If you’ve never heard of scarpaccia recipe, you’re in for a real treat. This crispy, thin zucchini tart is a true Tuscan treasure, combining the best of both sweet and savory flavors in a way that’s utterly irresistible. The name “scarpaccia” literally translates to “old shoe” in Italian, don’t let that fool you! It’s a playful reference to its thin, crispy texture, much like the well-worn soles of a shoe.
This dish hails from Viareggio, a coastal town in Tuscany, where it’s traditionally made during zucchini season in late spring and summer. Farmers, who found themselves with an abundance of fresh zucchini blossoms and tender zucchini, created this unique dish to make use of their harvest. It sits somewhere between a tart, a pancake, and a flatbread, yet it’s distinctly Italian in its simplicity and elegance.
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Why This Scarpaccia Recipe Works
Unlike traditional tarts or quiches, scarpaccia doesn’t rely on a buttery crust or heavy fillings. Instead, it creates a light, crispy texture with just a handful of basic pantry ingredients. Here’s what makes this recipe special:
1. The Perfect Zucchini-to-Batter Ratio
Scarpaccia is all about highlighting the zucchini without drowning it in batter. A thin, almost crepe-like layer of flour, water, and olive oil binds the zucchini together, allowing the natural flavors to shine.
2. The Right Cooking Method for Crispy Perfection
One of the secrets to a great scarpaccia is baking it at the right temperature. A hot oven (400°F/200°C) ensures that the edges crisp up beautifully, creating an almost cracker-like texture that makes every bite irresistible.
3. A Recipe That Adapts to Your Taste
✔ Want to add a cheesy twist? Parmesan, pecorino, or even a sprinkle of feta work wonders.
✔ Prefer a bit more crunch? A handful of cornmeal in the batter enhances the crispiness.
✔ Need a gluten-free version? Swap out the all-purpose flour for chickpea flour for a richer, nuttier taste.
✔ Looking for a heartier meal? Pair scarpaccia with a side of roasted veggies or a fresh Mediterranean salad.
Scarpaccia is the kind of dish that lets you play with flavors while keeping the soul of the recipe intact. Whether you stick to the classic Tuscan version or add your personal twist, one thing’s certain: this zucchini tart is a game-changer!
Recipe Card
Scarpaccia Recipe
Cuisine: ItalianDifficulty: Easy4
servings30
minutes40
minutes180
kcalScarpaccia is a traditional Tuscan zucchini tart that is crisp on the outside and tender on the inside. This simple, rustic dish is perfect as an appetizer, snack, or side dish.
Ingredients
2 medium zucchini, thinly sliced
1 cup all-purpose flour
½ cup milk (or water for a lighter version)
2 eggs
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon grated Parmesan (optional)
½ teaspoon dried oregano or thyme
1 small garlic clove, minced (optional)
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
- Slice the zucchini thinly and sprinkle with a pinch of salt. Let it sit for 10 minutes, then pat dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
- Make the batter by whisking the flour, milk, eggs, olive oil, salt, pepper, and herbs in a mixing bowl until smooth.
- Add the zucchini and mix until evenly coated.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Bake for 35–40 minutes until golden brown and slightly crisp on the edges.
- Let it cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, drizzle some olive oil on top before baking.
- Customize with cheese (Parmesan, Pecorino, or mozzarella) for added flavor.
- Gluten-free version: Use chickpea or rice flour instead of wheat flour.
- Vegan adaptation: Replace eggs with chickpea flour and use plant-based milk.
Pro Tips for Success
Making scarpaccia is simple, but a few expert tips will help you achieve the perfect balance of crispiness and flavor. Follow these pro tips to elevate your scarpaccia to authentic Tuscan perfection.
1. Slice the Zucchini Paper-Thin
To get the best texture, use a mandoline slicer or a very sharp knife to slice your zucchini into thin, uniform rounds. Thicker slices release too much moisture and can make the tart soggy.
2. Draw Out Excess Moisture
Zucchini has a high water content, which can prevent scarpaccia from crisping up properly. To fix this:
✔ Salt the zucchini slices and let them sit for 10-15 minutes.
✔ Squeeze out excess liquid using a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth.
✔ Pat them dry with a paper towel before mixing into the batter.
This simple step prevents a watery scarpaccia and ensures a crispier texture.
3. Use the Right Flour for the Best Texture
While all-purpose flour works well, adding a small amount of chickpea flour or cornmeal gives the batter a nutty depth and enhances the crunch factor.
4. Don’t Skip the Olive Oil
A generous drizzle of good-quality extra virgin olive oil over the batter before baking helps create those crispy, golden edges that make scarpaccia irresistible.
5. Bake at a High Temperature
For a perfectly crisp and golden crust, bake at 400°F (200°C). A hot oven ensures:
✔ The edges crisp up while the center remains tender.
✔ The top gets a beautiful golden color without overcooking.
If you want it extra crispy, switch to broil mode for the last 3 minutes!
6. Serve at the Right Temperature
Scarpaccia tastes best when slightly cooled, this allows the flavors to meld and the texture to set. Serve it warm or at room temperature for the best experience.
Variants of the Scarpaccia Recipe
Scarpaccia is a versatile dish that can be adapted in many ways. Whether you want to try a sweeter version, make it gluten-free, or add a protein boost, these variations will inspire you to get creative in the kitchen.
1. Sweet Scarpaccia (Scarpaccia Dolce)
Yes, you read that right! In Viareggio, Tuscany, there’s a lesser-known sweet version of scarpaccia. Instead of making a savory tart, the batter is sweetened with sugar, vanilla, and sometimes honey. Thinly sliced zucchini is mixed with flour, milk, eggs, and a touch of lemon zest, then baked until golden. The result? A moist yet slightly crispy dessert that pairs beautifully with coffee or tea.
2. Cheesy Scarpaccia
For a more indulgent version, add grated Parmesan, Pecorino Romano, or Gruyère to the batter. The cheese creates a rich, nutty depth and forms an irresistible crispy crust on top. You can also sprinkle some mozzarella before baking for a gooey, stretchy bite.
3. Gluten-Free Scarpaccia
Want to enjoy scarpaccia without gluten? Swap regular flour with chickpea flour, rice flour, or a gluten-free flour blend. Chickpea flour adds a slightly nutty taste, making it a great alternative that enhances the dish rather than just substituting the wheat flour.
FAQ about Scarpaccia Recipe
Scarpaccia originates from Tuscany, Italy, particularly in the Viareggio and Camaiore regions. It was created by sailors and farmers as an easy way to use up an abundance of zucchini in the summer.
Excess moisture from the zucchini can make the dish soggy. To prevent this:
✔ Salt the zucchini and let it rest for 10 minutes before patting it dry.
✔ Use less liquid in the batter.
✔ Bake longer until golden and crispy.
Yes! You can make it a day in advance and store it in an airtight container. Reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes for the best texture.
It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze slices in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven for the best results.
Absolutely! You can add thinly sliced onions, bell peppers, or cherry tomatoes for more flavor.
Final thoughts
Scarpaccia is a beautiful example of how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly special. This rustic Tuscan dish is packed with the flavors of fresh zucchini, crisped to perfection, and lightly seasoned to let the natural sweetness of the vegetables shine. Whether you enjoy it as a savory snack, a side dish, or a light appetizer, scarpaccia is sure to impress with its unique texture and comforting taste.
One of the best things about scarpaccia is how versatile it is. You can make it your own by experimenting with different cheeses, herbs, or even adding a touch of spice. If you’re following a gluten-free or vegan diet, easy swaps make it accessible to everyone. And if you have an abundance of zucchini in your kitchen, this recipe is the perfect way to use them up deliciously!
If you enjoyed making scarpaccia, you might also love trying Cast Iron Pizza Recipe!
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