Recreating the famous Cava's pita chips at home is as good as it gets with this recipe. These crispy, golden homemade pita chips have that signature crunch and flavor everyone loves. They are perfect for pairing with hummus, feta dip, or just snacking on alone!
Why I Love This Cava Pita Chips Recipe
The first time I went to a Cava was when I visited Chicago. As I mentioned in my Cava chicken bowl recipe, I literally went to Cava multiple times a day since there aren't any where I live in Buffalo, NY.
As good as the chicken bowl is, I think my favorite thing at Cava is the pita chips. They are literally a thousand times better than any other pita chips I've ever tried, so I, of course, had to try making them at home. Especially since I just mastered the Cava crazy feta dip, so you'll want to make that along with these amazing copycat Cava pita chips!
Cava Pita Chips Ingredients
- 4 thick pita breads
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon lemon pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Vegetable oil for frying
How to Make Cava Pita Chips
Step 1: Prepare the Pita Bread
Using a sharp knife, cut each pita bread into 8 equal triangles. I find that stacking two pitas makes the cutting process quicker and ensures uniformity.
Step 2: Heat the Oil
In a deep frying pan, pour enough vegetable oil to reach about 2 inches in depth. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
A kitchen thermometer is handy here, but if you don’t have one, test the oil by dropping in a small piece of pita. If it sizzles immediately, the oil is ready!
Step 3: Fry the Pita Chips
Carefully add a batch of pita triangles into the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 1-2 minutes on each side until they turn golden brown and crispy. I remember the first time I made these; watching the pitas puff up and turn golden was so satisfying.
Step 4: Season the Pita Chips
Using a slotted spoon, transfer the fried pita chips to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil. In a small bowl, combine the Italian seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, lemon pepper, salt, and black pepper.
While the chips are still warm, sprinkle the seasoning mix over them and toss gently to make sure all of them have an even coating.
Step 5: Serve
Once seasoned, transfer the pita chips to a serving bowl. They’re delicious on their own but truly shine when paired with dips like the Cava’s crazy feta I mentioned earlier or a classic hummus. Enjoy!
Expert Tips For Perfect Homemade Pita Chips
- Choose the Right Pita Bread: You will want to go with thick, fluffy pita bread to achieve chips that are crispy on the outside yet slightly chewy inside. Typically a traditional Greek pita bread brand works best. After searching through different Cava employees' TikTok videos, I found that Cava uses Damascus Bakeries pita, so if you want this copycat recipe to be as spot-on as can be, look for that brand! W
- Monitor Oil Temperature: Maintaining the oil at the correct temperature is crucial. Too hot, and the chips may burn; too cool, and they’ll absorb excess oil and become greasy. Using a thermometer has significantly improved my frying results.
- Season Immediately: Sprinkle the seasoning over the chips while they’re still hot to ensure the spices adhere properly. This technique locks in the flavors beautifully.
- Fry In Batches: Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure even cooking. Frying in small batches has consistently yielded the best texture for me.
FAQS About This Pita Chips Recipe
Can I bake these pita chips instead of frying?
Yes, baking is a healthier alternative, so you can totally bake the pita chips. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush the pita triangles with olive oil, arrange them on a baking sheet, and bake for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy. I’ve tried both methods and while baking produces a slightly different texture, it’s equally delicious.
Can I use the air fryer instead?
Yes! If you don't want to bake or fry the pita, an air fryer works great! Again, brush the pita chips with oil, then lay them in the air fryer basket and air fry at 325°F for about 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. You'll know they're done when the pita is golden and crispy.
How long do leftover pita chips last?
Once completely cooled, store the pita chips in an airtight container at room temperature. They remain crispy for up to 3 days, though they rarely last that long in my house!
Can I use whole wheat pita bread?
Absolutely! Whole wheat pita adds a deeper flavor and boosts the fiber content, making for a wholesome snack. I often alternate between white and whole wheat pitas for some variety.
What other seasonings can I use for the spice mix?
Feel free to experiment with flavors like smoked paprika, cumin, or even a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. You can also play around with the amount of each spice you use in the mix that I went with for this recipe.
Are these pita chips gluten-free?
Traditional pita bread contains gluten. However, you can use gluten-free pita bread to make the chips gluten-free. I’ve made gluten-free versions for friends with sensitivities, and they’ve been a hit.
More Copycat Recipes To Try Next
- Bojangles biscuits
- El Pollo Loco chicken
- Costco chicken bake
- Raising Cane's chicken and sauce
- Raising Cane's bread
Homemade Cava Pita Chips (Exact Copycat Recipe)
Recreating the famous Cava's pita chips at home is as good as it gets with this recipe. These crispy, golden homemade pita chips have that signature crunch and flavor everyone loves. They are perfect for pairing with hummus, feta dip, or just snacking on alone!
Ingredients
- 4 pitas (use thick pita bread)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon lemon pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- Cut each pita into 8 triangles to make pita chips. Heat 2 inches of vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the pita triangles to the oil and fry until golden and crispy.
- Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels. Add all the spices to a small bowl and mix to combine.
- Transfer the pita chips to a bowl and sprinkle as much as you want from the spice mix. Toss until well coated.
- Serve with Cava’s crazy feta or your favorite dip.
Nutrition Information:
Serving Size:
8 chipsAmount Per Serving: Calories: 322Total Fat: 5gSaturated Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 4gCarbohydrates: 58gFiber: 2gProtein: 10g
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