If you are craving a vibrant and flavorful snack that combines the aromatic essence of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern flavors, the Coppa Focaccia Toast with Zhug Recipe is a must-try. This dish is a delightful stack of fresh focaccia bread, layered with creamy ricotta, peppery arugula, thinly sliced coppa, and topped off with a zesty zhug sauce that wakes up every bite. Perfect as an appetizer or a light lunch, this recipe boasts a beautiful balance of textures and bold, spicy notes that will instantly become one of your favorites.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully simple yet essential in creating the layered depth of flavor and texture in this recipe. Each plays a role—from the soft, airy focaccia bread to the vibrant and spicy zhug sauce that adds the perfect kick.
- Fresh focaccia bread: Use good quality, slightly airy focaccia to provide a crispy yet tender base for the toast.
- Coppa (cured pork shoulder): Thin slices add a rich, savory, and slightly spicy note that pairs beautifully with the ricotta.
- Fresh arugula: Adds a peppery and fresh crunch that balances the creaminess of the cheese.
- Ricotta cheese: Creamy and mild, it offers a luscious spread that softens the intensity of the cured meat and zhug.
- Zhug (spicy cilantro sauce): Brings a robust, herbaceous heat with cilantro, garlic, and chili—a true flavor star of this dish.
- Olive oil: A drizzle of fragrant olive oil enriches every bite and ties all the elements together.
- Salt and pepper: Simple seasonings to enhance all the other flavors without overpowering them.
- Optional chili flakes or lemon zest: Perfect for an extra touch of spice or brightness when serving.
How to Make Coppa Focaccia Toast with Zhug Recipe
Step 1: Toast the Focaccia
Begin by gently toasting your focaccia slices in a skillet or toaster. The goal is to warm the bread and add just enough crispness to contrast the creamy ricotta and tender coppa. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t become too hard—warm and slightly crisp is perfect.
Step 2: Spread Ricotta Cheese
Once toasted, spread about 2 tablespoons of ricotta on each slice. The ricotta acts like the creamy foundation, giving the toast a luxuriously soft texture that softens the intense flavors that come next.
Step 3: Add Zhug
Drizzle or gently spread 1 tablespoon of zhug over the ricotta. This sauce is where the magic happens—its vibrant cilantro, hints of garlic, and chili heat bring a fiery brightness that perfectly cuts through the richness.
Step 4: Layer the Arugula and Coppa
Top with a handful of fresh arugula leaves, adding a fresh peppery bite, then arrange 4 to 6 slices of coppa. This cured meat adds a pleasant smoky, savory flavor and a tender chew that makes each bite exciting.
Step 5: Final Touches
Drizzle a little olive oil over the top and season with salt and pepper to bring all the flavors together. If you want an extra kick or a bright note, sprinkle on some chili flakes or lemon zest. Serve immediately to enjoy the warm, fresh textures at their best.
How to Serve Coppa Focaccia Toast with Zhug Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishes add an extra dimension and make the presentation shine. A sprinkle of chili flakes intensifies the heat of the zhug for spice lovers, while a zest of lemon brightens the palate and adds a lovely citrus aroma. A few fresh cilantro leaves can also enhance the dish visually and flavor-wise.
Side Dishes
Because this toast packs so much flavor, pair it with light, fresh sides like a crisp cucumber salad, marinated olives, or a simple tomato and basil salad. These will complement the boldness of the coppa and zhug without competing with the main star.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these toasts on a wooden cutting board or a rustic platter to enhance the Mediterranean vibe. For a party, cut focaccia into smaller squares to create bite-sized appetizers. You could also pair the toasts with a small bowl of extra zhug on the side for dipping or drizzling.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers, store the components separately for best results: keep the toasted focaccia wrapped tightly and place the coppa, arugula, and ricotta in airtight containers in the fridge. This will preserve freshness and texture.
Freezing
Freezing the assembled toasts is not recommended as the bread texture and fresh ingredients will suffer. However, you can freeze sliced focaccia bread separately and toast it fresh when you’re ready to serve, then assemble with your fresh toppings.
Reheating
To enjoy leftovers, re-toast the focaccia lightly to regain its warm crispness, then reassemble with fresh ricotta, arugula, and coppa. Avoid microwaving as it can make the bread soggy and the topping rubbery.
FAQs
Can I make the zhug sauce at home?
Absolutely! Zhug is easy to make with fresh cilantro, garlic, chili peppers, lemon juice, and spices blended together. Homemade zhug is vibrant and fresh, but store-bought options work wonderfully too if you’re short on time.
Is there a substitute for coppa?
If coppa isn’t available, thinly sliced prosciutto or salami are excellent alternatives. They bring similar cured, salty, and savory notes that harmonize well with ricotta and zhug.
Can I use a different bread?
Focaccia is preferred for its airy, soft crumb and crispy surface, but ciabatta or sourdough bread can also work as long as it’s toasted and sturdy enough to hold the toppings.
How spicy is this dish?
The spice level comes primarily from the zhug. You can adjust the amount according to your heat tolerance. If you prefer mild flavors, start with less zhug and add more as you go.
Is this suitable for a brunch menu?
This Coppa Focaccia Toast with Zhug Recipe is a perfect addition to any brunch. It’s quick to prepare, impressive in presentation, and offers a flavorful balance that pairs well with eggs, fresh fruit, and coffee or tea.
Final Thoughts
There is something so satisfying about the marriage of creamy ricotta, spicy zhug, and rich coppa layered over warm, toasty focaccia. This Coppa Focaccia Toast with Zhug Recipe is a fantastic way to introduce bold yet balanced flavors into your meals without complicated preparation. I encourage you to try it soon—you might just find a new go-to for lunch or your next gathering that everyone will rave about!
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Coppa Focaccia Toast with Zhug Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 toasts 1x
- Category: Appetizer, Lunch
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired, Middle Eastern-Inspired
Description
This Coppa Focaccia Toast with Zhug is a vibrant and flavorful Mediterranean-inspired appetizer or lunch option. Featuring crisp toasted focaccia bread layered with creamy ricotta, spicy cilantro zhug sauce, fresh arugula, and savory cured pork coppa, it’s a perfect balance of textures and bold flavors. Ideal for a quick yet elevated meal or an impressive brunch dish.
Ingredients
Toast and Toppings
- 4 slices fresh focaccia bread
- 4–6 slices coppa (cured pork shoulder)
- 1 cup fresh arugula
- ½ cup ricotta cheese
- ¼ cup zhug (spicy cilantro sauce)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: chili flakes or lemon zest for garnish
Instructions
- Toast the bread: Lightly toast the focaccia slices in a skillet or toaster until they are warm and slightly crisp, creating a perfect base for the toppings.
- Spread ricotta: Evenly spread about 2 tablespoons of ricotta cheese on each slice of toasted focaccia, adding a creamy layer.
- Add zhug: Drizzle or spread 1 tablespoon of zhug, the spicy cilantro sauce, over the ricotta to infuse the toast with vibrant heat and flavor.
- Layer arugula and coppa: Top each toast with fresh arugula and a few slices of coppa for a peppery crunch and savory depth.
- Finish with olive oil and seasoning: Drizzle olive oil over the assembled toast and season with salt and pepper to taste. Add optional chili flakes or lemon zest as a garnish for extra zing.
- Serve immediately: Enjoy the toast while the bread is still warm to appreciate the full texture and flavor combinations.
Notes
- Zhug can be store-bought or homemade—adjust the amount based on your spice preference.
- If coppa isn’t available, substitute prosciutto or salami as alternatives.
- This recipe works perfectly as a light brunch item or an elevated appetizer for gatherings.
