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Copycat Nando's Cheesy Garlic Pitta Recipe

Copycat Nando's Cheesy Garlic Pitta Recipe

By What’s Baking

Golden-brown pitta bread topped with a creamy garlic butter and melted cheese, delivering the addictive flavors and satisfying chewiness of Nando's famous side dish.
Difficulty:
Beginner
Prep Time:
10 mins
Cook Time:
5 mins
Serves:
4 pitta breads
An overhead shot captures several freshly baked cheesy garlic pittas arranged on a rustic wooden board, steam rising gently from their surfaces. The warm, natural lighting highlights the golden-brown edges of the pittas and the perfectly melted, slightly bubbled cheese with flecks of fresh herbs scattered on top. A close-up reveals the glistening garlic butter seeping into the soft bread while the cheese forms a stretchy pull as one piece is lifted from the board. In the background, a small ramekin of extra garlic butter and a scatter of fresh parsley add vibrant color contrast to the warm tones of the bread and cheese.

Ingredients

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"><li class="ingredients-single-item">4 pitta breads</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">100g unsalted butter, softened</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">4 garlic cloves, finely minced</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">½ tsp salt</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">¼ tsp black pepper</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">120g grated cheese blend (mozzarella and cheddar)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">½ tsp dried oregano</li></ul>

Equipment

<ul class="equipment-main-list"><li class="equipment-single-item">Baking tray</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Grill/broiler</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Pastry brush</li></ul>
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Directions

<ol class="no-list-style"><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4>Preheat your grill (broiler) to medium-high heat. While it's heating, prepare your garlic butter by mixing the softened butter with minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. The soft butter allows the garlic flavor to distribute evenly throughout the mixture, while providing a spreadable consistency.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4>Arrange your pitta breads on a baking tray. If your pittas have been refrigerated, warm them slightly in a toaster or oven for about 30 seconds – this makes them more pliable and easier to work with without drying them out.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4>Using a pastry brush or the back of a spoon, generously spread the garlic butter mixture evenly across the entire surface of each pitta bread. Make sure to reach all the way to the edges – these outer portions will become deliciously crispy under the grill.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4>Sprinkle the grated cheese blend evenly over the buttered pittas, making sure to create an even layer that covers the entire surface. The combination of mozzarella and cheddar provides both the stretch and flavor that makes this dish special. Finish with a light sprinkle of dried oregano over each pitta.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4>Place the baking tray under the preheated grill and cook for approximately 3-5 minutes, watching carefully. You're looking for the cheese to melt completely and bubble, with some golden-brown spots appearing. The edges of the pitta should turn crisp and golden. Be vigilant as they can go from perfectly golden to burnt very quickly!</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4>Once they're beautifully golden and bubbling, remove the pittas from the grill and allow them to cool for just 1-2 minutes. This brief rest allows the cheese to set slightly, making them easier to cut without all the cheese sliding off.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4>For the authentic Nando's presentation, cut each pitta into four triangular pieces using a sharp knife or pizza cutter. Serve immediately while still warm and gooey, garnished with additional fresh parsley if desired. The contrast of the crisp edges with the soft, cheesy center is what makes these pittas irresistible!</li></ol>

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🍽️ Serving Size: 1 serving
🔥 Calories: 264 calories
🥑 Fat: 15 g
🧈 Saturated Fat: 9 g
🍞 Carbohydrates: 25 g
🍭 Sugar: 1 g
🍗 Protein: 7 g
🫀 Cholesterol: 40 mg
🧂 Sodium: 420 mg

Chef’s Notes

A few helpful details for making this recipe.

Can I make the garlic butter mixture in advance?

Yes, the garlic butter can be prepared up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Simply bring it to room temperature before using so it spreads easily on the pitta bread. This makes for quick assembly when you're ready to cook your cheesy garlic pittas.

What's the best cheese combination for authentic cheesy garlic pittas?

The most authentic flavour comes from a blend of mozzarella for stretch and cheddar for flavour. For an even more indulgent version, try adding a sprinkle of parmesan. The key is ensuring good melting qualities while maintaining that distinctive tangy cheese taste.

How can I make these cheesy garlic pittas spicier like Nando's PERi-PERi options?

To add spice, mix 1-2 teaspoons of PERi-PERi sauce (mild, medium or hot) into your garlic butter mixture, or sprinkle dried chilli flakes over the cheese before grilling. You could also serve with a side of PERi-PERi sauce for dipping the crispy pitta triangles.

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