This toast pita garlic bread is the perfect snack and appetizer for any occasion. Irresistibly crunchy and flavorful, these garlic pita chips only take 20 minutes from start to finish!

A toasted garlic pita bread chips, with more blurred pita chips in the background.

In this post you’ll learn:

A flat lay of garlic pita bread chips, positioned altogether on top of a white baking sheet.

Why You Will Love This Pita Bread Snack / Appetizer

  • 😋 Irresistible Crunch: Enjoy the satisfying crunch of these whole wheat toast pita bread chips, perfect for snacking and as appetizers.
  • 🌿 Burst of Flavor: Delight in the harmonious blend of olive oil, garlic, and parsley that elevates the taste of each garlic pita chip.
  • ⏱️ Quick and Easy: Whip up these toasted chips effortlessly with just 5 ingredients and 10 minutes of real cooking.
  • 🌾 Wholesome Goodness: Embrace the healthier side with whole wheat pita, adding a nutritious twist.

Ingredients

  • Pita bread: The perfect flatbread to make crispy chips. Opt for whole wheat pita for more fiber that is beneficial to your gut!
  • Olive oil: A healthy sub to butter, giving that rich and savory flavor to the toasted chips.
  • Garlic: Infuses a bold and aromatic taste into the pita chips.
  • Parsley: A herby green that packs a unique flavor and boosts the freshness of the garlic pita bread chips!
  • Salt: Enhances the overall seasoning of the grilled / toasted garlic pita bread snack.
The five ingredients for pita bread snack with labels on a white marbled background.

Are pitas healthier than bread?

As this registered dietitian explained in this Livestrong article, “pita bread isn’t inherently healthier than other types of bread”. And as always, you always have to ask healthier compared to what?

If you’re eating these garlic pita chips instead of your store-bought chips, then yes it is healthier since this recipe is less processed. But in short, if you’re looking to eat healthier, always opt for whole wheat versions. To read more about it and nutrition in general, I recommend checking this article, and the whole nutritionfacts.org website, a science-backed nonprofit organization founded by Michael Greger, M.D. FACLM.

How to Make Garlic Pita Bread

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).

In a small bowl, mix garlic, parsley, salt, and olive oil using a spoon.

Option 1 – Crispy Garlic Pita Chips

Slice each pita into two thin rounds. Then cut each round into halves, and then into 4-5 triangles for each half.

Arrange the chips on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, placing the smoother sides of the bread facing down.

Brush with the garlic and olive oil mixture.

Bake for 8-9 minutes until crispy.

Option 2 – Toasted Garlic Pita Bread

Lay the pita on a baking sheet.

Brush with the garlic and olive oil mixture on both sides.

Bake for 4-5 minutes, flip, and bake for an additional 4-5 minutes until golden brown.

Enjoy your homemade garlic pita bread chips!

Is there a difference between pita and naan?

Yes, certainly! Pita, a Middle Eastern staple, is usually made with just flour, water, salt and yeast and it has a pocket-like structure so you can fill it in with toppings in the middle. In contrast, naan, originating in India, often incorporates yogurt and butter into the dough, resulting in a fluffier texture.

Pita bread is also usually served plain while naan is usually flavored with herbs and spices. Additionally, naan is traditionally baked in a tandoor, giving it a slight char and distinctive flavor (speaking of tandoor, you might like my Tandoori Vegetables Platter recipe). For more details, check out this article by Tofubud.

Grilled pita bread stacked on top of another, taken from above.

Top Tips

Even Slices: When cutting the pita for chips, aim for even slices to ensure uniform baking time.

Cut Before You Toast: If making a pita bread appetizer for easy eating, cut the pita bread BEFORE toasting. After toasting, they will be crispy and it will be harder to get an even cut.

Watch Closely: Keep a close eye on the oven during baking to prevent overcooking. Start with the lower end of the baking time, so if it says “8-9 minutes”, start with 8 minutes first. Crispy, not burnt, is the goal.

Serve Immediately: For optimal taste and crunch, enjoy the garlic pita chips right after baking. When served cold, they might not be as crunchy.

Two fingers grabbing a grilled pita bread with garlic olive oil mixture.

Serving Suggestions

These garlic pita chips pair really well with pasta, so either my Tandoori Sauce Pasta or my Vegan Mac and Cheese (using Almond Milk). Or serve it with my Caramelized Mushrooms and Onions recipe.

They’re also great with soups for a warm and tasty lunch or dinner. If you’d like to dip it with something, they’re great with some creamy dips such as this Creamy Yuzu Aioli (Japanese citrus aioli), or with my Smoky BBQ Aioli. For a spicy kick, pair it with my Sambal Chili Aioli or Smoked Paprika Aioli for a milder peppery note. For a more filling dip, try my 5-Minute Hummus (No Garlic).

Two fingers grabbing a piece of garlic pita bread chip.

Storage, Meal Prep, and Freezing Instructions

Storage: Serve this regular bread garlic bread fresh, preferably within 15 minutes.

For longer storage, freeze the brushed pita (see the freezing section below). Avoid fridge storage, as it changes the texture.

Meal prep: In general, baked goods do not store well in the fridge. But it freezes great!

So brush your bread slices with olive oil and freeze them. Then toast just enough quantity at a time, just before serving.

Freezing: Store the garlic pita bread after brushing it with the garlic mixture for up to 3 months.

No need to thaw before serving. Simply bake it for an additional 1-2 minutes in the oven.

Garlic pita bread chips on top of another.

FAQ

Is using fresh parsley worth it for this garlic pita bread?

Although in most cases, fresh herbs are more flavorful than dried ones, I cannot really taste the difference in this toast pita bread. So go ahead and buy dried parsley if that’s more convenient for you!

I don’t have an oven. Can I still make this toast pita bread recipe?

If you don’t have an oven, an air fryer will work to still get crispy chips. If you don’t have air fryer, use a toaster or just heat them on a pan on high heat until crispy. If you have a contact grill, you can also use them.
Garlic pita bread chips in a white plate for snacks and appetizers.

How do you reheat pita bread?

These garlic pita bread chips are best when served fresh, within 15 minutes after baking. But if you’d like to reheat, pop it in the oven at 425°F (220°C) for 1-2 minutes, or warm it in a pan over medium heat.

Is pita Greek or Turkish?

Pita bread originated in the Middle East and is most commonly associated with Greek cuisine. A similar type of flatbread also exists in Turkey, where it’s called “pide” instead of “pita”.

Can I add some cheese here?

Absolutely! Feel free to add some melty vegan cheese after you’ve brushed the pita, before placing them into the oven to roast/grill. For a bit more punch, you can also mix some (smoked) paprika powder into the olive oil mixture!

Grilled garlic pita bread as appetizers and snacks, with a bread knife in the bottom right.

Looking for More Easy Snacks / Appetizers Recipes?

I’ve got you 😉. If you like bagels, try my Hummus Bagel with Veggies or my Avocado Bagel Sandwich recipe.

For some Asian flavor, check out some of my sushi recipes:

A bunch of toasted garlic pita bread chips with parsley.
Print Recipe
5 from 2 votes

Garlic Pita Bread Chips (as Snack/Appetizer, Toasted)

This toast pita garlic bread is the perfect snack & appetizer for any occasion. Irresistibly crunchy & flavorful, these garlic pita chips only take 20 minutes!
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time10 minutes
Total Time20 minutes
Course: Appetizer, Side Dish, Snack
Cuisine: American
Keyword: garlic pita bread, garlic pita bread chips, garlic pita chips, pita bread appetizer, pita bread snack, toast pita bread
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 145kcal
Author: Jem @ The Fruity Jem

Ingredients

  • 3 Tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic finely minced (see notes for subs)
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1.5 Tablespoons parsley either fresh (finely minced) or dried
  • 3 pita bread whole wheat

Instructions

  • Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
  • In a small bowl, mix the garlic, parsley, salt, and olive oil using a spoon.

Option 1: Cirspy Pita Chips

  • Slice each pita bread across into two thin rounds, so with the knife blade facing the side and NOT facing the cutting board.
  • Cut each pita round first into halves in the middle. Then cut each half into 4-5 triangles each.
  • Lay the pita chips on a baking sheet. Make sure that the smoother sides of the pita bread (the outer sides) face down, so the smoother sides touch the lined baking sheet.
  • Brush the pita bread chips with the garlic and olive oil mixture.
  • Bake in the oven for 8-9 minutes until crispy but not burnt, and you're done!

Option 2: Toasted Garlic Pita Bread

  • Lay the pita bread on a baking sheet. Brush them with the garlic and olive oil mixture on both sides.
  • Bake in the oven for 4-5 minutes on one side. Flip, and bake further for 4-5 minutes until golden brown. Enjoy!

Notes

Top Tips
  • Garlic Powder: You can sub the garlic cloves with 1.5 teaspoons of garlic powder to get a milder flavor.
  • Even Slices: When cutting the pita for chips, aim for even slices to ensure uniform baking time.
  • Cut Before You Toast: If making a pita bread appetizer for easy eating, cut the pita bread BEFORE toasting. After toasting, they will be crispy and it will be harder to get an even cut.
  • Watch Closely: Keep a close eye on the oven during baking to prevent overcooking. Start with the lower end of the baking time, so if it says “8-9 minutes”, start with 8 minutes first. Crispy, not burnt, is the goal.
  • Serve Immediately: For optimal taste and crunch, enjoy the garlic pita chips right after baking. When served cold, they might not be as crunchy.