Recipe

Cicchetti - Italian Small Plates Delight

Savor the Flavors of Italy with Cicchetti: A Symphony of Small Plates

4.6 out of 5

Indulge in the vibrant and diverse culinary tradition of Italy with Cicchetti. These delectable small plates are a beloved part of Italian cuisine, offering a delightful array of flavors and textures in every bite.

Assorted Small Dishes or Ritual› Cicchetti

European cuisine› Mediterranean cuisine› Italian cuisine

Preparation time

15 minutes

Cooking time

10 minutes

Total time

25 minutes

Yields

4 servings

Preparation difficulty

Easy

Suitable for

Mediterranean diet, Gluten-free diet, Low-carb diet, Keto diet, Pescatarian diet

Allergens

Wheat (from the bread), Dairy (from the mozzarella)

Not suitable for

Vegan diet, Vegetarian diet, Dairy-free diet, Nut-free diet, Paleo diet

Ingredients

1 loaf of crusty Italian bread, sliced (400g) 1 loaf of crusty Italian bread, sliced (400g)
200g fresh mozzarella, sliced 200g fresh mozzarella, sliced
150g prosciutto, thinly sliced 150g prosciutto, thinly sliced
1 cup (240ml) extra virgin olive oil 1 cup (240ml) extra virgin olive oil
2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

Calories: 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
Fat: 20g (Saturated Fat: 7g)
Carbohydrates: 20g (Sugars: 1g)
Protein: 15g
Fiber: 1g
Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1.
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2.
Arrange the sliced bread on a baking sheet and brush both sides with olive oil.
3.
Toast the bread in the preheated oven for about 5 minutes, or until golden and crispy.
4.
In a small bowl, combine the minced garlic, chopped basil, chopped parsley, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
5.
Remove the toasted bread from the oven and rub each slice with the garlic and herb mixture.
6.
Top each slice with a slice of fresh mozzarella and a slice of prosciutto.
7.
Return the topped bread to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8.
Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

Mozzarella — Use fresh mozzarella for its creamy texture and mild flavor. If unavailable, you can substitute with burrata or bocconcini.
Prosciutto — Opt for high-quality prosciutto for the best flavor. If desired, you can replace it with thinly sliced smoked salmon or roasted vegetables for a vegetarian option.

Tips & Tricks

Experiment with different toppings such as marinated artichokes, roasted peppers, or sun-dried tomatoes to add variety to your Cicchetti.
Serve with a side of balsamic reduction or a drizzle of honey for a touch of sweetness.
Don't overcrowd the toppings on the bread slices to ensure they cook evenly and maintain their crispness.
Pair Cicchetti with a glass of Prosecco or Aperol Spritz for an authentic Italian experience.
Prepare the garlic and herb mixture in advance and store it in the refrigerator for quick and easy assembly.

Serving advice

Serve Cicchetti as an appetizer or part of a larger spread of Italian small plates. Arrange them on a platter and garnish with fresh basil leaves for an enticing presentation.

Presentation advice

To enhance the visual appeal, use a variety of colorful ingredients and arrange them in an aesthetically pleasing manner on the serving platter. Consider using different shapes and sizes of bread slices for added visual interest.