If you’re looking for a quick and delicious way to enjoy fresh vegetables, Easy Italian Bell Pepper and Onion Scarpaccia is a must-try. This Italian-inspired dish combines sweet bell peppers and caramelized onions in a savory, tender batter that is baked to perfection. It’s a rustic and hearty recipe that’s as simple as it is flavorful, offering a satisfying, healthy option for any meal. The beauty of this dish lies in its versatility—whether you serve it as a main course, a side dish, or an appetizer, it’s guaranteed to impress with its vibrant flavors and easy preparation.

Scarpaccia is a classic Tuscan dish that’s often described as a savory vegetable cake or frittata. Unlike many other Italian recipes that require complex techniques or hard-to-find ingredients, Scarpaccia is all about letting the natural sweetness of the bell peppers and onions shine through. The addition of eggs and a few pantry staples creates a perfectly balanced dish with minimal effort. Plus, the best part is that it can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature, making it a perfect option for any occasion, from weeknight dinners to picnics.

What makes this Easy Italian Bell Pepper and Onion Scarpaccia even better is how quick and simple it is to make. With just a few ingredients—many of which you likely already have in your kitchen—you can create a delicious, comforting dish that’s packed with flavor. The soft, eggy base provides a delightful contrast to the tender vegetables, making each bite a true treat. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, this recipe is a great way to experiment with new flavors while keeping things easy and approachable.

Why This Easy Italian Bell Pepper and Onion Scarpaccia Works

Selling Points:

• Quick and Simple: The ingredients are basic, and the steps are easy, making this dish approachable even for beginner cooks.
  
• Flavorful and Hearty: The sweetness of bell peppers and onions melds perfectly with a soft, savory base, creating a satisfying dish that everyone will love.
  
• Versatile: You can serve this as an appetizer, a side dish, or even a light main course.
  
• Healthy: Full of vegetables, this dish is a nutritious and low-maintenance way to add more greens to your diet.
  
• Customizable: Add more vegetables, herbs, or even cheese to adapt this dish to your liking.
  

What You Need for Easy Italian Bell Pepper and Onion Scarpaccia

• 3 large bell peppers (any color), thinly sliced
  
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced
  
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (plus more for greasing the pan)
  
• 3 large eggs
  
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
  
• 1 cup milk
  
• Salt and pepper, to taste
  
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning
  
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
  
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for added flavor)
  
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (optional, for a touch of sweetness)

How to Make Easy Italian Bell Pepper and Onion Scarpaccia

1. Preheat the oven and prepare the pan: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or a similar-sized pan with olive oil.
   
2. Sauté the vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced bell peppers and onions and sauté them for about 10 minutes, or until the vegetables have softened and are slightly caramelized. Season with salt, pepper, and dried oregano. For extra flavor, you can drizzle a bit of balsamic vinegar over the vegetables during the last few minutes of cooking.
   
3. Prepare the batter: While the vegetables are cooking, whisk together the eggs, flour, milk, and a pinch of salt in a large bowl until smooth. If you’d like to add cheese, mix in the grated Parmesan cheese at this point.
   
4. Combine the vegetables and batter: Spread the sautéed vegetables evenly in the greased baking dish. Pour the egg and flour mixture over the vegetables, making sure everything is covered.
   
5. Bake the scarpaccia: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
   
6. Garnish and serve: Once baked, remove the scarpaccia from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving. You can serve this dish warm or at room temperature.
   

Tips for Easy Italian Bell Pepper and Onion Scarpaccia

• Caramelize the Vegetables: Don’t rush the process of sautéing the bell peppers and onions. The longer you cook them, the more their natural sweetness will come out, adding depth to the dish.
  
• Add Herbs for Extra Flavor: Experiment with fresh or dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, or basil for added flavor complexity.
  
• Use Different Vegetables: While this recipe focuses on bell peppers and onions, you can add other vegetables like zucchini, cherry tomatoes, or eggplant for more variety and texture.
  
• Make It Cheese-Lover Friendly: For a richer flavor, sprinkle the top with mozzarella, feta, or goat cheese before baking.
  
• Serving Suggestion: This dish pairs perfectly with a simple green salad or a slice of crusty bread to complete the meal.

Substitutions and Variations

• Gluten-Free Option: If you prefer a gluten-free version, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
  
• Vegan Version: To make this dish vegan, substitute the eggs with a flax or chia egg and use plant-based milk (such as almond or soy milk). You can also skip the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.
  
• Dairy-Free Option: For a dairy-free version, simply omit the Parmesan and any cheese topping, or use a dairy-free cheese.
  

Make It Healthier

• Add More Veggies: Boost the nutrition by adding extra vegetables, such as spinach, kale, or mushrooms, to the sautéed mixture.
  
• Use Whole Wheat Flour: If you want to increase the fiber content, swap regular flour with whole wheat flour. The texture will be slightly denser but still delicious.
  
• Reduce Oil: Use less oil when sautéing the vegetables or opt for a non-stick pan to reduce the overall fat content.
  

Closing Thoughts on Easy Italian Bell Pepper and Onion Scarpaccia

This Easy Italian Bell Pepper and Onion Scarpaccia is an effortlessly flavorful dish that can serve as a perfect side, appetizer, or even a light main course. Its rich, savory taste, combined with the sweetness of bell peppers and onions, makes it an irresistible treat for any occasion. It’s easy to make, quick to prepare, and packed with fresh, vibrant flavors. The versatility of this dish also allows you to customize it based on your preferences or dietary needs, making it a great option for family meals, gatherings, or even a simple weeknight dinner. Give this dish a try, and let it transport you to the heart of Tuscany with every bite!

Frequently Asked Questions for Easy Italian Bell Pepper and Onion Scarpaccia

Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the Scarpaccia ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or until heated through.

Can I freeze this dish?
Absolutely! Let the Scarpaccia cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes or until heated through.

What other vegetables can I add to the Scarpaccia?
Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, or cherry tomatoes. Just make sure to sauté them first to avoid excess moisture in the dish.

Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. The texture may be slightly different, but it will still be delicious.

Can I make this dish dairy-free or vegan?
Yes, for a dairy-free version, use plant-based milk (such as almond or soy milk) and omit the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative. For a vegan version, substitute eggs with flax eggs or chia eggs, and use plant-based milk as well.

Can I add cheese to the batter?
Yes, if you love cheese, you can mix in grated Parmesan, mozzarella, or any cheese of your choice into the batter for an extra burst of flavor.

What is the best way to serve this dish?
Scarpaccia can be served warm or at room temperature, making it perfect for a variety of occasions. Pair it with a fresh green salad, crusty bread, or grilled meats for a complete meal.

Can I make this dish spicy?
If you enjoy a bit of heat, feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes or chopped chili peppers to the vegetable mix. This will give the dish a nice kick without overpowering the other flavors.

This Easy Italian Bell Pepper and Onion Scarpaccia is a fantastic, flavorful dish that is simple enough to prepare for a weeknight meal and elegant enough to serve at a dinner party. It’s bursting with savory goodness, thanks to the sweet bell peppers, caramelized onions, and rich, tender batter. Plus, the versatility of this dish means you can adapt it to suit your tastes—whether you’re looking for a gluten-free option, a vegan-friendly version, or adding a little extra cheese for richness.

Scarpaccia’s beauty lies in its simplicity. It’s the perfect way to enjoy the comforting, rustic flavors of Italian cooking without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re serving it as a side, main course, or appetizer, this dish is sure to impress your guests and leave them asking for the recipe. Try it today, and bring a little taste of Tuscany into your kitchen!

Easy Italian Bell Pepper and Onion Scarpaccia

Recipe by Alexandra SaricolCourse: All Recipes

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

30

minutes

Cooking time

40

minutes

Calories

300

kcal

Ingredients

• 3 large bell peppers (any color), thinly sliced

• 1 large onion, thinly sliced

• 2 tablespoons olive oil (plus more for greasing the pan)

• 3 large eggs

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• 1 cup milk

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning

• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for added flavor)

• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (optional, for a touch of sweetness)

Directions

• Preheat the oven and prepare the pan: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or a similar-sized pan with olive oil.
• Sauté the vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced bell peppers and onions and sauté them for about 10 minutes, or until the vegetables have softened and are slightly caramelized. Season with salt, pepper, and dried oregano. For extra flavor, you can drizzle a bit of balsamic vinegar over the vegetables during the last few minutes of cooking.
• Prepare the batter: While the vegetables are cooking, whisk together the eggs, flour, milk, and a pinch of salt in a large bowl until smooth. If you’d like to add cheese, mix in the grated Parmesan cheese at this point.
• Combine the vegetables and batter: Spread the sautéed vegetables evenly in the greased baking dish. Pour the egg and flour mixture over the vegetables, making sure everything is covered.
• Bake the scarpaccia: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
• Garnish and serve: Once baked, remove the scarpaccia from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving. You can serve this dish warm or at room temperature.