Italian Bell Pepper and Onion Scarpaccia

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The Italian Bell Pepper and Onion Scarpaccia is a savory dish born from rustic Italian cooking, a dish that speaks to summer harvests and simple pleasures. This thin, pancake-like tart is crisp at the edges, tender in the center, and loaded with naturally sweet bell peppers and caramelized onions that bring a beautiful balance of earthy, salty, and sweet. Traditionally made with zucchini in coastal Tuscany, this version takes a vibrant twist with colorful peppers and golden onions.

It’s the kind of recipe you fall in love with at first bite: easy to prepare, flexible with ingredients, and somehow even better as leftovers. Whether you serve it as an appetizer, a side, or a light lunch with salad, scarpaccia always impresses. No one ever believes how few ingredients go into it.

Why You’ll Love This Italian Bell Pepper and Onion Scarpaccia

This dish is a celebration of vegetables, transformed by olive oil and a bit of flour into something you could eat every day. It requires just one bowl, one pan, and zero stress. With its golden crust and soft middle, it works for everything from picnics to potlucks. Plus, it tastes just as good cold as it does warm. It’s naturally vegetarian and can be adapted to suit gluten-free or dairy-free needs with ease.

What Kind of Peppers Should I Use?

The beauty of this dish is in its simplicity, so quality ingredients go a long way. Use a mix of red, yellow, and orange bell peppers for color and sweetness. Green peppers work too but bring a slightly more bitter note. You want them sliced thin so they cook evenly and meld into the soft batter, giving every bite a vibrant pop of flavor.

Ingredients for the Italian Bell Pepper and Onion Scarpaccia

The ingredients for this dish are incredibly straightforward, yet each plays a key role in the texture and taste. Using fresh, in-season vegetables really brings out the best in it.

Yellow Onion brings a gentle sweetness when slowly cooked, acting as the base of flavor.

Red Bell Pepper offers a fruity, rich sweetness and bold color.

Yellow Bell Pepper adds mild sweetness and vibrance.

Orange Bell Pepper has a floral undertone and brightens up the dish.

All-Purpose Flour is the structural backbone of the scarpaccia, creating the tender but crisp crust.

Cornmeal adds a rustic texture and slight crunch to every bite.

Water binds everything together and ensures the batter spreads thin.

Olive Oil gives the scarpaccia its crisp edges and savory richness.

Salt enhances all the natural vegetable flavors and balances the sweetness.

Black Pepper adds a subtle kick and depth.

Fresh Thyme (optional) infuses the tart with a fresh, herbal aroma.

How To Make the Italian Bell Pepper and Onion Scarpaccia

Step 1: Slice and Sauté the Vegetables

Thinly slice your onions and bell peppers. In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté them in a bit of olive oil until they begin to soften and caramelize. This step deepens their natural sweetness and removes excess moisture.

Step 2: Prepare the Batter

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cornmeal, salt, and pepper. Gradually stir in the water and olive oil until you have a smooth, pourable batter.

Step 3: Combine and Rest

Fold the sautéed vegetables into the batter. Let it rest for 10 to 15 minutes so the flour can hydrate and the flavors marry.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a large baking dish or sheet pan generously with olive oil. Pour in the batter and spread it out thinly and evenly. Bake for about 30 to 35 minutes, until the top is golden and the edges are crisp.

Step 5: Cool and Slice

Allow the scarpaccia to cool slightly before slicing into squares or wedges. It’s delicious warm, at room temperature, or even straight from the fridge.

Serving and Storing Italian Bell Pepper and Onion Scarpaccia

This recipe feeds about 4 to 6 people, depending on how it’s served. As an appetizer or side, it stretches further. As a main course with a salad, expect closer to 4 servings.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or enjoy cold; the flavors deepen beautifully with time.

What to Serve With Scarpaccia?

Fresh Arugula Salad

The peppery bite of arugula dressed with lemon juice and olive oil balances the sweetness of the scarpaccia.

Herbed Ricotta

A dollop of herbed ricotta on top makes for a creamy contrast.

Marinated Olives

Their briny saltiness enhances the mild sweetness of the tart.

Grilled Chicken

A simple protein option that turns this dish into a full meal.

White Bean Salad

Adds protein and pairs well with the Mediterranean flavors.

Tomato Bruschetta

For a vibrant, tangy starter alongside the scarpaccia.

Chilled Rosé or Sparkling Water with Lemon

Light and refreshing drinks help highlight the veggies.

Roasted Garlic Hummus

Smooth and savory, it spreads beautifully on top or on the side.

Want More Savory Bake Ideas?

If this Italian scarpaccia has your heart, you might love these recipes too:

• Try the Smoky Fried Green Tomatoes with Fresh Salsa for a Southern veggie twist.
• Our Creamy Corn Dip makes a cozy companion to any garden dish.
• Dive into Creamy Cajun Linguine for a hearty pasta night.
• Craving cheese? Cheesy Baked Ziti is always a winner.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest board so you can come back to it whenever you need an easy veggie-packed bake.

I’d love to know how your scarpaccia turned out! Did you use mixed peppers? Maybe added zucchini too? Feel free to leave a comment below with your twist.

Explore beautifully curated garden-fresh dishes and more savory inspiration on Zoe Recipes on Pinterest.

Conclusion

Italian Bell Pepper and Onion Scarpaccia brings together the humble power of vegetables and a few pantry staples into a dish that feels comforting, yet vibrant. It’s proof that simple ingredients, when treated with care, can become something truly special. This one’s sure to become a regular in your seasonal rotation.

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