-based dishes. Here in the Netherlands, for instance, a traditional lunch frequently features various types of sliced bread or buns, topped with anything from savory cheeses and deli meats to sweet spreads. While these classics are undeniably comforting, sometimes a craving for something truly different arises. That’s where this extraordinary goat cheese pita grilled cheese steps in.

This recipe transforms the humble pita into a gourmet experience. It marries the tangy creaminess of melted goat cheese with the subtle sweetness of honey, creating a harmonious flavor profile that is both unique and deeply satisfying. The addition of crunchy roasted walnuts and aromatic sesame seeds elevates the texture and taste, turning a simple pita into an impressive, warm sandwich. It’s the perfect answer when you’re seeking an easy vegetarian lunch that feels a little special and breaks away from the ordinary.

If you’re constantly seeking more innovative and delicious ideas for your midday meal, I invite you to explore my extensive lunch recipes page. You’ll find a wide array of options, from comforting classics like Old-fashioned Dutch waffles to more adventurous dishes such as a vibrant sushi bowl with sriracha chicken, and even delightful homemade treats like Dutch sausage rolls. There’s always something new and delicious to discover!

Essential Ingredients for Your Perfect Pita Grilled Goat Cheese Sandwich

Crafting this delightful pita grilled cheese is straightforward, requiring just a few key ingredients that come together to create a burst of flavor. You’ll find the precise measurements conveniently listed in the recipe card at the very end of this blog post. However, let’s take a moment to understand each component and why it’s essential:

• Pita Bread: This is the foundation of our sandwich. Pita bread is a unique flatbread known for its soft texture and the way it puffs up when heated, creating a natural pocket. This pocket is absolutely perfect for holding our delicious filling. A quick bake or toast before slicing creates the ideal warm, slightly crispy shell for your grilled cheese.
• Goat Cheese: The star of the show! For this recipe, opt for a soft, natural goat cheese. Its distinctive tangy flavor pairs beautifully with the sweetness of honey. A crucial tip for achieving the best melt and mix: let your goat cheese sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before you start. This softens it up, making it easier to spread and ensuring it melts into a gloriously gooey consistency in the oven.
• Honey: This natural sweetener plays a vital role in balancing the sharp tang of the goat cheese. It adds a lovely, subtle sweetness that elevates the overall flavor profile, creating a truly irresistible combination. Any type of honey will work, but a wildflower or clover honey can add extra depth.
• Walnuts: These provide a wonderful textural contrast and a rich, earthy flavor to the sandwich. Lightly toasting the walnuts before adding them is a game-changer; it deepens their nutty aroma and enhances their crunch. If walnuts aren’t your preference or you’re out, almonds or pecans make excellent substitutes. For those with a nut allergy, simply omit them – the sandwich will still be fantastic!
• Sesame Seeds: Small but mighty, sesame seeds contribute a delicate nutty flavor and a satisfying texture. Like walnuts, a brief toast in a dry pan intensifies their aroma and taste, making them pop with every bite. You can use either white or black sesame seeds, both will add a fantastic finishing touch.

Gathering these simple ingredients is the first step towards creating a quick, satisfying, and utterly delicious vegetarian lunch that you’ll want to make again and again!

Step-by-Step Guide to Crafting Your Goat Cheese and Honey Pita Pocket

Preparing these delightful goat cheese and honey pita pockets is quick and easy, making it an ideal choice for a speedy lunch or light dinner. Below, you’ll find a comprehensive, printable recipe with a detailed step-by-step description to guide you through the process, but here’s a general overview to get you started on your culinary journey:

1. Preheat your oven: Before anything else, get your oven ready. Preheat it to 390 °F (200 °C) for a conventional oven, or 350 °F (180 °C) if you’re using a convection oven with a fan. This ensures the pita breads toast evenly and the cheese melts perfectly.
2. Prepare the pita pockets: Carefully cut each pita bread along its edge, creating a pocket. Be gentle to avoid tearing the pita completely. Once opened, fill each pocket with a generous tablespoon of the softened goat cheese. Ensure the cheese is distributed somewhat evenly for a consistent melt.
3. Add the honey: Drizzle a teaspoon of honey over the goat cheese inside each pita pocket. The honey will slowly seep into the cheese as it bakes, creating a beautiful sweet and tangy fusion.
4. Toast the toppings: While the oven preheats and you fill the pitas, toast your chopped walnuts and sesame seeds. Heat a dry frying pan over medium heat and add the nuts and seeds. Stir constantly for one to two minutes until they become fragrant and lightly golden. Keep a close eye on them, as they can burn quickly. Once toasted, remove them from the pan immediately.
5. Bake the pitas: Arrange the filled pita breads on a baking tray lined with baking paper. For best results and to ensure the pockets stay open and cook thoroughly, you can hang them upright on the oven rack if your rack design allows, or simply lay them flat. Bake for approximately five minutes, or until the pita bread is nicely browned and crispy, and the goat cheese is wonderfully melted and gooey.
6. Serve and enjoy: Once baked to perfection, remove the pita breads from the oven. Immediately sprinkle them generously with the toasted walnut and sesame mixture. The warmth of the pita will help the nuts and seeds adhere. Serve your irresistible goat cheese and honey pita pockets straight away to enjoy them at their best – warm, cheesy, and crunchy!

This simple process yields a sophisticated and satisfying vegetarian lunch that’s both quick to make and deeply rewarding to eat.

Serving Suggestions and Creative Variations

While these Goat Cheese and Honey Pita Pockets are absolutely divine on their own, they also pair wonderfully with a few simple accompaniments. For a complete and balanced meal, consider serving them alongside a fresh, crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette. A bowl of creamy tomato soup or a vibrant gazpacho would also make an excellent partner, especially on a cooler day. For a touch of extra freshness, a side of sliced cucumbers and cherry tomatoes can be a perfect complement.

Feeling adventurous? This recipe is incredibly adaptable, inviting you to experiment with various additions:

• Herbs: A sprinkle of fresh thyme, rosemary, or finely chopped chives inside with the cheese can add an aromatic dimension.
• Spice It Up: For a subtle kick, a pinch of red pepper flakes mixed with the goat cheese or sprinkled on top can awaken your taste buds.
• Fruity Notes: Thinly sliced fresh figs or a dollop of fig jam (in place of honey if you prefer) can offer a more complex sweetness. Sliced green apples can also provide a refreshing crunch.
• Different Cheeses: While goat cheese is key, you could experiment with a blend of goat cheese and a little feta for extra saltiness, or even a milder cream cheese for a different texture.
• Veggies: Wilted spinach, thinly sliced bell peppers, or caramelized onions could be folded into the cheese mixture before baking for added nutrients and flavor.
• Protein Boost: If you’re not strictly vegetarian, a thin slice of prosciutto or a few pieces of shredded cooked chicken could be added alongside the cheese.

Don’t be afraid to make this recipe your own! The basic combination of warm pita, melted cheese, and a sweet-nutty topping is a canvas for culinary creativity.

Tips for Success and Storage

To ensure your pita grilled cheese turns out perfectly every time, remember these key tips:

• Goat Cheese Temperature: As mentioned, bringing your goat cheese to room temperature before use is essential. This makes it pliable and ensures it melts smoothly and evenly, avoiding any lumpy pockets.
• Oven Temperature: Always preheat your oven to the recommended temperature (390 °F / 200 °C for conventional, 350 °F / 180 °C for convection). A properly preheated oven is crucial for achieving that crispy pita and perfectly melted cheese without overcooking.
• Toasting Toppings: When toasting walnuts and sesame seeds, use a dry pan and keep them moving constantly. They can go from perfectly golden to burnt in a matter of seconds. Trust your nose – when they become fragrant, they’re ready.

Storage Information: Unfortunately, this pita grilled cheese sandwich is best enjoyed immediately. It’s truly a dish designed for instant gratification! The melted goat cheese and warm pita bread are at their peak freshness right out of the oven. If stored, the pita can become soggy, and the cheese will harden, losing its delightful gooey texture. So, whip them up and savor every bite while they’re perfectly warm and delicious!

Did you make this delicious recipe? Tag #byandreajanssen via Instagram! I love to see what your creation looks like and regularly share the most beautiful photos of you! Did you like this recipe? Then leave a rating on the recipe card! Your feedback helps other home cooks and me enormously.

Need more inspiration?

• You can find video recipes on my YouTube channel.
• And don’t forget to save the recipes on Pinterest, so you can easily find them again next time!

Pita Grilled Cheese

Andréa