Gooey Mozzarella and Feta Pita Grilled Cheese Recipe

Quick Mozzarella and Feta Pita Grilled Cheese Recipe for Lunch

Melted cheese lovers unite!

This tantalizing mozzarella and feta pita grilled cheese combines Mediterranean flavors with classic comfort food.

The crispy golden pita serves as a perfect canvas for stretchy mozzarella and crumbly feta.

Each bite promises a delightful blend of creamy textures and rich, savory notes.

cheese enthusiasts will adore how the two distinct cheese varieties mingle and dance across the warm, toasted bread.

The simplicity of this recipe belies its incredible depth of flavor, making it a quick go-to meal for busy weeknights.

Let’s find out this cheesy adventure and transform your ordinary lunch into an extraordinary culinary experience.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Calories: 300 kcal

Servings: 5

Mozzarella and Feta Pita Grilled Cheese Ingredient Guide

For Greens:
  • Baby Spinach: Adds vibrant color, fresh earthy flavor, and nutritional boost to the grilled cheese with its tender leaves.
For Cheese Layers:
  • Feta Cheese, Fresh Mozzarella: Creamy, tangy feta provides sharp Mediterranean notes while mozzarella delivers classic stretchy, melty texture perfect for grilled sandwiches.
For Flavor Enhancers:
  • Basil Pesto: Delivers herbaceous, garlicky punch with intense aromatic blend of basil, pine nuts, and olive oil.
  • Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Concentrated sweet-tangy flavor bombs that add robust Mediterranean complexity and rich umami depth.
  • Extra Virgin Olive Oil: High-quality finishing oil that helps achieve golden, crispy pita exterior and adds smooth, fruity undertone.
For Bread Base:
  • Pita Pockets: Soft, pillowy Middle Eastern bread that crisps beautifully when grilled, creating delightful textural contrast with melted cheeses.

Tools That Make Pita Grilled Cheese Crisp and Gooey

  • Grill Pan: Essential for creating those perfect char marks and even heating.
  • Spatula: Key for pressing down pitas and helping them cook evenly.
  • Tongs: Helpful for flipping pitas without tearing or burning.
  • Cutting Board: Useful for slicing mozzarella and preparing ingredients.
  • Knife: Needed for chopping basil, slicing cheese, and prepping vegetables.

Steps to Cook Mozzarella and Feta Pita Grilled Cheese

  • Spinach Preparation

Warm up a grill pan and drizzle olive oil. Toss baby spinach until it softens and becomes tender, then set aside.

  • Pita Setup

Gently warm pita pockets to prevent cracking. Open carefully and spread a layer of creamy feta cheese followed by a swirl of herbal basil pesto.

  • Filling Layers

Nestle the wilted spinach inside each pocket. Top with silky mozzarella slices and tangy sun-dried tomatoes for added flavor depth.

  • Olive Oil Coating

Brush both sides of the stuffed pitas with a light coat of olive oil to ensure golden, crispy edges.

  • Grilling Magic

Place pitas on the heated grill pan. Press gently with a spatula, creating delicious char marks. Cook for 1-2 minutes on each side until cheese melts and pitas turn a beautiful golden brown.

  • Serving

Remove from heat when cheese is perfectly melted and pitas are crisp. Slice diagonally and serve immediately while warm and gooey.

Grilled Cheese Tips Using Feta and Mozzarella

  • Add chopped kalamata olives for an authentic Greek flavor profile that brings tangy richness to your grilled cheese.
  • Incorporate grilled chicken or sliced prosciutto inside the pita for a heartier meal that transforms this recipe into a complete protein-packed lunch.
  • Sprinkle red pepper flakes or drizzle harissa sauce for those who enjoy a spicy kick that complements the creamy cheese and fresh ingredients.
  • Replace baby spinach with arugula or kale for different nutrient profiles and slightly peppery undertones that add depth to the overall taste experience.
  • Try substituting mozzarella with provolone or mixing different cheese varieties to create unique melting textures and flavor combinations that keep the recipe exciting.

Serve Mozzarella and Feta Grilled Cheese Hot

  • Mediterranean Mezze Platter: Arrange the grilled pita on a large wooden board with hummus, olives, cucumber slices, and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil for a complete Mediterranean-style appetizer experience.
  • Crisp Salad Companion: Serve alongside a light Greek salad with fresh tomatoes, red onions, and a tangy vinaigrette to balance the rich, cheesy pita with a refreshing crunch.
  • Wine Pairing Delight: Complement the grilled cheese pita with a chilled glass of crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Grigio to enhance the flavors of feta and mozzarella.
  • Fresh Herb Garnish: Sprinkle chopped fresh basil or oregano on top just before serving to add a bright, aromatic touch that elevates the entire dish's flavor profile.

Store Grilled Cheese for Best Reheating Results

  • Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover grilled pitas wrapped tightly in aluminum foil or sealed plastic wrap for up to 2 days in the refrigerator. Cool completely before storing to maintain texture and prevent soggy edges.
  • Smart Reheating Technique: Warm refrigerated pitas in a preheated skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side. This method restores crispy exterior and helps mozzarella melt smoothly without drying out the bread.
  • Ingredient Freshness Tip: Keep fresh mozzarella and feta separately in sealed containers. Place spinach and sun-dried tomatoes in airtight containers to maintain quality and prevent moisture buildup. Consume within 3-4 days for optimal taste.
  • Advance Preparation Hack: Prep pita fillings up to one day ahead. Chop ingredients, sauté spinach, and slice cheeses in advance. Store components separately in the refrigerator, then assemble and grill just before serving to ensure maximum freshness and flavor.
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Gooey Mozzarella and Feta Pita Grilled Cheese Recipe

Gooey Mozzarella and Feta Pita Grilled Cheese Recipe


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4.8 from 19 reviews

  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Crispy Mediterranean-style pita wraps mozzarella and feta in a delightful grilled cheese experience. Melted cheese, herb-infused layers, and golden-brown edges create a quick, satisfying meal for passionate home cooks.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 pita pockets (from 2 pita loaves, cut in half)
  • 3 oz (85 g) feta cheese
  • 3 to 4 oz (85 to 113 g) fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced into ¼-inch slices
  • 3 heaping cups baby spinach
  • ¼ to cup basil pesto
  • ⅓ cup sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil, drained and chopped
  • extra virgin olive oil (as needed)

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Gently warm pita bread to enhance pliability, preventing potential tears during handling.
  2. Sauté Spinach: Heat olive oil in a grill pan over medium-high heat, then quickly sauté baby spinach for two minutes until tender and slightly wilted, then set aside to cool.
  3. Pocket Assembly: Carefully open each pita pocket and layer ingredients strategically – first crumbled feta cheese, followed by a thin spread of basil pesto, then wilted spinach as a green foundation.
  4. Cheese and Tomato Layer: Arrange fresh mozzarella slices evenly across spinach, interspersing sun-dried tomatoes between cheese layers to enhance flavor complexity.
  5. Oil and Grill: Brush exterior surfaces of stuffed pitas with additional olive oil, then place onto preheated grill pan at medium-high heat.
  6. Cooking Technique: Apply gentle pressure with a spatula to promote even browning, flipping after 1-2 minutes to achieve golden char marks and ensure complete cheese melting.
  7. Final Touch: Adjust heat as necessary to prevent burning while guaranteeing thorough cheese transformation, creating a crispy exterior and molten interior.

Notes

  • Bread Flexibility Tip: Gently warm pita to prevent tearing and enhance pliability for smooth handling during preparation.
  • Oil Temperature Control: Watch for a glossy surface in the grill pan, indicating proper medium-high heat for optimal cooking without burning.
  • Cheese Melting Technique: Apply gentle spatula pressure while grilling to ensure even browning and complete cheese melting throughout the pita.
  • Flavor Layering Strategy: Distribute ingredients systematically – feta first, then pesto, spinach, mozzarella, and sun-dried tomatoes – to create a balanced flavor profile in each bite.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 300
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 450 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 12 g
  • Cholesterol: 25 mg
Sophie Reynolds

Sophie Reynolds

Co-Founder, Recipe Curator & Culinary Educator

Expertise

  • Home Cooking Innovation & Comfort Recipes
  • Flavor Development & Ingredient Pairing
  • Seasonal Produce Integration
  • Recipe Testing & Instructional Clarity
  • Culinary Education & Community Workshops

Education

Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, Boulder, CO

  • Degree: Diploma in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Hands-on training in classic and modern culinary techniques, emphasizing sustainable cooking practices, kitchen professionalism, and real-world restaurant experience through externships.

Oregon State University

  • Degree: B.S. in Nutrition and Food Management
  • Focus: In-depth study of human nutrition, food safety, meal planning, and food-service operations, with a strong foundation in public health, dietetics, and community-based nutrition programs.

Sophie Reynolds is the recipe developer and culinary voice behind many of the approachable, flavor-focused creations at The Dream Café. 

Sophie’s style leans into comfort food made simple: wholesome, satisfying meals anyone can make with confidence. Her passion lies in helping home cooks feel at ease in the kitchen while finding joy in the everyday act of cooking.

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