If you’re on the hunt for a snack that’s bursting with vibrant flavors and textures, the Coppa Focaccia Toast with Zhug Recipe is going to be your new obsession. Imagine golden, crisp focaccia as the base, crowned with luxurious ricotta, spicy, herbaceous zhug, and thin slices of savory coppa that melt in your mouth. This dish effortlessly blends Mediterranean freshness with Middle Eastern spice, creating a sensational appetizer that is as beautiful on the plate as it is irresistible to your taste buds. Whether for a lively gathering or a cozy night in, this toast delivers excitement in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Coppa Focaccia Toast with Zhug Recipe comes down to simple, carefully chosen ingredients that each play a vital role. From the rich creaminess of ricotta to the punchy, fresh heat of zhug, every element adds gorgeous layers of flavor and texture to the dish.
- Focaccia bread: Use thick slices about 1 inch to get the perfect crunchy yet soft foundation for your toast.
- Coppa (4 ounces): This cured pork adds a salty, silky richness that is simply unbeatable.
- Ricotta cheese (1/2 cup): Its creamy, mild profile balances the boldness of the coppa and zhug beautifully.
- Zhug (1/4 cup): A vibrant, spicy cilantro sauce that brings fresh heat and herbaceous notes to the toast.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): A light drizzle enhances the focaccia’s toasty edges and brings everything together.
- Salt and pepper: To season the ricotta and elevate all the flavors.
- Optional toppings: Fresh arugula for peppery brightness, pickled red onions for tangy crunch, or a drizzle of honey to add a touch of sweetness.
How to Make Coppa Focaccia Toast with Zhug Recipe
Step 1: Toast the Focaccia
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lay the focaccia slices on a baking sheet and give them a light drizzle of olive oil to encourage a beautifully crisp texture. Toast the bread for 6 to 8 minutes until the edges turn golden and slightly crunchy. This step builds the essential structure for your toasts, delivering that satisfying crunch every bite deserves.
Step 2: Spread the Ricotta
Once your focaccia is toasted and still warm, generously spread about 2 tablespoons of ricotta cheese over each slice. This creamy layer is like a cool, comforting pillow for the coppa and zhug that follow. Don’t forget to season the ricotta with a pinch of salt and pepper to brighten its flavor.
Step 3: Add the Coppa
Drape your thin slices of coppa over the ricotta. The coppa’s rich, savory, slightly spicy character contrasts beautifully with ricotta’s creaminess and the crispy focaccia base, making each bite complex and satisfying.
Step 4: Spoon on the Zhug
Top each toast with about a tablespoon of zhug, spreading it gently to ensure an even distribution of those fresh, spicy, herby flavors. Zhug is the secret star of this recipe, adding a bold kick that wakes up your palate in the best way possible.
Step 5: Add Optional Toppings and Serve
If you’re feeling adventurous, add some fresh arugula for peppery greens, pickled red onions for a vinegary crunch, or a drizzle of honey for subtle sweetness. Serve these toasts warm to ensure the ricotta stays luscious and all flavors harmonize perfectly.
How to Serve Coppa Focaccia Toast with Zhug Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes can elevate this dish from delightful to downright dazzling. Fresh arugula adds a bite of green pepperiness, while pickled red onions introduce a tangy zing. For contrast, a subtle drizzle of honey offers a perfect touch of sweetness that balances the spicy zhug and rich coppa.
Side Dishes
Pair your Coppa Focaccia Toast with Zhug Recipe alongside a light salad—think crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and olives dressed with lemon juice—to complement the hearty toasts. A chilled glass of white wine or sparkling water with a squeeze of fresh lime makes for a refreshing accompaniment that rounds out your culinary experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress guests? Serve smaller, bite-sized versions on cocktail skewers with a small dollop of ricotta, a fold of coppa, and a drop of zhug on top. Layer the toasts on a wooden board surrounded by fresh herbs or edible flowers for an eye-catching Mediterranean inspired spread.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, wrap each Coppa Focaccia Toast with Zhug Recipe individually in parchment paper, then place in an airtight container. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, though fresh is always best for optimal texture and flavor.
Freezing
Freezing isn’t ideal for these toasts because the focaccia texture can become soggy upon thawing and the fresh herbs in the zhug may wilt. However, you can freeze the focaccia bread and zhug separately if you want to prepare ahead for future use.
Reheating
To reheat, place the focaccia slices alone in a toaster oven or regular oven at 350°F until warmed through and crispy again. Then rebuild your toasts with fresh ricotta, coppa, and zhug for the best flavor and texture experience.
FAQs
What is zhug and where can I find it?
Zhug is a fiery Middle Eastern sauce made from cilantro, garlic, chilies, and spices. You can often find it in specialty Middle Eastern markets or make it easily at home using fresh herbs and chilies blended together.
Can I substitute the ricotta with another cheese?
Absolutely! Whipped feta or burrata make fantastic alternatives that add different textures and flavor nuances while maintaining the creamy element essential to this toast.
Is this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets?
Yes, simply swap out the focaccia for a gluten-free version to accommodate gluten sensitivity or celiac disease without compromising on taste.
Can I make this dish vegan?
For a vegan twist, replace ricotta with a plant-based cheese spread and opt for a vegan cured meat alternative or grilled vegetables as the topping. Zhug is already vegan-friendly!
How spicy is the zhug in this recipe?
The heat level of zhug can vary, but it generally provides a medium to high spicy kick. If you prefer less heat, start with a smaller amount and adjust to taste.
Final Thoughts
This Coppa Focaccia Toast with Zhug Recipe is a wonderful celebration of bold flavors and satisfying textures that will brighten any meal or appetizer spread. It’s simple enough for a weekday treat yet impressive enough to serve at your next gathering. Don’t wait to give it a try—your taste buds will thank you!
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Coppa Focaccia Toast with Zhug Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean, Middle Eastern Fusion
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Coppa Focaccia Toast with Zhug is a vibrant Mediterranean-inspired appetizer featuring toasted focaccia bread topped with creamy ricotta, cured coppa, and a spicy cilantro zhug sauce. Finished with optional fresh toppings like arugula or pickled red onions, it’s a perfect balance of savory, creamy, and spicy flavors, ideal for a flavorful small plate or snack.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 slices focaccia bread, cut about 1 inch thick
- 4 ounces sliced coppa (cured pork)
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/4 cup zhug (spicy cilantro sauce)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Toppings
- Fresh arugula
- Pickled red onions
- A drizzle of honey
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare focaccia: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the focaccia slices on a baking sheet and lightly drizzle each with olive oil to ensure a crisp, golden finish when toasted.
- Toast the focaccia: Place the prepared baking sheet in the oven and toast the focaccia for 6 to 8 minutes, or until the edges turn golden and develop a slight crispness, providing a sturdy base for toppings.
- Spread ricotta: Remove the toasted focaccia from the oven and spread about 2 tablespoons of ricotta cheese evenly over each slice. Season lightly with salt and pepper to enhance the creamy flavor.
- Add coppa slices: Drape the sliced coppa generously over the ricotta-covered focaccia, distributing it evenly across each toast to provide a rich, savory layer.
- Top with zhug: Spoon approximately 1 tablespoon of zhug sauce over each toast. Spread the sauce slightly for an even spicy kick that complements the creamy ricotta and salty coppa.
- Optional toppings and serving: Add optional toppings such as fresh arugula leaves, pickled red onions, or a light drizzle of honey to balance the flavors. Serve immediately while warm to enjoy the full depth of textures and tastes.
Notes
- Zhug can be homemade using fresh herbs, garlic, and chilies or purchased at Middle Eastern specialty stores.
- For a twist, substitute ricotta with whipped feta or burrata cheese.
- Use gluten-free focaccia if a gluten-friendly option is required.
