Orange Parmesan Pita Chips

I have often been asked what is one of my favorite go-to snacks that can be prepared quickly and with just a few readily available ingredients. My favorite quick crunchy snack is sure to satisfy that sudden chip craving, You know, that chip craving that usually hits when there are no chips to be found in the house…or worse when it is a late night chip craving. I don’t know about you but nothing else seems to satisfy my chip craving besides chips. I may end up snacking on pretzels or popcorn, but that only leaves me still wanting chips. So that’s when I head into the kitchen to make these pita chips.

These Orange Parmesan Pita Chips are a quick way to satisfy that “gotta have a chip” craving. They are also one of the reasons why pita bread was on my Stocking Up Smartly quarantine list. I like to stock items that have multiple uses. Pita bread is not only the perfect vessel for leftover sandwiches but also flatbread pizza. Bonus: Pita bread freezes perfectly, too.

These Orange Parmesan Pita Chips are so simple you’ll wonder why you ever bought pita chips. Which by the way, what is it with the high prices for a small bag of pita chips? Ever notice how many pita breads you can buy for the price of one bag of pita chips? Pita chips can be made into savory or sweet snacks and many are brushed with olive oil or butter before baking. These are brushed with orange juice giving each bite of chip a burst of flavor.

Pita bread, butter, orange juice, parmesan cheese, and fresh or dried herbs–that’s it! Those are the ingredients, I guess that means it’s officially a 5 ingredient or less snack treat. I’ll bet you are like me and have most of those ingredients on hand. That’s a win, but there is an even a bigger win. Are you ready? These Orange Parmesan Pita Chips are ready in less time than it takes to open a beer and pour a tall glass. So if you are craving chips and a beer, better pour the beer first.

Put on Your TO COOK TO CREATE Thinking Cap: Think about what dried or fresh herbs you have and how they can change the flavor of the chip. Parsley, basil, oregano are some of my favorites to use. Want to add more flavor? Sprinkle some spices on, too. No orange juice? Use apple or pineapple juice. Want an island treat? Use pineapple juice, cilantro, and ginger. Not a cheese fan? Omit the cheese and add a mixture of herbs. No pita bread? Use flour tortillas.

FOOD FUN: Here’s one for all the home room teachers, aka parents. Pita, is a Greek term, which literally translates to “flat”. Take a school break, grab the kids, get into the kitchen and have a “flat”bread bake-off or entertain the kids (for a few minutes anyway) and let the kids use cookie cutters to cut fun shapes for the pita chips.