Italian Bell Pepper Onion has a way of transporting me straight to a sun-drenched Italian piazza, even when I’m just whipping it up in my own kitchen. I first encountered this rustic dish, a Scarpaccia, on a trip to Tuscany, and the aroma of sweet peppers and onions baking into a crispy flatbread was absolutely intoxicating. It’s become my go-to for a quick and flavorful vegetable side dish, especially when I’m looking for something that feels both comforting and delightfully rustic. This particular Italian bell pepper and onion recipe is wonderfully versatile, making it perfect for weeknights or casual gatherings. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Italian Bell Pepper Onion
This Italian bell pepper and onion dish is a winner for so many reasons! It’s incredibly simple to throw together, making it perfect for busy weeknights. You’ll adore the rustic, crispy texture and the sweet, savory flavor that just screams Italian comfort food.
- Incredible Flavor: The combination of sweet bell peppers and onions caramelizes beautifully, creating a deep, satisfying taste.
- Super Quick Prep: With just 20 minutes of prep time, you can have this delicious side ready in no time.
- Healthy & Wholesome: Packed with vegetables, this dish is a nutritious addition to any meal.
- Budget-Friendly: Bell peppers and onions are affordable staples, making this a cost-effective way to add flavor.
- Family Approved: Even picky eaters will enjoy this flavorful bell pepper onion Italian dish.
- Versatile Serving: It’s a fantastic vegetable side dish Italian bell pepper onion that pairs well with almost anything.
- Minimal Cleanup: Baking directly on a sheet pan means fewer dishes to wash!
Ingredients for Italian Bell Pepper Onion
Gathering these simple ingredients is the first step to creating a fantastic Italian bell pepper and onion dish. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity, using common produce to create something truly special.
- 1 1/3 cups + 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour – the base for our rustic flatbread.
- 5 tablespoons cornmeal – adds a wonderful crispness and slightly nutty flavor, ensuring a perfect Italian pepper onion blend texture.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme – a classic herb that complements the sweetness of the vegetables beautifully.
- 5 small or 2 large red onions, thinly sliced – these provide the sweet, savory foundation of our Italian bell pepper onion mix.
- 2 large bell peppers, thinly sliced – I prefer red bell peppers for their sweetness, but any color works for this Italian style bell pepper and onion dish.
- 3/4 cup water – helps bind everything together into a cohesive, bakeable batter.
- Kosher salt, to taste – essential for enhancing all the flavors.
- Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste – adds a little zing to the vegetable side dish Italian bell pepper onion.
- Olive oil, to taste – for drizzling generously before baking, ensuring a golden, crispy crust.
How to Make Italian Bell Pepper Onion
Crafting this delightful Italian bell pepper onion scarpaccia is surprisingly straightforward, and the aroma as it bakes is simply divine! Follow these simple steps for a perfectly crispy and flavorful vegetable side dish Italian bell pepper onion.
- Step 1: Prepare the Baking Sheet Preheat your oven to 390°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and sprinkle it with a little cornmeal to prevent sticking and add extra crispness.
- Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornmeal, dried thyme, Kosher salt, and freshly cracked black pepper. This dry blend forms the base of our Italian pepper onion blend.
- Step 3: Combine Vegetables and Batter Add the thinly sliced red onions and bell peppers to the bowl with the dry ingredients. Toss them well to coat the vegetables evenly. Slowly pour in the water, a little at a time, mixing until you achieve a thick, sticky batter consistency. This mixture is key to our Italian style bell pepper and onion.
- Step 4: Spread and Bake Spread the batter evenly onto the prepared baking sheet, forming a thin layer about 1/4 inch thick. Drizzle generously with olive oil and sprinkle with a little extra cornmeal and salt. Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and you can smell that wonderful Italian bell pepper onion flavor filling your kitchen.
- Step 5: Cool and Serve Let the Italian bell pepper onion scarpaccia cool on the baking sheet for at least 15 minutes before slicing and serving. This resting time is crucial for the crust to fully crisp up.
Pro Tips for the Best Italian Bell Pepper Onion
I’ve made this Italian bell pepper onion dish more times than I can count, and I’ve picked up a few tricks to make it absolutely perfect every time. These tips will ensure your scarpaccia is wonderfully crispy and packed with flavor, just like a true Italian pepper onion blend.
- Use thinly sliced vegetables: This is crucial for even baking and achieving that perfect crispy texture. If your slices are too thick, the scarpaccia might turn out gummy.
- Don’t skimp on the olive oil: A generous drizzle before baking is key to a golden, crisp crust. It really makes the Italian bell pepper onion flavor pop.
- Let it cool properly: Patience is a virtue here! Letting it rest for at least 15 minutes allows the crust to set and crisp up beautifully.
What’s the secret to perfect Italian Bell Pepper Onion?
The real secret to a perfect Italian bell pepper onion scarpaccia is ensuring your vegetables are sliced very thinly and that you don’t overload the baking sheet. This allows for maximum crispiness, creating that signature texture of the Italian pepper onion mix.
Can I make Italian Bell Pepper Onion ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the vegetable and dry ingredient mixture a few hours ahead of baking. Store the sliced vegetables and dry mix separately in the refrigerator. Combine with water just before spreading onto the baking sheet to prevent sogginess.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Italian Bell Pepper Onion?
The most common mistake is not slicing the vegetables thinly enough, leading to a gummy texture. Another pitfall is not using enough olive oil, which prevents the crust from getting nice and crispy. Always ensure your oven is fully preheated!
Best Ways to Serve Italian Bell Pepper Onion
This versatile Italian bell pepper onion dish is a fantastic addition to any meal. Its rustic charm and savory flavor make it perfect as a simple appetizer, a satisfying snack, or a delightful vegetable side dish Italian bell pepper onion. I love serving it warm, fresh from the oven, when the crust is at its crispiest.
For a light lunch, pair a generous slice with a simple green salad dressed with a lemon vinaigrette. It’s also a wonderful accompaniment to grilled meats or fish, adding a burst of Mediterranean flavor. Consider serving this bell pepper onion Italian dish alongside roasted chicken or a hearty pasta, making it a complete and flavorful Italian meal.
Nutrition Facts for Italian Bell Pepper Onion
When enjoying a slice of this delicious Italian bell pepper onion scarpaccia, keep these approximate nutritional values in mind. This rustic flatbread is a wonderful way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet. For more information on vegetable nutrition, you can refer to resources like the USDA’s factsheet on vegetables.
- Calories: Approx. 150-200 kcal per slice
- Fat: N/A
- Saturated Fat: N/A
- Protein: N/A
- Carbohydrates: N/A
- Fiber: N/A
- Sugar: N/A
- Sodium: N/A
Nutritional values are estimates and will vary based on exact measurements and any additional ingredients used in your Italian bell pepper onion dish.
How to Store and Reheat Italian Bell Pepper Onion
Properly storing and reheating your Italian bell pepper onion scarpaccia ensures you can enjoy its delicious flavor long after it’s baked. Once it has cooled completely on a wire rack, which usually takes about 30 minutes, you can store leftovers. I find that an airtight container is best for keeping it fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. This makes it perfect for meal prep, allowing you to have a tasty Italian pepper onion mix ready to go. For other meal prep ideas, check out these veggie glow-up power bowls.
For longer storage, you can freeze this Italian bell pepper onion dish. Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil, or place them in a freezer-safe container. It should stay good in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, the best way to reheat is in a toaster oven or a skillet over medium heat. This helps to revive that wonderful crispy crust, making your Italian style bell pepper and onion taste almost as good as fresh!
Frequently Asked Questions About Italian Bell Pepper Onion
What is an Italian bell pepper and onion dish?
An Italian bell pepper and onion dish, like the scarpaccia, is a rustic Italian flatbread or pancake baked with thinly sliced bell peppers and onions. It’s known for its slightly crispy texture and savory flavor, making it a versatile vegetable side dish Italian bell pepper onion.
Can I use different types of bell peppers and onions?
Absolutely! While red onions and bell peppers are common for their sweetness, you can certainly experiment. Yellow or white onions work, and any color bell pepper will do. This Italian pepper onion blend is very forgiving and adaptable to your preferences.
What can I serve with Italian bell pepper onion?
This Italian bell pepper and onion bake is fantastic with grilled meats, roasted chicken, or fish. It also makes a great appetizer on its own with a drizzle of balsamic glaze. It’s a true bell pepper onion Italian dish that complements many Italian-style meals. For other appetizer ideas, consider these cranberry feta pinwheels.
Is this Italian bell pepper onion recipe spicy?
The base recipe for this Italian bell pepper onion mix is not spicy. However, you can easily add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dry ingredients or sprinkle them on top before baking if you enjoy a little heat in your Italian style bell pepper and onion.
Variations of Italian Bell Pepper Onion You Can Try
This Italian bell pepper onion recipe is wonderfully adaptable, and I love experimenting with different flavors and methods. Whether you’re looking for a dietary swap or a new way to enjoy this delicious Italian pepper onion blend, here are a few ideas to get you started. Each variation offers a slightly different take on the classic Italian style bell pepper and onion dish.
- Cheesy Italian Bell Pepper Onion: Before baking, sprinkle the top generously with grated Parmesan or a melty Italian cheese blend. The cheese adds a wonderful salty, savory dimension to the vegetable side dish Italian bell pepper onion.
- Spicy Italian Bell Pepper Onion: For those who like a little heat, add 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the dry ingredients. You can also add some finely chopped jalapeños along with the bell peppers and onions for an extra kick in your Italian pepper onion mix.
- Gluten-Free Italian Bell Pepper Onion: Easily make this gluten-free by substituting a good quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the regular flour. Ensure your cornmeal is also certified gluten-free. This variation maintains that lovely crisp texture of the bell pepper onion Italian dish.
- Grilled Italian Bell Pepper Onion: Instead of baking, you can try grilling! Spread the mixture thinly on a large piece of greased foil, close it up loosely, and grill over medium heat for about 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through and slightly charred. This method gives your Italian bell pepper onion for grilling a delicious smoky flavor.
Italian Bell Pepper Onion: Crispy 20-Min Rustic Treat
- Total Time: 80 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A rustic Italian Scarpaccia featuring sweet bell peppers and onions baked into a savory, crispy flatbread. This simple dish is perfect as a side, appetizer, or light meal.
Ingredients
- 1 1/3 cups + 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 5 tablespoons cornmeal
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 5 small or 2 large red onions, thinly sliced
- 2 large bell peppers, thinly sliced
- 3/4 cup water
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
- Olive oil, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 390°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and sprinkle it with a little cornmeal.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornmeal, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper.
- Add the thinly sliced red onions and bell peppers to the bowl. Toss well to coat the vegetables evenly.
- Slowly pour in the water, a little at a time, mixing until you achieve a thick, sticky batter consistency.
- Spread the batter evenly onto the prepared baking sheet, forming a thin layer about 1/4 inch thick.
- Drizzle generously with olive oil and sprinkle with a little extra cornmeal and salt.
- Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the top is lightly toasted.
- Let the Italian bell pepper onion scarpaccia cool for 15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Scarpaccia can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature.
- Serve this Italian bell pepper onion dish with a green salad or as a light lunch.
- For variations, consider adding cheese like Parmesan or goat cheese, or a pinch of red pepper flakes for spice.
- Other vegetables like zucchini or fennel can be substituted for some of the bell pepper and onion.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in a toaster oven or skillet for best results.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Side Dish, Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: Approx. 150-200 kcal (will vary based on exact measurements and added ingredients)
- Sugar: N/A
- Sodium: N/A
- Fat: N/A
- Saturated Fat: N/A
- Unsaturated Fat: N/A
- Trans Fat: N/A
- Carbohydrates: N/A
- Fiber: N/A
- Protein: N/A
- Cholesterol: N/A