Coppa Focaccia Toast with Zhug Recipe

If you’re searching for a flavor-packed, eye-catching appetizer or lunch idea, you’ll fall head over heels for Coppa Focaccia Toast with Zhug. This unique creation marries savory, paper-thin slices of coppa with creamy ricotta and a zesty homemade zhug—an herby, spicy Yemeni sauce—layered atop crispy, golden focaccia. The peppery bite of fresh arugula, the warmth of olive oil, and a floral sprinkle of ground spices tie every bite together, creating a vibrant fusion of Italian and Middle Eastern cuisines. Coppa Focaccia Toast with Zhug isn’t just a toasted sandwich; it’s a joyful celebration of contrasting textures and bold flavors that will steal the show at your table.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

This dazzling yet unfussy dish depends on a handful of quality ingredients that play off each other brilliantly. Each brings something special, whether it’s richness, freshness, heat, or crunch—so don’t skip out! Here’s what makes Coppa Focaccia Toast with Zhug absolutely sing:

• Focaccia bread: Thick-cut slices offer a pillowy, olive oil-kissed base that supports all the decadent toppings beautifully.
• Coppa (or capocollo): These cured pork slices are supremely savory with a hint of spice—perfect for layering.
• Arugula: Peppery greens punctuate each bite with a signature sharpness and a splash of color.
• Whole milk ricotta: Creamy and mild, this cheese cushions the heat and adds lushness to every toast.
• Olive oil: Drizzling the best olive oil you have amplifies aroma and brings cohesive richness.
• Salt and pepper: Seasonings that wake up each component and balance the flavors just right.
• Fresh cilantro: The main herb in zhug, delivering fresh, citrusy brightness and bold green color.
• Fresh parsley: Introduces grassy notes and balances the bite of the other zhug ingredients.
• Garlic: A couple of cloves add necessary punch and aromatic warmth to your zhug sauce.
• Green chili: Seed it for a milder heat or leave seeds in for a fiery kick; it’s the heart of zhug’s spice.
• Ground cumin: Earthy, smoky complexity that weaves through the zhug’s tapestry of flavors.
• Ground cardamom: Just a little gives zhug that warm, floral Mediterranean touch.
• Salt: Essential for rounding out and brightening the zhug’s bold herbaceousness.
• Lemon juice: Lifts and enlivens the entire zhug sauce with a welcome zing of acidity.

How to Make Coppa Focaccia Toast with Zhug

Step 1: Whip Up the Zhug Sauce

Start by making the zhug, since it’s what defines the whole flavor profile for Coppa Focaccia Toast with Zhug. In your food processor bowl, toss in the fresh cilantro, parsley, garlic, seeded green chili, cumin, cardamom, salt, and lemon juice. Pulse everything until finely chopped and aromatic. Next, slowly drizzle in the olive oil while the processor runs, creating a lush, spoonable green sauce. Taste and adjust the salt or lemon if you like—zhug should be lively, herbaceous, and a little feisty!

Step 2: Toast the Focaccia

Nothing beats the aroma of fresh bread toasting! Heat a skillet over medium or pop your thick focaccia slices under the broiler. Toast each side until they’re golden at the edges and pleasingly warm inside—focaccia’s olive oil content helps create the perfect crisped base for your Coppa Focaccia Toast with Zhug.

Step 3: Spread the Ricotta

Slather a generous layer of whole milk ricotta onto each toast while the bread is still slightly warm. Don’t be shy, you want thick, creamy coverage. This not only adds a luxe texture but also helps absorb the herbal heat of your zhug, making every bite dreamy.

Step 4: Layer the Coppa and Arugula

Drape those silky slices of coppa or capocollo across the ricotta—notice how the edges curl invitingly with the warmth from the bread. Top it off with a loose fistful of arugula for that satisfying bite and a pop of color. Now your Coppa Focaccia Toast with Zhug is taking shape!

Step 5: Drizzle with Zhug and Finish

Add a bold, generous spoonful of zhug right over the arugula. Let it drip and mingle into the ricotta below. Finish everything off with a little more olive oil, plus a pinch of salt and grind of fresh black pepper if you’re feeling fancy. Serve your Coppa Focaccia Toast with Zhug immediately, while it’s fresh, warm, and ready to disappear.

How to Serve Coppa Focaccia Toast with Zhug

Garnishes

Top your Coppa Focaccia Toast with Zhug with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, extra herbs, or even some lemon zest for added sparkle. A final drizzle of your favorite fruity olive oil never hurts, and a few chili flakes on the plate can cue eaters to the heat level inside.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs beautifully with crisp green salads tossed with vinaigrette, marinated olives, or roasted vegetables. For a more substantial meal, try a bowl of lemony lentil soup or some lightly grilled asparagus alongside your Coppa Focaccia Toast with Zhug.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut each toast into strips, triangles, or bite-sized squares for an irresistible party platter. You can also set out bowls of zhug and ricotta alongside focaccia fingers for a DIY toast bar—perfect for gatherings where everyone wants to build their dream Coppa Focaccia Toast with Zhug.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any Coppa Focaccia Toast with Zhug left (which is rare!), store the components separately for best texture. Keep toasted focaccia in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a day, and refrigerate zhug and ricotta in covered containers.

Freezing

You can freeze the focaccia slices and coppa individually if you need to prep ahead, but avoid freezing assembled toasts as the ricotta and zhug textures will suffer. Zhug sauce itself freezes beautifully in small containers for future quick meals.

Reheating

To re-crisp focaccia, warm it in a toaster oven or under a broiler for a few minutes. Bring coppa and zhug to room temperature before assembling for the best flavor and texture. Always add the arugula fresh just before serving.

FAQs

Can I make Coppa Focaccia Toast with Zhug ahead of time?

You can prep the zhug sauce up to a week ahead and keep it in the fridge. Assemble the toasts right before serving so the bread stays crispy and the greens fresh—it’s worth it for that satisfying crunch.

Is there a vegetarian alternative for coppa?

Absolutely! Roasted vegetables (like eggplant or red peppers), grilled mushrooms, or marinated chickpeas all make tasty, filling alternatives while letting your zhug and ricotta shine.

What’s the best focaccia to use?

Look for a bakery-style, thick focaccia with a crispy crust and pillowy center, ideally brushed with olive oil. Gluten-free focaccia works too if you need an alternative!

How spicy is the zhug?

Zhug is meant to be zippy and herbaceous, but you control the heat. Seed your chili for a milder sauce or use an extra chili for more punch. Taste as you go and adjust!

Can I use store-bought zhug?

Store-bought zhug is a fast shortcut and still delivers a flavor boost, though homemade will have brighter, fresher notes. Give it a taste test and doctor it up with a splash of lemon or extra olive oil if desired.

Final Thoughts

Give Coppa Focaccia Toast with Zhug a try and let these bold, fresh flavors win over your senses. It’s vibrant, simple enough for a weekday lunch, and impressive enough for friends—each toast a perfect invitation to savor something fabulous and a little unexpected.

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