If you’re always on the hunt for a bold, eye-catching appetizer or a show-stopping brunch idea, this Coppa Focaccia Toast with Zhug is your new game-changer. Golden, olive oil-brushed focaccia becomes the ultimate crispy base for cloud-like whipped ricotta, a vibrant, spicy drizzle of zhug, paper-thin slices of savory coppa, and a lemony tangle of fresh arugula on top. This dish brings Mediterranean color, aroma, and flavor to the table in minutes—think rich, creamy, spicy, and fresh all in one bite. Trust me, after one taste, Coppa Focaccia Toast with Zhug will become your go-to recipe when you want to impress (or just treat yourself).
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Coppa Focaccia Toast with Zhug lies in its simplicity—each ingredient is carefully chosen for maximum flavor impact. Don’t skip or skimp, and you’ll be rewarded with the perfect symphony of creamy, crispy, spicy, and savory in every bite.
- Focaccia bread: Opt for fresh, bakery-fresh focaccia for the best texture—it crisps up beautifully when toasted but remains tender inside.
- Olive oil: Use a good extra-virgin olive oil for both brushing the bread and for finishing; this brings a Mediterranean richness and aroma.
- Coppa (thinly sliced): This Italian cured pork is delicately salty, savory, and marbled—swap with prosciutto or salami if you prefer!
- Whipped ricotta: Smooth, fluffy ricotta adds gentle creaminess to balance out the spicy and salty elements.
- Zhug sauce: This spicy, herby Yemeni condiment adds a fragrant heat and unforgettable punch—find it bottled or try homemade for ultimate flavor.
- Arugula: Its peppery freshness cuts through the richer ingredients while adding a beautiful burst of green.
- Lemon juice: Brightens up the arugula and adds a citrusy lift to the whole dish.
- Flaky sea salt: Lends delicate, crunchy pops of salinity right before serving—don’t skip this!
- Freshly ground black pepper: A final twist for depth and subtle warmth on top.
How to Make Coppa Focaccia Toast with Zhug
Step 1: Toast the Focaccia
Start by brushing both sides of your focaccia slices with a generous amount of olive oil. Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium heat; once hot, toast the focaccia for 2 to 3 minutes per side. You want each slice to be golden and crispy on the outside, but still soft in the middle—this contrast, along with the olive oil aroma, becomes the perfect stage for your toppings.
Step 2: Prepare the Arugula
As your bread toasts, toss the arugula in a small bowl with lemon juice and just a pinch of flaky salt. This step gives your greens a lively, bright edge and tempers their peppery bite—it’s a quick salad that’s going to pile high and green on each toast.
Step 3: Assemble the Toasts
Once your focaccia is perfectly toasted, spread a generous layer of whipped ricotta over each slice. The ricotta acts as a creamy cushion and helps anchor the zhug and coppa in the next steps.
Step 4: Add the Zhug and Coppa
Next comes the superstar: zhug. Drizzle or spoon a slinky green ribbon of zhug over the ricotta—don’t be shy if you love spice! Top with a few elegant slices of coppa, letting them gently fold and curl for visual appeal and a mouthwatering salty note.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Pile a small handful of your zingy, dressed arugula on top of each toast. For the finishing touch, drizzle with your very best olive oil, then sprinkle with flaky sea salt and plenty of freshly ground black pepper. Serve your Coppa Focaccia Toast with Zhug immediately while still warm and the ricotta is luxurious against the crispy bread.
How to Serve Coppa Focaccia Toast with Zhug
Garnishes
You can elevate your Coppa Focaccia Toast with Zhug even further by scattering some extra lemon zest, a few toasted pine nuts, or sprigs of fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro over the top. These little touches add both visual flair and delicious texture.
Side Dishes
This toast is sensational alone but shines with simple sides. Try it paired with a citrusy salad, a bowl of marinated olives, or a cool cucumber-yogurt soup. These sides balance the richness and spice, creating a well-rounded brunch or appetizer spread for your guests.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to go beyond the classic slice, try making mini Coppa Focaccia Toast with Zhug by cutting focaccia into small squares for party canapés. Or, set up a build-your-own toast board with bowls of all the toppings and let everyone assemble their own perfect bite—it always sparks fun conversation!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra toasts (unlikely, but it happens!), store them open-faced in an airtight container in the fridge. For best results, keep the dressed arugula and the rest of the toast separate, assembling just before serving to avoid sogginess.
Freezing
While fresh is best, you can freeze toasted focaccia slices alone—wrap them tightly and freeze for up to 1 month. Avoid freezing the whole assembled Coppa Focaccia Toast with Zhug, as the toppings lose their texture and vibrancy upon thawing.
Reheating
To restore crispness, reheat the focaccia slices in a toaster oven or hot skillet until warmed through, then add the ricotta, zhug, coppa, and arugula fresh. This way, every bite of your Coppa Focaccia Toast with Zhug remains as irresistible as when first made.
FAQs
What is zhug and where can I find it?
Zhug is a spicy, herbal Yemeni chili sauce made with cilantro, garlic, chili peppers, and warming spices. Many specialty groceries now carry prepared zhug near the hummus or international section, but it’s easy to make at home if you have a food processor and fresh herbs.
Can I replace coppa with another meat?
Absolutely! Prosciutto, speck, or even a good-quality salami can take the place of coppa if that’s what you have on hand. Vegetarian? You can use roasted red peppers or thin-sliced grilled eggplant for a satisfying alternative.
What’s the best focaccia to use?
Fresh bakery or homemade focaccia will always give you the most amazing results. Look for one with a light, airy crumb and a golden, olive oil-brushed top—avoid varieties packed with strong flavors that may overpower the other ingredients.
Is whipped ricotta tough to make?
Not at all! Simply whip regular ricotta in a food processor or with a balloon whisk until it’s creamy and smooth. For extra creaminess, add a splash of cream or a drizzle of olive oil while whipping.
Can I make Coppa Focaccia Toast with Zhug for a crowd?
Yes! Double or triple the recipe, toast the focaccia in batches, and assemble right before serving so everything stays crisp and vibrant. You can even lay out a DIY bar so guests can create their own toasts fresh from the skillet.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re planning a lazy weekend brunch or an effortless dinner party starter, Coppa Focaccia Toast with Zhug is the kind of dish that always gets people talking. Try it for yourself, and don’t be surprised when everyone asks for the recipe. It’s bold, bright, and simply unforgettable—enjoy every bite!
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Coppa Focaccia Toast with Zhug Recipe
- Total Time: 16 minutes
- Yield: 4 toasts 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delightful flavors of this Coppa Focaccia Toast with Zhug. Crispy focaccia topped with whipped ricotta, spicy zhug sauce, savory coppa, and zesty arugula make for a perfect Mediterranean-inspired appetizer or snack.
Ingredients
Focaccia Toast:
- 4 slices fresh focaccia bread
- 4 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
Filling:
- 4 ounces coppa (thinly sliced)
- 1/2 cup whipped ricotta
- 1/4 cup zhug sauce
- 1/2 cup arugula
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Flaky sea salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Focaccia: Brush both sides of each focaccia slice with olive oil.
- Toast the Focaccia: Toast the focaccia in a skillet or grill pan over medium heat for 2–3 minutes per side until golden and crispy.
- Prepare the Filling: Toss arugula with lemon juice and a pinch of salt in a small bowl.
- Assemble: Spread whipped ricotta on each toasted focaccia slice. Drizzle zhug over the ricotta. Top with coppa slices and dressed arugula.
- Finish: Drizzle olive oil, sprinkle flaky sea salt and black pepper. Serve warm.
Notes
- Zhug is a spicy Yemeni sauce, can be store-bought or homemade with cilantro, parsley, garlic, chili, and spices.
- Substitute coppa with prosciutto or salami if desired.
- Focaccia can be warmed in the oven for a softer texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Toasting
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 toast
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 11g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
