Italian Bell Pepper and Onion Scarpaccia

If you’ve never tried Scarpaccia, you’re in for a treat. It’s a savory, Italian-style cake (yes, cake!) that’s filled with caramelized bell peppers and onions, making it the perfect blend of sweet, savory, and absolutely irresistible. Imagine the crispiness of a thin, golden crust with tender vegetables baked right in. It’s not your everyday dish, but that’s what makes it so special! Whether served as an appetizer, side dish, or light meal, this Italian delight will transport you straight to a charming Tuscan kitchen. Trust me, it’s one of those recipes you’ll make again and again, and it’ll always impress.

Why You’ll Love Italian Bell Pepper and Onion Scarpaccia

• A Unique Dish: Scarpaccia is one of those hidden gems from Italian cuisine that will make you feel like a culinary pro when you serve it.
• Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: It’s made with just a handful of pantry staples, but the combination of caramelized bell peppers, onions, and herbs gives it a mouthwatering depth of flavor.
• Versatile: It’s great as a snack, side dish, or even a light meal on its own. You can serve it hot, cold, or at room temperature—it’s delicious any way you slice it.
• Perfect for Sharing: This is one of those dishes that’s perfect for a crowd. It’s easy to make in large batches, and people will want to know your secret.
• Comforting Yet Light: The veggies are the stars of the show here, making it a lighter option that still feels like a comforting treat.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Scarpaccia:

• Bell Peppers: Sweet and vibrant, these peppers add that subtle sweetness that balances perfectly with the savory flavors.
• Onions: Caramelized onions bring that rich, sweet depth that pairs beautifully with the peppers.
• Olive Oil: To sauté the veggies and give the base a lovely richness.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic gives the dish an aromatic kick.
• Eggs: Help to bind everything together and give the Scarpaccia its cake-like texture.
• Flour: The flour creates the base for the batter, turning crispy at the edges and soft in the middle.
• Parmesan Cheese: For that salty, nutty flavor that will elevate the entire dish.
• Herbs: Fresh basil and thyme add that Italian touch to the dish.
• Salt & Pepper: To season and balance the flavors.

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are provided in the recipe card below.)

Instructions

Let’s break this down so you can make this delicious dish without a hitch:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that when the Scarpaccia hits the oven, it gets a beautiful, golden finish.

Step 2: Sauté the Veggies

In a large skillet, heat a couple of tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the bell peppers and onions and sauté for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally until the veggies are soft and starting to caramelize. Add in the garlic during the last couple of minutes and sauté until fragrant. Remove from the heat and set aside to cool slightly.

Step 3: Prepare the Batter

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, flour, Parmesan cheese, a pinch of salt, and a few cracks of black pepper. Add in the herbs—fresh chopped basil and thyme work wonderfully here. Stir until the batter is smooth.

Step 4: Combine the Veggies and Batter

Add the sautéed veggies to the batter, mixing gently to combine. The vegetables should be evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Step 5: Bake the Scarpaccia

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or similar size with a little olive oil or non-stick spray. Pour the veggie-batter mixture into the dish, spreading it out evenly. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 6: Let it Cool and Slice

Allow the Scarpaccia to cool slightly before slicing into squares or wedges. It’s tempting to dig in right away, but letting it cool just a bit helps it set and slice perfectly.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Serve warm or at room temperature. This dish is great on its own or paired with a light salad, some crusty bread, or a glass of wine. You’ll have your guests asking for the recipe!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 8
Calories per serving: 215
Total Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 70mg
Sodium: 250mg
Total Carbohydrate: 22g
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 4g
Protein: 6g
Vitamin A: 25%
Vitamin C: 80%
Calcium: 15%
Iron: 8%

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes

How to Serve Italian Bell Pepper and Onion Scarpaccia

• With a Side Salad: Pair with a simple, fresh green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the Scarpaccia.
• As an Appetizer: Serve it in small squares as an appetizer at your next party or gathering. It’s perfect for nibbling.
• With Grilled Meat: If you’re serving this as a main, it pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, sausage, or even a steak.

Additional Tips

• Use Any Bell Pepper Color: You can mix and match red, yellow, and green bell peppers for added color and variety.
• Add Some Heat: If you like a little spice, throw in a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the veggies.
• Make It Vegetarian: This dish is naturally vegetarian, but if you want to take it up a notch, try adding a layer of fresh mozzarella on top before baking.
• Leftovers: Scarpaccia is just as tasty the next day. Store leftovers in the fridge and reheat in the oven for a few minutes to crisp it up.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use frozen bell peppers?
A1: While fresh peppers work best, you can use frozen bell peppers. Just make sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture.

Q2: Can I add other vegetables to this dish?
A2: Absolutely! Try adding zucchini, eggplant, or even mushrooms for an extra veggie-packed twist.

Q3: How should I store leftovers?
A3: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for the best texture.

Q4: Can I make this ahead of time?
A4: Yes! You can prepare it up to a day in advance and bake it just before serving.

Q5: Can I freeze Scarpaccia?
A5: Yes, Scarpaccia freezes well. Once baked, let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 1 month.

Q6: Can I use a different type of cheese?
A6: Yes! While Parmesan adds a great savory flavor, you can substitute it with Pecorino Romano or even mozzarella for a gooier texture.

Q7: What’s the best way to reheat it?
A7: To reheat, place it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until warmed through and crispy around the edges.

Q8: Can I make this gluten-free?
A8: Yes, you can substitute the flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Just ensure it has a binding agent like xanthan gum for the best results.

Q9: Can I add meat to Scarpaccia?
A9: Of course! Add some cooked sausage, bacon, or even a bit of ham for an extra savory twist.

Q10: How do I get the crust extra crispy?
A10: If you want a crispier crust, you can brush the edges of the batter with olive oil before baking, or use a cast-iron skillet for extra crispiness.

Conclusion

This Italian Bell Pepper and Onion Scarpaccia is a delightful, savory dish that will surprise and satisfy with every bite. It’s easy to make, super customizable, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a simple appetizer, a satisfying side, or a light meal, this dish has you covered. Make it once, and it’ll quickly become a go-to recipe in your kitchen. Enjoy!

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