Olives & Pita Chips Recipe

If you’re craving a snack that’s bursting with bold flavors and delightful textures, this Olives & Pita Chips dish will quickly become your new favorite. Picture crisp, golden pita chips perfectly seasoned to enhance their crunch, paired with vibrant Kalamata and green olives that add a salty, briny kick. But the true showstopper is the luscious hot honey feta, where creamy feta cheese melts into a warm, spicy-sweet drizzle, creating an irresistible combo that’s both comforting and exciting. This Greek appetizer board is a stunning conversation starter and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that brings simple ingredients to life in the most delicious way.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this recipe is simple yet integral to delivering that perfect harmony of taste, texture, and color. Each element plays a vital role—from the crispy pita chips providing crunch, to the olives’ rich saltiness, and the decadent hot honey feta adding creaminess with a touch of heat and sweetness.

• Feta cheese, 8 oz block: The star ingredient for creamy, tangy richness that balances heat and sweetness beautifully.
• Honey, 2 tbsp: Adds a natural sweetness that pairs wonderfully with the feta and chili flakes.
• Red chili flakes, ¼ tsp: Packs a gentle spice punch to liven up the honey feta without overpowering it.
• Olive oil, 3–4 tbsp: Used both to enrich the feta and crisp up the pita chips with its fruity aroma.
• Pita breads, 4: Cut into triangles for perfect bite-sized chips that bake up crisp and golden.
• Salt, ½ tsp: Brings out the flavors in the pita chips and balances the dish overall.
• Kalamata olives, ½ cup: Adds deep, complex, briny notes that contrast the creamy feta.
• Green olives, ½ cup: Contributes a milder, slightly tangy flavor that keeps each bite interesting.
• Cherry tomatoes, ½ cup: Provide juicy bursts of freshness and vibrant color to brighten the board.
• Fresh parsley, 2 tbsp: Adds a grassy, herbal touch and a pop of green to finish off the dish.
• Optional garnishes: Roasted red peppers, artichoke hearts, or fresh herbs to customize and elevate your presentation.

How to Make Olives & Pita Chips

Step 1: Prepare the Pita Chips

Start by heating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Toss the pita triangles in olive oil and a sprinkle of salt to ensure every chip crisps up with plenty of flavor. Spread them out evenly on a baking sheet, making sure the chips don’t overlap, so they bake to perfect golden crunchiness. Bake for about 10 to 12 minutes, keeping a close eye to avoid burning, then let them cool slightly. These pita chips will be your crunchy, salty base for dipping and snacking.

Step 2: Make the Hot Honey Feta

While the pita chips bake, place the feta block in a small oven-safe dish. Drizzle it generously with honey, sprinkle the red chili flakes according to your heat preference, and add a drizzle of olive oil to enhance richness. Pop it into a 350°F (175°C) oven for 8 to 10 minutes. The goal is to warm the feta just enough that it softens, melding perfectly with the sweet and spicy topping—you’ll want to scoop it up with those freshly baked pita chips immediately.

Step 3: Assemble the Board

Grab a large serving platter and start layering your ingredients. Arrange the warm hot honey feta in the center, surrounded by pita chips, Kalamata and green olives, and juicy cherry tomatoes. Scatter fresh parsley and any optional garnishes you love for a colorful, inviting display. This approach makes your appetizer as visually appealing as it is delicious.

How to Serve Olives & Pita Chips

Garnishes

Fresh herbs like parsley or oregano add a bright, fresh contrast to the rich feta and the salty olives, enhancing the overall flavor. You can also add roasted red peppers or marinated artichoke hearts to introduce smoky or tangy notes, elevating the board’s complexity and appeal.

Side Dishes

For a fuller spread, serve Olives & Pita Chips alongside Mediterranean-inspired sides such as hummus, tzatziki, or a crisp Greek salad. These pairings complement the star dish’s bold flavors while offering variety in texture and taste on your table.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the hot honey feta right in the baking dish for a rustic look, or use small bowls for the olives and tomatoes to keep the board neat. For a party, provide little skewers or toothpicks for easy grabbing. Mixing colors and heights on your board makes it a feast for both the eyes and the palate.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover pita chips in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them crisp for up to 2 days. The olives and feta should be refrigerated in sealed containers and consumed within 3 days for the best flavor.

Freezing

Pita chips don’t freeze well as they tend to lose crispness when thawed. However, leftover feta can be frozen if wrapped tightly, but be aware the texture might become crumbly once thawed, which still works well for crumbled toppings.

Reheating

To reheat the hot honey feta, place it in a small oven-safe dish and warm it at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 to 7 minutes until softened again. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can change the texture and flavor. For pita chips, a quick heat in the oven for a few minutes will help bring back some crunch.

FAQs

Can I make the hot honey feta ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the hot honey feta a few hours ahead and refrigerate it. Just warm it briefly in the oven before serving to restore its creamy texture and meld flavors.

What kind of olives work best for this recipe?

Kalamata and green olives are ideal here because they offer complementary flavors—Kalamatas are robust and briny while green olives provide a milder, tangy contrast. Feel free to experiment with your favorites.

Can I use store-bought pita chips instead of making my own?

Absolutely! Store-bought pita chips are a convenient alternative, though making your own allows you to control seasoning and freshness, which can really elevate the dish.

Is Olives & Pita Chips suitable for vegan diets?

The olives and pita chips themselves are vegan, but the hot honey feta contains dairy and honey, which some vegans avoid. You could replace the feta with a vegan cheese alternative and use maple syrup instead of honey to make it vegan-friendly.

How spicy is the hot honey feta?

The heat comes from just a quarter teaspoon of red chili flakes, giving a gentle warmth rather than intense spiciness. You can adjust the amount to suit your spice preference.

Final Thoughts

This Olives & Pita Chips board is such a joyful dish to prepare and share. It brings together a stunning range of textures and flavors in a way that feels both indulgent and approachable. Whether you’re hosting a lively gathering or simply treating yourself to an elevated snack, this recipe is sure to impress. Dive in and enjoy every bite of that crispy, creamy, salty, sweet, and spicy magic coming together!

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