If you have a love for rustic Italian fare that’s packed with vibrant flavors and comforting textures, then you are absolutely going to adore this Italian Bell Pepper and Onion Scarpaccia Recipe. Imagine a golden, crispy crust made from cornmeal and flour, studded generously with sweet, tender strips of red onions and colorful bell peppers. It’s like a warm, savory flatbread that effortlessly brings a pop of color and a burst of earthy, aromatic charm to your table. This recipe feels like a warm hug from the Italian countryside, perfect for sharing with friends or savoring on your own with a glass of your favorite wine.

Italian Bell Pepper and Onion Scarpaccia Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are wonderfully simple yet essential to achieving the authentic texture and flavor that make this Italian Bell Pepper and Onion Scarpaccia Recipe shine. Each component plays a key role, from the cornmeal lending a delightful crispness to the thyme adding subtle herbal notes that elevate the entire dish.

All-purpose flour: Provides the base structure for the batter, ensuring a tender crumb.
Cornmeal: Adds that signature slight crunch and grainy texture, dusting the pan for extra crisp edges.
Dried thyme: Infuses the batter with an earthy, aromatic flavor that complements the vegetables perfectly.
Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the natural sweetness of the veggies.
Olive oil: Used generously to create a beautifully golden, crispy top and add a rich, fruity undertone.
Red onions: Thinly sliced for sweetness and a slight bite that mellows wonderfully when baked.
Bell peppers: Choose your favorite color; they lend vibrant color, juiciness, and mild sweetness.
Water: Hydrates the batter into the perfect texture that holds all ingredients together.

How to Make Italian Bell Pepper and Onion Scarpaccia Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 390°F (200°C). This temperature is crucial as it ensures the scarpaccia bakes evenly to a golden-brown perfection. Line a large baking pan with parchment paper, then sprinkle it lightly with extra cornmeal to prevent sticking and add that signature crispness to the bottom crust. Set it aside while you prepare the batter.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Grab a large bowl and whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornmeal, and dried thyme. This dry mix is where the foundation of texture and flavor starts to build. Don’t forget to season with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper to balance and enhance all the forthcoming flavors.

Step 3: Combine the Veggies and Dry Mix

Now toss your thinly sliced red onions and vibrant bell peppers into the bowl. Mix everything until the vegetables are thoroughly coated with the seasoned flour and cornmeal blend. This step ensures that every piece of onion and pepper is enveloped in the batter, helping them bake through while contributing to the scarpaccia’s signature heartiness.

Step 4: Add Water and Create the Batter

Pour in the water gradually, stirring continuously with a wooden spoon or spatula. Your goal is a thick yet spreadable batter that holds the vegetables together without being too runny. Getting the right consistency here means your scarpaccia will have that perfect tender crumb with a crisp crust.

Step 5: Spread Batter on the Pan

Transfer your batter onto the prepared baking pan. Using your hands or a spatula, spread and gently pat the mixture into a thin, even layer. The thinness ensures the scarpaccia bakes evenly, helping the edges get delightfully crunchy while the center stays soft and flavorful.

Step 6: Drizzle Olive Oil and Final Touches

Drizzle olive oil generously over the top of the batter. Don’t be shy here – the olive oil is what creates that irresistible golden crust as it bakes. Finish with a sprinkle of salt and a light dusting of cornmeal, adding texture and flavor to every bite.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Pop your pan into the oven and bake for 50 to 60 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the edges are crisp and the top is a beautiful golden brown. The aroma filling your kitchen will be enough to make your mouth water!

Step 8: Cool and Slice

After removing the scarpaccia from the oven, let it cool for at least 15 minutes. This resting time is important; it gives the dish a chance to set so that your slices come out neat and perfect. Serve warm or at room temperature for an immensely satisfying treat.

How to Serve Italian Bell Pepper and Onion Scarpaccia Recipe

Garnishes

While this scarpaccia is delightful on its own, adding a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or a handful of thinly shaved Parmesan can elevate it to new heights. A drizzle of balsamic glaze also pairs beautifully, adding a subtle tang that contrasts the sweetness of the peppers and onions.

Side Dishes

This Italian Bell Pepper and Onion Scarpaccia Recipe shines as a versatile dish alongside a crisp green salad or a bowl of soup. It also pairs wonderfully with antipasto platters or as a savory accompaniment to grilled meats or roasted vegetables for a full Italian-inspired meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For entertaining, cut the scarpaccia into small squares or strips and serve it as a finger food or appetizer. Alternatively, serve slices topped with a dollop of ricotta or spread with herbed cream cheese to add a creamy, tangy contrast that guests will adore.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover scarpaccia keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Simply wrap it well to maintain moisture and crispness, making it easy to enjoy your leftovers without losing any of that fresh-baked flavor.

Freezing

If you want to keep this Italian Bell Pepper and Onion Scarpaccia Recipe on hand for a little longer, it freezes well! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before freezing for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

To bring back the crisp edges and warm the center, reheat slices in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that signature crust intact. Reheating in the oven really restores that fresh-from-the-oven magic we all love.

FAQs

Can I use different vegetables besides bell peppers and onions?

Absolutely! While bell peppers and onions are classic, you can experiment with zucchini, cherry tomatoes, or even thinly sliced eggplants to add your unique twist to this Italian Bell Pepper and Onion Scarpaccia Recipe.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not as written, since it uses all-purpose flour and cornmeal. However, you could substitute with gluten-free flour blends and gluten-free cornmeal to suit dietary needs, though results may slightly differ in texture.

How thick should the batter layer be spread in the pan?

It’s best to spread the batter into a thin, uniform layer about ¼ to ½ inch thick. This thickness ensures even baking with a crisp crust and tender interior.

Can I make this scarpaccia vegan?

The basic recipe is already vegan-friendly since it contains no eggs or dairy. Just be sure to use olive oil and skip any cheese or toppings that include animal products.

What’s the best way to cut and serve scarpaccia?

After cooling, slice it into squares or wedges. It’s perfectly at home as a main dish, side, or even as finger food, depending on how small or large you cut the pieces.

Final Thoughts

When a dish brings together simple ingredients in such a harmonious and delicious way, you know it’s a keeper. This Italian Bell Pepper and Onion Scarpaccia Recipe is one of those recipes that feels like a little celebration of color, flavor, and texture every time you bake it. I hope you have as much fun making it as you will eating it—warm, fragrant, and effortlessly comforting. Give it a try soon and share the joy with those you love!