Homemade Pita Bread Crisps: Frugal Crackers in 10 Minutes

Save on crisps and crackers at your next gathering with these easy, frugal and versatile homemade pita bread crisps.

Wondering what to make with Lebanese (pita) bread? Homemade pita bread crisps are a quick, economical and flexible snack that transform leftover pita into a crunchy, shareable treat. Baked instead of fried, these pita crisps are lower in fat than many store-bought chips and work brilliantly with dips, on a nibbles platter, or packed into lunchboxes.

Pita Bread Crisp Ingredients

These pita crisps are made from store-bought pita (Lebanese) bread. I keep a packet in the freezer for quick snacks, crisp pizza bases or toasted wraps — they thaw in minutes at room temperature and can be baked straight from frozen if needed.

The basic ingredients are simple:

2 pita breads (Lebanese bread)
1 tbsp olive oil
salt to taste
paprika to taste
cumin to taste

Pita is very affordable — a packet of six can be under a few dollars depending on where you shop. Each pita makes about 16 crisps, so a small packet yields plenty to share. Beyond salt, paprika and cumin, you can season the crisps any way you like: zaatar, harissa, Moroccan spice blends, crushed garlic or garlic powder, grated parmesan, rosemary, or dukkah for extra crunch.

Making the Lebanese Bread Crisps

These pita crackers are fast and straightforward to prepare. The method below produces light, crisp chips perfect for dips or snacking.

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
Cut each pita into 8 triangles.
Each triangle often has two thin layers. Open the triangle and cut the folded edge so each triangle becomes two thinner crisps.
Lightly brush a baking tray with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.
Arrange the triangles on the tray in a single layer and brush the tops lightly with the remaining olive oil—use sparingly so the crisps don’t become soggy.
Sprinkle salt and your chosen spices over the triangles. A simple blend of paprika and cumin works well, or try garlic powder, parmesan, or a herb like rosemary.
Bake for about 5 minutes, or until the crisps are golden and crisp. Watch closely as oven times vary. Remove and let cool on a wire rack to preserve crispness.

Serving and Uses

Serve pita bread crisps with hummus, bean dips, tzatziki or any other favourite dip. They make a stylish, budget-friendly addition to party platters, picnics and lunchboxes. Plain crisps are great for kids, while spiced or cheesy versions suit adult gatherings.

Tips and Variations

If you prefer plain crisps, skip the paprika and cumin and season only with salt.
For garlic crisps, use crushed fresh garlic lightly mixed with oil or sprinkle garlic powder before baking.
For cheesy crisps, add a light dusting of finely grated parmesan immediately after baking so it melts slightly as the crisps cool.
Try fresh chopped rosemary with salt, or combine rosemary with garlic and parmesan for a more complex flavour.
For Middle Eastern flavour, use zaatar; for heat, try a dry harissa blend; for warmth and sweetness, a Moroccan spice mix works well.
For extra texture, finish with a sprinkle of dukkah once the crisps are out of the oven.

Yield, Time and Nutrition

Yield: about 32 crisps (from 2 pita breads). Prep time: 5 minutes. Cook time: 5 minutes. Total time: roughly 10 minutes.

Estimated nutrition per serving (one crisp): Calories 77, Total Fat 3g, Unsaturated Fat 2g, Saturated Fat 0g, Cholesterol 0mg, Sodium 205mg, Carbohydrates 12g, Fiber 1g, Protein 2g. These values are estimates and may vary depending on ingredients and portion sizes.

Pita bread crisps are an easy, budget-friendly snack that you can customise endlessly. Keep a packet of pita in the freezer and you’ll always have the makings of a quick, crispy snack for guests or everyday munching.