Cheese Pita grilled with a spoonful of Schug? We must be dreaming! This is one of our all-time favorite childhood recipes. It’s a classic grilled cheese, but on a pita with a spicy twist!

This pita sandwich recipe brings back so many wonderful childhood memories! It’s a Grilled Cheese Pita with Schug that adds some addicting spice to the classic comfort food combo everyone already loves. It’s our theory that you really can’t ever go wrong with grilled cheese, so you might as well experiment and have some fun with it! That’s why we added a dollop of Schug and a sprinkle of feta for one of the tastiest dishes ever.
What is Schug?
Schug is absolutely delicious! It’s a spicy Yemenite condiment that we love to make from scratch and keep on hand. It’s often hand-ground and includes jalapeno peppers, spices, and extra-virgin olive oil.
Grilled Cheese on Pita Bread
If you’ve never made grilled cheese using pita, you’re missing out! Find a fluffy, authentic pita in the bread aisle of your grocery store and enjoy the way that the cheese and spices melt into the bread and fill every bite. Cheesy heaven!
Middle Eastern Grilled Cheese
We used cheddar and crumbled feta to give this pita pocket the best flavor. Classic cheddar and tangy feta just work together. Add in a spread of Schug and it’s unreal! You can use shredded or sliced cheddar cheese, and we recommend sheep’s feta.
How to Make a Grilled Pita Sandwich
It’s the same as a traditional grilled cheese! Peel open the pita, arrange the cheese and schug inside, and then place it on the stovetop until the cheese melts and the bread becomes a toasted golden brown. We like to cut it into triangles before serving!
More Grilled Cheese Recipes
- Greek Style Grilled Cheese
- Manchego Grilled Cheese with Romesco
- Mushroom, Goat, & Gouda Grilled Cheese
- Nutella Grilled Cheese on French Toast
- Vegan Walnut, Sun-Dried Tomato, and Basil Grilled Cheese Sandwich
- Caramelized Onion & Apple Grilled Cheese with Beer Dipping Sauce
- Vegan Open-Faced BLT Grilled Cheese
The Story Behind This Recipe
"... What would a comfort food day be without a grilled cheese sandwich? Like a strip mall without a Starbucks. Like Paula Deen without butter. Like “Jersey Shore” without a bar fight. Like, like…well, you get what I’m saying...
And if we're gonna talk grilled cheese, around here we can't do it without mentioning The Pop Shop.
The Pop Shop is this really neat restaurant in Collingswood, NJ, just a few miles from where we live. It’s fun, and cozy and family friendly... but one of the best things about this place? You guessed it: their grilled cheese sandwiches. All 31 of them. THIRTY ONE! I mean really, how cool is that? So cool, that even Bobby Flay (yes, THE Bobby Flay) stopped by for a grilled cheese throw down. I’m not kidding. Does it get any better than that?? I don’t think so.
Ok, I'll admit it. I’m jealous.
But even with 31 varieties, I think they might be missing one. Ours, of course. Our middle eastern take, if you will. Super simple. And super awesome, too.
I know, I know, grilled cheese is ALWAYS awesome, no matter how you make it (uh, bread, butter and gooey melted cheese… yeah!!). But trust me on this one. Using pita bread brings crunchiness to a different level. And awesomeness. Like a gooey, crunchy bite of perfection.
Hmm… I'm thinking maybe I should give the Pop Shop a call. Suggest they add #32 to the menu. And maybe ask for Bobby’s number while we’re at it ;)"
PrintMiddle Eastern Style Grilled Cheese, Revisited
- Total Time: 10 mins
- Yield: 1 Sandwich 1x
Ingredients
- 1 pita pocket
- 2 slices cheddar cheese (2 ounces) or 2 ounces shredded cheddar cheese ( abput ¼ cup)
- 1 ounce crumbled feta cheese ( about ¼ cup)
- 1 tsp zatar**
- ½ tbsp butter
Instructions
- Carefully, open up the pita pocket and sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese, making sure it doesn’t get too close to the edges.
- Add feta cheese on top and sprinkle with zatar
- Melt butter on a skillet at medium low heat. Place sandwich and cook until golden brown, for about a minute or two.
- Turn the sandwich over and let it cook until the bread is golden brown and the cheese has melted.
- ENJOY!! From May I have that recipe
Notes
* For a vegan option, you can substitute non-dairy cheese for regular cheese.
**Zatar is a Middle Easter herb mixture that can be found in specialty stores. If you can’t find it, try using oregano, thyme or Italian seasoning.
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Category: Sandwich
Jenny @ BAKE says
Wow! these just look so freaking good!
mayihavethatrecipe says
Haha, thank you!! It really is yummy. But then again, can't go wrong with grilled cheese!! 🙂
Gayle Slurzberg says
guess you can add the tomato after or even grill the sandwich with it inside! yum
mayihavethatrecipe says
Absolutely! We grew up eating with fresh tomatoes on the side. But inside would be awesome too!!
Ann Mah says
Grilled cheese in a pita! What a great way to highlight the crunchy-gooey contrast. Yum.
mayihavethatrecipe says
Our mom used make it for us on really thin pita when we were kids, which makes it even crunchier... So good!!
Mallory says
Hello! I just discovered your site and cannot wait to explore the recipes you have! I LOVE learning about other cultures and their amazing cuisine! I was wondering if you could recommend a resource for where you get good pita bread--or perhaps a recipe for homemade? The only kind I have in my area (Washington state), are processed, flat, and unappetizing.
Thanks!
Vicky & Ruth says
Hi! So happy you found us!! The best pita bread we use, we find here at a nearby Middle Eastern restaurant, that brings it in fresh every day. It's thin and light... nothing like the kind you find in grocery stores. My suggestion would be to look for a Middle Eastern restaurant where you live and either buy it from them or ask where they get it from. Unfortunately we don't have a recipe for a homemade one at the moment... but we'll look into it! If you have any more questions please let us know 🙂