Italian Bell Pepper And Onion Scarpaccia Recipe

The Zesty Italian Bell Pepper and Onion Scarpaccia Recipe

Scarpaccia brings rustic italian flavors dancing across your plate with surprising simplicity.

Crisp vegetables mingle in a savory batter that speaks of countryside kitchens.

Shallow frying creates a golden, crisp exterior that crackles with each bite.

Farmers in tuscany have perfected this humble dish through generations of careful cooking.

Naples and surrounding regions celebrate fresh produce in ways that make ordinary ingredients extraordinary.

Salt, olive oil, and seasonal vegetables turn this recipe into a memorable experience.

You can recreate these authentic italian traditions right in your own kitchen with minimal effort.

Italian Bell Pepper and Onion Scarpaccia Done Right

  • Savor Rustic Simplicity: This Italian scarpaccia celebrates basic ingredients with minimal kitchen skills required, making it perfect for home cooks of all experience levels.
  • Transform Vegetables Deliciously: Bell peppers and onions get a flavor-packed upgrade through baking, creating a crispy, golden dish that turns ordinary vegetables into a stunning centerpiece.
  • Quick Pantry-Friendly Preparation: Using common kitchen staples like flour, cornmeal, and vegetables, this recipe lets you create a hearty meal without complicated shopping or expensive ingredients.
  • Versatile Serving Option: Serve as a side dish, light lunch, or appetizer that adapts easily to different meal settings, from casual family dinners to relaxed weekend gatherings.

Ingredients to Make Bell Pepper and Onion Scarpaccia

For the Base:
  • Flour: A key ingredient that provides structure and texture to the scarpaccia.
  • Cornmeal: Adds a delightful crunch and rustic texture to the dish.
  • Thyme: Brings a subtle herbal flavor that complements the vegetables.
For the Vegetables:
  • Bell Peppers: Adds sweetness and vibrant color to the scarpaccia.
  • Onions: Provides a rich, savory depth of flavor to the dish.
For the Seasonings and Liquids:
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Enhances the overall taste and balances the flavors.
  • Water: Helps bind the ingredients and create a smooth batter.
  • Olive Oil: Adds richness and helps achieve a crispy golden top.

Cooking Instructions for This Italian Favorite

Cooking Instructions for This Italian Favorite

Step 1: Prepare Baking Surface

Warm up your oven to 390F. Cover a large baking pan with parchment paper and sprinkle cornmeal across the surface, creating a delightful textured base.

Step 2: Create Flavor Base

In a spacious mixing bowl, blend together:
  • Flour
  • Cornmeal
  • Thyme

Add a pinch of salt and black pepper to enhance the savory profile.

Step 3: Combine Vegetables

Toss sliced onions and bell peppers into the dry mixture, ensuring every piece gets beautifully coated with the seasoned flour blend.

Step 4: Form Batter

Gradually introduce water to the vegetable and flour mixture, stirring carefully until a thick, luscious batter develops.

Step 5: Spread and Shape

Transfer the batter onto the prepared baking pan, using gentle pressure to spread it evenly and create a consistent thickness across the surface.

Step 6: Add Final Touches

Drizzle olive oil generously over the top of the batter. Sprinkle additional salt and cornmeal to create an irresistibly crispy exterior.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50 to 60 minutes, watching for a beautiful golden-brown color to develop.

Step 8: Rest and Serve

Allow the scarpaccia to cool for 15 minutes, which helps it set and makes slicing easier.

Cut into rustic pieces and enjoy the vibrant flavors of Italy.

Tips to Nail the Perfect Scarpaccia

  • Toss bell peppers and onions thoroughly in flour mixture to ensure even seasoning and crispy texture throughout the scarpaccia.
  • Add water gradually to achieve a thick, spreadable batter that holds vegetables together without becoming too runny.
  • Sprinkle extra cornmeal and drizzle olive oil before baking to create a golden, crunchy exterior with deep flavor.
  • Use parchment paper and cornmeal on the baking pan to help the scarpaccia develop a crisp bottom layer and easy release.
  • Allow the scarpaccia to cool for 15 minutes after baking, which helps it set and makes slicing cleaner and more precise.

Variations to Add Your Personal Twist

  • Spicy Fusion Scarpaccia: Add diced jalapeños and sprinkle red pepper flakes for a fiery kick that elevates the traditional recipe.
  • Mediterranean Herb Scarpaccia: Incorporate fresh rosemary, oregano, and chopped basil leaves to bring a vibrant herbal profile to the classic dish.
  • Cheese Lover's Scarpaccia: Grate parmesan or sprinkle crumbled feta cheese on top before baking for a rich, tangy flavor enhancement.
  • Roasted Veggie Upgrade: Mix in roasted zucchini and eggplant alongside bell peppers to create a more complex vegetable texture and depth.

Pairings That Go Perfectly With Scarpaccia

  • Pair with Crisp White Wine: Enhance the light, herbal flavors of scarpaccia with a refreshing Pinot Grigio or Vermentino, cutting through the dish's richness and complementing its vegetable notes.
  • Serve alongside Fresh Arugula Salad: Create a balanced meal by adding a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette, which brings bright acidity and peppery freshness to contrast the warm, hearty scarpaccia.
  • Match with Rustic Italian Appetizers: Complete the dining experience by offering small plates like marinated olives, bruschetta, or cured meats that echo the Mediterranean flavors and provide delightful texture variations.

Storing Advice to Keep It Fresh

Store leftover scarpaccia in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Place a paper towel underneath to absorb excess moisture and keep the bottom crisp.

Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 1 month to preserve texture and flavor.

Restore crispiness by warming slices at 350F for 10-12 minutes. Place directly on the oven rack or use a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for best results.

Quickly reheat individual slices at 325F for 5-7 minutes until warm and crispy edges return.

FAQs

  • Is Scarpaccia a traditional Italian dish?

Yes, Scarpaccia is a rustic Italian vegetable flatbread originating from Tuscany, traditionally made with seasonal vegetables like bell peppers and onions.

  • Can I use different types of bell peppers?

Absolutely! You can mix red, yellow, and green bell peppers to create a colorful and flavorful Scarpaccia that adds visual appeal and varied taste.

  • What makes the texture of this Scarpaccia unique?

The combination of cornmeal and flour creates a crispy exterior while maintaining a soft, slightly dense interior, giving it a distinctive rustic texture.

  • Is this recipe vegetarian and suitable for dietary restrictions?

Yes, this Scarpaccia is naturally vegetarian and can be easily adapted for gluten-free diets by using gluten-free flour alternatives.

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Italian Bell Pepper And Onion Scarpaccia Recipe

Italian Bell Pepper And Onion Scarpaccia Recipe


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4.7 from 29 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Rustic Italian scarpaccia celebrates simplicity with layers of golden bell peppers and caramelized onions nestled in a crisp, herb-infused flatbread. Garden-fresh ingredients and traditional techniques invite you to savor an authentic slice of countryside comfort straight from Italy’s culinary heart.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 5 small or 2 large red onions, thinly sliced
  • 2 large bell peppers (any color), thinly sliced

Dough Ingredients:

  • 1 1/3 cups (315 ml) all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) all-purpose flour
  • 5 tablespoons (75 ml) cornmeal
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme

Liquid and Seasoning Ingredients:

  • 3/4 cup (180 ml) water
  • Kosher salt, to taste
  • Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
  • Olive oil, to taste
  • Cornmeal, for dusting

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 390F and prepare a large baking pan with parchment paper dusted with cornmeal.
  2. Combine flour, cornmeal, and thyme in a spacious mixing bowl, seasoning with salt and black pepper to enhance the base flavor profile.
  3. Incorporate sliced onions and bell peppers into the dry ingredients, ensuring each vegetable piece is thoroughly coated.
  4. Gradually introduce water while stirring, transforming the mixture into a cohesive, thick batter with a smooth consistency.
  5. Transfer the batter to the prepared baking pan, using gentle pressure to distribute it evenly and create a uniform surface.
  6. Enhance the scarpaccia by drizzling olive oil across the top and sprinkling additional cornmeal and salt for a crisp, textured finish.
  7. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, watching for a rich golden-brown coloration that indicates perfect doneness.
  8. Remove from the oven and allow the scarpaccia to rest and cool for 15 minutes, which helps set the texture and makes slicing easier.
  9. Slice and serve the scarpaccia warm, showcasing the rustic Italian vegetable flatbread’s vibrant colors and aromatic herbs.

Notes

  • Adjust vegetable thickness for consistent cooking by slicing onions and bell peppers uniformly to ensure even baking and crispy texture.
  • Enhance flavor profile by using fresh thyme instead of dried herbs, which provides more vibrant and aromatic notes to the scarpaccia.
  • Experiment with alternative flour options like gluten-free flour or whole wheat flour to accommodate different dietary needs while maintaining the dish’s authentic Italian character.
  • Control moisture content by gently patting vegetables dry before mixing to prevent soggy bottom and achieve a crisp, golden-brown surface during baking.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 60 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 176 kcal
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 5 g
  • Saturated Fat: 0.7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 29 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg
Nate Harper

Nate Harper

Founder & Recipe Curator

Expertise

Single-Recipe Development, Farm-to-Table Cooking, Seasonal Menu Planning, Culinary Storytelling, Home Kitchen Innovation

Education

Cascade Culinary Institute – Central Oregon Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts

Focus: Farm-to-table cuisine, sustainable cooking practices, and seasonal recipe creation.

Nate studied under experienced chefs who emphasized local sourcing, minimal waste, and building recipes from fresh, simple ingredients.


Nate Harper is the founder and creative force behind Make, Take, Bake. Raised in the wild beauty of Oregon’s high desert, Nate grew up surrounded by family gardens, farmers’ markets, and home kitchens that celebrated the seasons.
His early love for simple, honest food evolved into a professional passion when he attended Cascade Culinary Institute, where he sharpened his skills in creating recipes that are sustainable, satisfying, and made for everyday life.
Nate’s goal is to make cooking feel accessible, free of fuss, and full of flavor. He believes a single, thoughtfully built dish can stand alone, and sometimes even steal the show.

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