If you’re ready to wake up your taste buds with something spicy, savory, and downright craveable, let me introduce you to Coppa Focaccia Toast with Zhug. This is that killer combination of warm, golden focaccia; lush ricotta; buttery avocado; and ribbons of rich coppa, all brought to life by a fiery drizzle of zhug. Each bite balances creamy dairy, bright herbs, peppery greens, and just the right hit of heat, making this toast anything but ordinary. Whether you’re sharing it as an appetizer or calling it lunch, Coppa Focaccia Toast with Zhug is the sort of dish that instantly makes you want seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Coppa Focaccia Toast with Zhug is how such simple ingredients can unite to deliver bold flavor and satisfying texture. Every element here plays a role, from the crispy bread to the vibrant zhug, layering flavor, color, and just the right crunch.
- Focaccia bread (4 slices): Seek out a loaf with a pillowy interior and crisp exterior—this is your foundation and flavor sponge.
- Coppa (4 oz, sliced): This Italian cured pork brings melt-in-your-mouth richness and a lovely, savory punch.
- Ricotta cheese (1/2 cup): A silky, mildly sweet cheese that cushions the spice and adds extra creaminess to each bite.
- Avocado (1, sliced): Lush, buttery, and cooling, avocado helps temper the zhug and offers gorgeous color contrast.
- Zhug (1/4 cup): This fiery Yemeni green chili sauce electrifies the whole dish; add to taste, depending on your heat tolerance.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Swirls into the ricotta for silky texture and adds fruity undertones.
- Lemon juice (1 teaspoon): Brightens everything with a fresh, subtle acidity that cuts through the richness.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning the ricotta and coaxing flavors out of every ingredient.
- Microgreens or arugula (for garnish, optional): A handful of greens offers a peppery bite and makes the presentation pop.
How to Make Coppa Focaccia Toast with Zhug
Step 1: Toast the Focaccia
Start by giving those focaccia slices the royal treatment. Toast them in a skillet or pop them in your toaster until they’re golden and wonderfully crisp on the edges but still soft in the middle. That perfect toast crunch is what will hold up all your lush toppings without getting soggy. If you’re using gluten-free focaccia, just make sure to watch it, as those can brown a little faster.
Step 2: Prepare the Ricotta Spread
In a small bowl, stir together the ricotta cheese, olive oil, lemon juice, a pinch of salt, and a twist of fresh black pepper. The olive oil makes it extra creamy, while the lemon juice really wakes up the flavor. Mix until smooth and taste—add a touch more salt or lemon if you love a bit more zing.
Step 3: Assemble the Toast
Spread a generous swoop of the ricotta mixture onto each slice of toasted focaccia. Don’t be shy; the ricotta layer is what keeps everything moist and rich, so go thick! Next, layer on slices of coppa, letting them overlap elegantly for a little drama and that wonderful savory depth.
Step 4: Add the Avocado
Nestle a few slices of perfectly ripe avocado on top of the coppa. This step is all about smooth, buttery indulgence—it tames the salt of the coppa and adds that gentle green so the entire Coppa Focaccia Toast with Zhug feels balanced.
Step 5: Drizzle with Zhug and Finish
Now for the star: zhug. Drizzle as much (or as little) as your heart can handle across each toast. The herby heat ties together all the elements and adds a rush of aroma every time you lean in. Finish with a scatter of microgreens or arugula for a bit of lift and color. Serve up your Coppa Focaccia Toast with Zhug while the bread is still warm!
How to Serve Coppa Focaccia Toast with Zhug
Garnishes
Don’t skip the fun extras! Bright microgreens or a tuft of arugula do more than just look fancy—they add earthy sharpness and freshness to contrast the creamy, spicy, and savory layers. A squeeze of lemon or extra black pepper just before serving can also amp up the flavor of Coppa Focaccia Toast with Zhug.
Side Dishes
Whether serving Coppa Focaccia Toast with Zhug as a bountiful brunch or chic appetizer, pair it with a lightly dressed green salad, a bowl of marinated olives, or spiced nuts. These sides balance out the richness and round out your Mediterranean-inspired spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut the toasts into small squares or triangles for a party platter—instant miniature bites of Coppa Focaccia Toast with Zhug that disappear in seconds. For a cozy meal, pile two toasts per plate, artfully stacked, and let the zhug drip gently onto the dish beneath. Don’t forget a chilled glass of something crisp and white!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra Coppa Focaccia Toast with Zhug (miracles happen), store the toppings and toasts separately. Keep the prepared ricotta spread, coppa, and sliced avocado in airtight containers in the fridge, and toast fresh focaccia slices right before serving again for best texture.
Freezing
Focaccia slices can be wrapped tightly and frozen for up to 3 months. For the other components—zhug, ricotta mix, and coppa—freezing isn’t ideal, as they lose their creamy consistency and flavor clarity. Assemble the toasts fresh for maximum delight!
Reheating
If you’ve pre-toasted focaccia, a quick trip in a warm skillet or toaster oven revives their crunch. Bring all toppings to room temperature before assembling new Coppa Focaccia Toast with Zhug to ensure nothing dulls the heat or melts undesirably.
FAQs
Can I make Coppa Focaccia Toast with Zhug vegetarian?
Definitely—just swap the coppa for thinly sliced roasted eggplant, marinated artichokes, or even grilled halloumi. You’ll keep the rich-tasting foundation while making it plant-friendly.
What is zhug and how spicy is it?
Zhug is a Yemeni green chili sauce bursting with fresh herbs, garlic, and spices. It’s bright, punchy, and usually quite spicy, but you can control the heat by drizzling lightly and tasting as you go on your Coppa Focaccia Toast with Zhug.
Can I use another bread instead of focaccia?
Absolutely! While focaccia’s olive oil richness is divine, crusty sourdough or a rustic country loaf will work in a pinch. Just ensure your bread can hold up to generous toppings and zhug.
What should I do if I can’t find coppa?
No worries: substitute with prosciutto, speck, or even thinly sliced turkey for a lighter twist. Each brings its own savory notes to the Coppa Focaccia Toast with Zhug party.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
It can be! Just swap in your favorite gluten-free focaccia or rustic loaf. Every other ingredient in Coppa Focaccia Toast with Zhug is naturally gluten-free, making it adaptable for all guests.
Final Thoughts
There’s something instantly special about sharing Coppa Focaccia Toast with Zhug—the colors, flavors, and textures are always a hit. It’s a dish that effortlessly impresses, but is secretly so quick to make. Trust me, the only problem will be waiting until everyone has taken a bite before sneaking a second toast for yourself. Give it a try and let Coppa Focaccia Toast with Zhug become your new go-to appetizer or lunch!
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: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Elevate your toast game with this Coppa Focaccia Toast featuring the bold flavors of zhug, creamy ricotta, and savory coppa on crispy focaccia. A Mediterranean-inspired appetizer that’s bursting with taste!
Ingredients
Focaccia Toast:
- 4 slices fresh focaccia bread
Coppa and Ricotta:
- 4 oz sliced coppa (cured pork)
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- pinch of salt, freshly ground black pepper
Additional Toppings:
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1/4 cup zhug (Yemeni green chili sauce)
- microgreens or arugula for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Toast the Focaccia: Lightly toast the focaccia slices until golden and crisp.
- Prepare Ricotta Mixture: Mix ricotta with lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Assemble Toasts: Spread ricotta mixture on toasted focaccia, top with coppa, avocado slices, and drizzle with zhug.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with microgreens or arugula and serve warm.
Notes
- Adjust zhug amount to suit your spice preference.
- Substitute coppa with prosciutto or speck if needed.
- Great as open-faced sandwiches or cut into appetizer squares.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 toast
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 11g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
