If you are craving a dish that perfectly balances spice, creaminess, and savory goodness, you are going to love this Coppa Focaccia Toast with Zhug Recipe. This Mediterranean-inspired delight combines crispy, golden focaccia, luscious ricotta spread, silky avocado, and rich coppa, all elevated by the zesty punch of homemade zhug sauce. It’s an explosion of textures and flavors in every bite, ideal for a quick appetizer or an elevated snack that will impress anyone lucky enough to share it with you.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Coppa Focaccia Toast with Zhug Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient is thoughtfully chosen to bring essential layers of flavor, texture, and color that shine beautifully when combined.
- Fresh focaccia bread: Provides a light, airy base with a crispy toasted crust that holds all the toppings perfectly.
- Sliced coppa: Offers a delicate, cured pork flavor with just the right amount of savory richness.
- Ricotta cheese: Adds a creamy, mild tang that balances the sharper flavors without overpowering them.
- Avocado: Gives a buttery smoothness and vibrant green color that complements the other ingredients.
- Zhug (Yemeni green chili sauce): Brings a fresh, herbaceous, and spicy kick essential for authentic flavor.
- Olive oil: Enhances the dish with its fruity aroma and silky finish, perfect for mixing into the ricotta.
- Lemon juice: Adds brightness and subtle acidity to lift the creamy elements.
- Salt & freshly ground black pepper: Simple seasonings that bring all the ingredients to life.
- Microgreens or arugula (optional): Provides a peppery garnish and a fresh, crisp contrast.
How to Make Coppa Focaccia Toast with Zhug Recipe
Step 1: Toast the Focaccia
Start by lightly toasting four slices of fresh focaccia bread. You can use a toaster or a skillet over medium heat until they are golden and crisp. This step is crucial because it adds a satisfying crunch that will support the creamy and tender toppings without getting soggy.
Step 2: Prepare the Ricotta Spread
In a small bowl, gently mix the ricotta cheese with one tablespoon of olive oil, a teaspoon of fresh lemon juice, a pinch of salt, and freshly ground black pepper. This mixture should be smooth and slightly tangy, providing a luscious base layer that perfectly complements the saltiness of the coppa.
Step 3: Assemble the Toasts
Spread a generous layer of the ricotta mixture onto each slice of toasted focaccia. Then, arrange the slices of coppa over the ricotta, followed by thin, even slices of avocado. Each component has a moment to shine visually and in taste, creating a harmonious balance on your plate.
Step 4: Add the Zhug
Drizzle each toast with about a tablespoon of zhug sauce — but feel free to adjust this depending on how much heat you love. The zhug adds a vibrant, spicy herbaceous note that will wake up every bite and make this dish truly unforgettable.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Top your toasts with a handful of microgreens or arugula for a peppery freshness and an appealing finish. Serve immediately while the toast remains warm and crisp to enjoy all those dynamic textures and flavors at their very best.
How to Serve Coppa Focaccia Toast with Zhug Recipe
Garnishes
Adding microgreens or fresh arugula as a garnish not only spruces up your presentation but also introduces a fresh, slightly peppery bite that contrasts beautifully with the rich coppa and creamy avocado. A light sprinkle of flaky sea salt before serving can also enhance the flavor depth wonderfully.
Side Dishes
This vibrant toast pairs beautifully with light side dishes like a simple cucumber and tomato salad, a bowl of olives, or a refreshing lemony chickpea salad. These sides help keep the meal bright and Mediterranean-inspired without overwhelming the main star—the Coppa Focaccia Toast with Zhug Recipe.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to take this recipe up a notch for a party? Slice the toasts into smaller squares for charming appetizers. Alternatively, serve the components deconstructed on a platter, letting guests build their own toasts — it’s fun, interactive, and perfect for casual entertaining.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, store the assembled toasts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Be aware that the focaccia may lose some of its crispness, but the flavors will remain delicious, especially if you add fresh zhug and microgreens before serving again.
Freezing
While the focaccia bread can be frozen separately before toasting, it is best to prepare and consume the toasts fresh to preserve the quality of ingredients like avocado and zhug. Freezing the assembled toasts is not recommended as it will affect texture and taste adversely.
Reheating
To bring back some crispness, gently reheat the focaccia slices in a toaster oven or a skillet before assembling or serving leftovers. Avoid microwaving as it can make the bread soggy. Add fresh avocado and zhug after reheating for the best results.
FAQs
What is zhug, and where can I find it?
Zhug is a spicy Yemeni green chili sauce made with fresh herbs, chilies, garlic, and spices. You can find it at Middle Eastern or specialty grocery stores, or you can easily make it at home with fresh ingredients for a vibrant, herbaceous kick.
Can I substitute coppa with another type of meat?
Absolutely! If you can’t find coppa, prosciutto or speck make excellent substitutes. They offer similar cured pork flavors that pair just as beautifully with the creamy ricotta and spicy zhug.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The recipe can be gluten-free if you use gluten-free focaccia bread. Many specialty stores and bakeries now offer gluten-free focaccia options, so you don’t have to miss out on this delicious dish.
How spicy is the zhug in this recipe?
The zhug brings a lively heat that can be adjusted to your taste. Start with a small amount, drizzle, and taste, then add more if you enjoy extra spice. It’s a fantastic way to personalize the heat level in your Coppa Focaccia Toast with Zhug Recipe.
Can I prepare the ricotta mixture in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the ricotta spread up to a day ahead and keep it refrigerated in an airtight container. Give it a good stir before spreading it on the toast to ensure it’s creamy and perfectly blended.
Final Thoughts
This Coppa Focaccia Toast with Zhug Recipe is one of those recipes that feels both sophisticated and effortlessly casual, making it a staple for quick gatherings or indulgent snacks. I encourage you to try it soon—you’ll find yourself coming back to this wonderful combination of flavors and textures again and again. Happy cooking and, most importantly, happy eating!
Print
Coppa Focaccia Toast with Zhug Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 toasts
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Toasting
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Coppa Focaccia Toast with Zhug is a vibrant Mediterranean-inspired appetizer featuring toasted focaccia bread topped with creamy ricotta, spicy Zhug sauce, ripe avocado slices, and savory coppa. Perfect for a quick yet flavorful snack or elegant starter, this dish balances creamy, spicy, and salty tastes with a satisfying crunch.
Ingredients
Toast Base
- 4 slices fresh focaccia bread
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Toppings
- 4 oz sliced coppa (cured pork)
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1/4 cup zhug (Yemeni green chili sauce)
Seasoning and Garnish
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- Pinch of salt
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Microgreens or arugula for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Toast the focaccia: Lightly toast the focaccia slices in a toaster or on a skillet over medium heat until they are golden and crisp, which usually takes about 3 to 5 minutes. This creates a crunchy base to hold the toppings without becoming soggy.
- Prepare the ricotta spread: In a small bowl, combine the ricotta cheese with olive oil, lemon juice, a pinch of salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Mix thoroughly until the ingredients are well incorporated, creating a creamy and tangy spread.
- Assemble the toasts: Spread a generous layer of the ricotta mixture evenly over each toasted focaccia slice, ensuring full coverage for flavor and moisture balance.
- Add coppa and avocado: Layer the slices of coppa over the ricotta, then arrange the avocado slices on top to add creaminess and richness.
- Drizzle with zhug: Spoon zhug sauce over each toast, adjusting the amount according to your preferred heat level. Zhug adds a fresh, spicy kick that complements the savory toppings.
- Garnish and serve: Finish by garnishing with microgreens or arugula, if desired, for a fresh herbal note and visual appeal. Serve the toasts immediately while they’re still warm and crisp for the best texture and flavor experience.
Notes
- Zhug is a spicy, herbaceous sauce—adjust the amount to suit your heat tolerance.
- If you can’t find coppa, substitute with prosciutto or speck for a similar cured meat flavor.
- This recipe also works well as an open-faced sandwich or cut into small squares for appetizers.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free focaccia bread.
