There are few sure things when it comes to cooking new dishes for small children, but this smashed gyros pita sandwich for kids gets pretty darn close. Think of it as a hamburger in taco form with Greek flavors–wait, did you get that? It’s actually not as complicated as it sounds: meat meets crispy shell meets creamy toppings. You’ve probably made variations of the same in countless ways–only, this time, the end result looks, feels, and tastes just like a gyro. Amazing, right? Your kiddo will think so–and you might too after knocking down a few yourself.
Can I make these smashed gyros pita sandwich with ground chicken or turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground chicken or turkey works great in this recipe. Just be sure to oil your pan generously before searing to prevent lean poultry from sticking.
How do I make sure the pita actually sticks to the meat when I flip it?
Adding a small dollop of yogurt sauce or a pinch of shredded cheese in the center of the patty before pressing the pita down acts as an anchor to help the bread adhere seamlessly to the meat.
What kind of pita bread works best?
Standard, slightly thick pockets or soft Greek-style pitas work best because they fold easily without tearing or breaking when handled by small hands.
How should I serve this to a toddler who hasn't eaten tacos before?
Because the folded shape might be new to younger children, you can cut the finished pita into small triangular wedges or strips to make it easier for them to grip and bite.
Can I prep the meat patties in advance?
Yes, you can flatten the patties between parchment paper ahead of time and keep them chilled in the refrigerator until you are ready to cook dinner.
What toppings are most toddler-friendly for this dish?
Finely chopped cucumbers, halved cherry tomatoes, and mild crumbled feta cheese are great interactive options that let your child choose their own combination.
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This easy smashed gyros pita sandwich combines flavorful ground meat directly onto a pita for a crisp, toddler-friendly twist on classic Greek flavor. Served with a quick cucumber yogurt sauce and customizable fresh toppings, it is a fun meal the whole family will love.
We make available a bunch of toppings–sliced cucumbers, halved tomatoes, crumbled feta cheese–and let our child choose what he wants to put in. The pitas will fold easily, but your child isn’t familiar with tacos you’ll likely have to show him/her how to hold and eat the sandwich.
You can use chicken instead of beef–in fact, the recipe photos is of chicken–but make sure to oil the pan generously to ensure that the meat doesn’t stick to it. You can also use tortillas instead of pita: split into six balls if using regular sized tortillas, or eight if using small/street taco ones.
Servings 5
Serving Size one pita sandwich
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Brad (the Dad) is the founder and Chief Recipe Officer of New Dad's Kitchen. His own cooking/feeding journey started humbly during his son's infancy, preparing and managing his son's bottle intake in order to support his wife; it has since blossomed into a full-on passion to feed his child and family delicious and healthy meals that can satisfy both a toddler and his very tired parents.
