Cheese-Stuffed Italian Arayes with Garlic Bread Pita
This mouthwatering mashup is an Italian take on a Middle Eastern classic—juicy, cheesy meat stuffed into crispy, golden pita with all the comfort of garlic bread. The first time I made these for game day, they were gone before halftime. With melty mozzarella in the middle and a garlicky, buttery crunch outside, these arayes are a true game changer.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 halves 1x
Ingredients
6 pita breads
1 lb ground beef
1 lb ground Italian sausage
1 egg
½ cup pecorino cheese
½ cup chopped parsley
2 tbsp Italian seasoning
2 tbsp onion powder
¼ cup breadcrumbs
2 tbsp minced garlic
6 mozzarella string cheese sticks, halved
¼ cup melted garlic butter
2 tbsp grated parmesan
Instructions
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a large bowl, mix beef, sausage, egg, pecorino, parsley, seasoning, onion powder, breadcrumbs, and garlic until well combined.
Cut each pita in half to create 12 pockets.
Stuff each pita with a handful of the meat mixture and one half-stick of mozzarella in the center. Press to flatten slightly.
Brush outsides with melted garlic butter and sprinkle with parmesan.
Bake on a lined tray for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and cooked through.
Serve hot with marinara or ranch for dipping.
Notes
Crispy, cheesy, meaty, and wildly satisfying
Serve these up and just watch them vanish—this isn’t just a snack, it’s a new favorite.
Nutrition
- Calories: 410