Copycat Nando's Cheesy Garlic Pitta Recipe

Learn how to make the best homemade Nando's-style cheesy garlic pitta bread with this easy baking recipe. Perfectly toasted pittas slathered with homemade garlic butter and melted cheese deliver restaurant-quality results with minimal effort. A foolproof way to recreate this beloved side dish at home!

Difficulty:

Beginner

Prep Time:

10 mins

Cook Time:

5 mins

Serves:

4 pitta breads

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>

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

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>

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>

FAQs

Find answers to your most pressing questions about this delicious recipe right here.

What ingredients are used in Copycat Nando's Cheesy Garlic Pitta?

The key ingredients are 4 pitta breads, 100g softened unsalted butter, 4 minced garlic cloves, fresh parsley, salt, pepper, 120g of mixed mozzarella and cheddar cheese, and dried oregano. These simple ingredients combine to create the authentic Nando's flavour.

How to cook Copycat Nando's Cheesy Garlic Pitta at home?

Learn how to cook Copycat Nando's Cheesy Garlic Pitta by first preparing a garlic butter with minced garlic, parsley, salt and pepper. Spread this over pitta breads, top with grated cheese and oregano, then grill for 3-5 minutes until the cheese is bubbling and golden. The secret is watching them carefully to achieve perfect golden edges.

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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