The Italian Bell Pepper and Onion Scarpaccia Recipe is a true celebration of rustic Italian flavors, where humble ingredients shine in the most delightful way. Imagine a savory tart—crisp at the edges, lusciously soft in the middle—studded with colorful bell peppers and sweet onions, coming together with a golden Parmesan crust. This dish is simplicity at its best, perfect for family gatherings or a special lunch with friends. Whether served as a snack, side dish, or a light meal, it delivers a warm, inviting taste of Italy right from your oven.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Italian Bell Pepper and Onion Scarpaccia Recipe relies on just a handful of pantry staples and fresh vegetables, each one chosen for its essential role. The magic really happens when these simple ingredients meld together—every bite bursting with color, flavor, and authentic Italian charm!
- Red bell pepper: Lends a pop of color and subtle sweetness that brightens the entire tart.
- Yellow bell pepper: Adds a contrasting sweetness and golden hue, enhancing both the look and taste.
- Yellow onion: Brings gentle savory notes and a touch of natural sweetness as it bakes.
- All-purpose flour: Forms the base of the batter, providing structure to hold all the veggies together.
- Water: Keeps the batter perfectly pourable and lets the vegetables stay the stars.
- Olive oil: Imparts richness and encourages those irresistible crispy edges.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Delivers salty, nutty flavor while promoting a gorgeous golden top.
- Chopped fresh thyme (or dried): Infuses a gentle, herby aroma that really wakes up the senses; rosemary also works wonderfully here.
- Salt: Seasons everything just right, balancing the sweetness of peppers and onions.
- Black pepper: Adds a little warmth and depth to the overall flavor profile.
How to Make Italian Bell Pepper and Onion Scarpaccia Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
First things first—set the stage for baking! Preheat your oven to 400°F, which is just right for developing a crispy edge while keeping the center tender. Lightly brush a 9-inch round or square baking dish with olive oil. This simple move makes sure your Scarpaccia releases easily once baked, and it also helps develop that gorgeously golden crust along the sides.
Step 2: Mix the Batter
Grab a large mixing bowl and bring together your flour, water, olive oil, Parmesan, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Stir it all gently but thoroughly until you have a smooth, pourable batter with no lumps. With so few ingredients, mixing it well ensures each flavor has its chance to really sing. The batter may seem thin, but that’s how it should look—the veggies and oven will do the rest!
Step 3: Add the Vegetables
Now comes the fun, colorful part! Add your thinly sliced red and yellow bell peppers and yellow onion into the bowl. Gently fold them through the batter, making sure every gorgeous strip is coated. You’ll love how quickly this comes together and how beautifully the veggies are suspended in the mixture, ready for baking.
Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection
Pour the veggie-laden batter into your prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula for a smooth top. Pop it into the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. What you’re looking for is golden, crisped-up edges and a center that’s set but still tender. As the Scarpaccia bakes, your kitchen will fill with the most incredible savory aroma—a promise of delicious things to come!
Step 5: Cool and Slice
Once the Italian Bell Pepper and Onion Scarpaccia Recipe is perfectly baked and golden, remove it from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes. Not only does this let it set to a perfect slicing consistency, but it also gives you just enough time to gather everyone around! Slice into wedges or squares, and decide if you want to enjoy it warm or at room temperature (pro tip—it’s absolutely delicious either way!).
How to Serve Italian Bell Pepper and Onion Scarpaccia Recipe
Garnishes
For a finishing flourish, sprinkle a bit of extra Parmesan cheese or a handful of freshly chopped thyme or basil over the top. A drizzle of fruity olive oil or a pinch of flaky sea salt takes this Italian Bell Pepper and Onion Scarpaccia Recipe to a whole new level. If you’re feeling playful, add a few chili flakes for a mild kick.
Side Dishes
Pair your Scarpaccia with a crisp green salad dressed in lemony vinaigrette or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. It also shines alongside a simple tomato salad or creamy ricotta for a true Italian countryside spread. Serve it at brunch, lunch, or as a beautiful centerpiece to a family-style dinner.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut your Scarpaccia into small squares for a colorful appetizer platter, or serve larger wedges for a rustic lunch with friends. Stack slices for an eye-catching buffet tray, and consider serving them with dipping sauces like herbed yogurt or extra virgin olive oil infused with garlic and lemon. This dish is as versatile as it is delicious—let your creativity guide you!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any remaining Italian Bell Pepper and Onion Scarpaccia Recipe slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep beautifully for up to three days, making this dish ideal for meal prep or make-ahead entertaining. The flavors deepen and meld as it rests, so leftovers are just as tempting as the first slice!
Freezing
If you’d like to freeze Scarpaccia, wait until it has completely cooled, then wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to one month. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, arrange slices on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes, or until heated through and edges regain their subtle crispness. For a quick snack, a short burst in the microwave works too, though the oven will give you the best texture. Either way, the Scarpaccia will return to its savory, comforting best!
FAQs
Can I use different colored peppers or mix in zucchini?
Absolutely! This Italian Bell Pepper and Onion Scarpaccia Recipe is wonderfully flexible; you can use orange or green peppers for a more vibrant look, or add thinly sliced zucchini for extra flavor and moisture. Just keep the ratios similar so the batter sets properly.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free 1:1 flour blend. The texture may vary slightly, but it will still deliver on that classic Scarpaccia taste and tenderness. Just check your blend doesn’t have a strong aftertaste.
What’s the best way to slice the veggies for Scarpaccia?
For the very best results, slice the bell peppers and onion as thinly as you comfortably can. This lets them become silky and sweet during baking, melding perfectly with the batter for that classic soft-centered texture.
Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?
Definitely! Just double all the ingredients and use a larger sheet pan or two baking dishes. Keep an eye on the baking time—thicker layers may need a few extra minutes in the oven to ensure the center sets up beautifully.
Is scarpaccia served hot or cold?
It’s delicious both ways! The Italian Bell Pepper and Onion Scarpaccia Recipe is wonderful warm, with its cheese still gently melting, but it’s equally fabulous at room temperature or even cold as part of a picnic spread or lunchbox surprise.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been searching for a new go-to Italian recipe, this Italian Bell Pepper and Onion Scarpaccia Recipe will win you over with its stunning simplicity and unbeatable flavor. Don’t wait for a special occasion—invite a little taste of Italy into your kitchen, and share it with the people you love!
Print
Italian Bell Pepper and Onion Scarpaccia Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Italian Bell Pepper and Onion Scarpaccia recipe is a delightful savory tart that combines the sweetness of bell peppers and onions with the richness of Parmesan cheese and fresh thyme. Easy to prepare and perfect for a light lunch or side dish.
Ingredients
For the Scarpaccia:
- 1 large red bell pepper (thinly sliced)
- 1 large yellow bell pepper (thinly sliced)
- 1 medium yellow onion (thinly sliced)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup water
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (plus more for greasing)
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme (or ½ teaspoon dried)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F and lightly oil a 9-inch round or square baking dish.
- Mix the batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, water, olive oil, Parmesan, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Stir until a smooth, pourable batter forms.
- Add vegetables: Add the sliced bell peppers and onions to the batter, folding them until well coated.
- Bake: Pour the mixture into the prepared dish, spread evenly, and bake for 35–40 minutes until golden and set.
- Serve: Let cool for 10 minutes before slicing and serving warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Scarpaccia is a versatile dish; you can try adding zucchini or herbs like rosemary for different flavors.
- This tart makes a great snack, side dish, or light lunch when paired with a fresh salad.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 290mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 2mg
