Asiago Potato Salad Bites with Curry and Parsley

Introduction

Welcome to Love With Recipes! Today, we’re exploring a delectable Italian appetizer that combines the rustic charm of traditional schiacciate with a sophisticated twist through a creamy Asiago potato salad. This dish embodies the essence of Italian culinary artistry—balancing hearty textures with refined flavors, making it perfect for gatherings, antipasto platters, or a refined snack. The crispy, golden-brown schiacciate serve as the perfect vessel for the luscious, cheesy potato salad, creating a delightful contrast in textures and flavors. Whether you’re hosting an elegant dinner or simply craving something comforting yet elevated, this recipe promises to impress with its rich taste and beautiful presentation. Dive into this culinary journey, crafted with love and precision, to elevate your appetizer game and indulge in authentic Italian flavors.

Time

• Preparation Time: 30 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: Approximately 50 minutes

Needed Equipment

• Pressure cooker or large pot with lid
• Mixing bowls
• Sharp knife and cutting board
• Grater for Asiago cheese
• Wooden or silicone spatula
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Frying pan or griddle
• Paper towels or kitchen towel for draining
• Serving platter or plate
• Piping bag or spoon for filling (optional)
• Small saucepan (optional for warming or melting cheese)

Tags

Italian cuisine, appetizer, cheese, potato salad, crispy bread, vegetarian, party food, rustic, gourmet, easy to prepare

Serving Size

This recipe yields approximately 12 pieces of schiacciate, each topped with a generous serving of Asiago potato salad, serving about 12 individual appetizers.

Difficulty Level

Intermediate — requires some familiarity with cooking potatoes, preparing crispy bread, and handling cheese, but overall accessible for home cooks with basic culinary skills.

Allergen Information

• Contains dairy (Asiago cheese)
• Contains gluten if using wheat-based flour in the bread (not specified but common in traditional schiacciate)

Dietary Preference

Vegetarian

Course

Appetizer / Antipasto

Cuisine

Italian

Ingredients

Instructions

Preparing the Potatoes

Begin by selecting fresh, high-quality potatoes. Waxy varieties such as Yukon Gold or Red Bliss are ideal because they hold their shape well after cooking and provide a creamy texture suitable for salad preparation. Rinse the potatoes thoroughly under cold running water to remove any dirt or impurities. Use a vegetable brush if necessary to scrub the skin gently. Once cleaned, peel the potatoes if you prefer a smoother texture. Peeling is optional depending on your preference, but for a refined presentation, peeling is recommended.

Next, place the potatoes in a pressure cooker or a large pot. If using a pressure cooker, add enough water to cover the potatoes by at least an inch, then close the lid securely. Bring to high pressure and cook for approximately 10 minutes. The exact time may vary depending on the size of the potatoes; smaller pieces will cook faster. If using a traditional pot, bring the water to a boil, reduce heat to a simmer, and cook uncovered for about 15-20 minutes until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.

Once cooked, drain the potatoes thoroughly using a colander. Allow them to cool slightly before handling. You can speed up this process by rinsing the potatoes under cold water or spreading them on a baking sheet to cool. When the potatoes are cool enough to handle, cut them into small, uniform cubes—about 1/4 inch in size. Uniform pieces ensure even distribution of flavors and a pleasing presentation.

Preparing the Asiago Potato Salad

In a mixing bowl, combine the cubed potatoes with freshly grated Asiago cheese. Asiago cheese imparts a rich, nutty flavor and a creamy texture that pairs beautifully with the potatoes. To enhance the flavor profile, add a pinch of curry powder, which introduces a subtle aromatic warmth that complements the cheese and potatoes. Adjust the amount of curry based on your taste preference—start with a pinch and add more if desired.

Chop fresh parsley finely and sprinkle over the mixture. Parsley adds a fresh, herbaceous note that balances the richness of the cheese and potatoes. Season with fine salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Drizzle extra virgin olive oil over the salad, enough to lightly coat the ingredients and add a layer of richness. Mix gently with a spatula or spoon, ensuring the cheese and seasonings are evenly distributed throughout the potato cubes.

If you prefer, you can warm the Asiago cheese slightly in a small saucepan over low heat before mixing, to help it melt into the potatoes more seamlessly. Alternatively, a quick stint in the microwave can soften the cheese, making mixing easier and creating a more cohesive salad.

Preparing the Schiacciate (Crispy Flatbread)

While the potato salad rests, prepare the schiacciate. If you are using pre-made flatbread from The Bottega di Olivia & Marino, simply slice them into manageable pieces if necessary. If making from scratch, prepare a simple dough using flour, water, salt, and a splash of olive oil. Knead until smooth, let rest for 30 minutes, then roll out into thin sheets, about 1/8 inch thick.

Heat a frying pan or griddle over medium-high heat. Add a small amount of olive oil. Once hot, cook the flatbread pieces until golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove from heat and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil. The schiacciate should be crispy on the outside but tender on the inside, providing a sturdy base for the potato salad.

Assembling the Dish

To assemble, take each piece of crispy schiacciate and generously top with the prepared Asiago potato salad. Use a spoon or piping bag for precision if desired, spreading the salad evenly across the surface of each flatbread piece. For an elegant presentation, garnish with additional chopped parsley and a drizzle of high-quality olive oil.

Serve immediately while the schiacciate are warm and crispy, allowing the contrast with the cold, cheesy potato salad to be fully appreciated. This dish can also be prepared in advance—assemble just before serving to maintain the crispiness of the bread.

Preparation Tips

• Choose high-quality Asiago cheese for authentic flavor; both fresh and aged varieties work well, but aged Asiago offers a more intense flavor.
• Adjust seasoning and herbs based on your taste preferences; fresh herbs like basil or chives can also be incorporated for variety.
• If you prefer a creamier potato salad, consider adding a dollop of mayonnaise or Greek yogurt, but keep in mind this alters the traditional flavor profile.
• For added texture, sprinkle toasted pine nuts or chopped walnuts on top of the potato salad before assembling the dish.
• Ensure the schiacciate are served immediately after assembly for optimal crunch.

Nutritional Information

Tips and Tricks

• For extra flavor, incorporate a splash of balsamic glaze or a sprinkle of chili flakes for a spicy kick.
• Use a mandoline slicer for uniformly thin and crispy schiacciate slices, ensuring even cooking.
• If making ahead, keep the potato salad refrigerated and assemble just before serving to preserve crispiness.
• For a vegan version, substitute Asiago with a plant-based cheese alternative and ensure the bread is vegan-friendly.

Add-ons

• Chopped sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy, sweet note.
• Crumbled feta or ricotta salata for a different cheese profile.
• Fresh basil or arugula for added freshness and color.
• Caramelized onions for a touch of sweetness.

Side Dishes

• Mixed green salad with a lemon vinaigrette.
• Marinated olives and artichokes.
• Roasted seasonal vegetables.
• Prosciutto-wrapped melon for a savory-sweet pairing.

Improvements and Variations

• Experiment with different cheeses such as Fontina or Parmesan for varied flavor profiles.
• Add a touch of truffle oil to the potato salad for a luxurious aroma.
• Use whole-grain or seeded flatbread for added texture and nutritional value.
• Incorporate roasted garlic into the potato salad for a deeper flavor.

Save and Store

Leftovers of the potato salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To preserve the crunchiness of the schiacciate, it is best to assemble the dish just before serving. If you need to store the assembled dish, keep the potato salad refrigerated separately, and reassemble just before serving to maintain crispness.

FAQ

Can I make this dish vegan?

Yes, substitute Asiago cheese with a plant-based cheese alternative and ensure the flatbread is vegan-friendly. Adjust seasonings as needed for flavor balance.

Can I prepare components in advance?

Yes, prepare the potato salad and schiacciate separately a day ahead. Keep the potato salad refrigerated, and reheat the schiacciate briefly in an oven or toaster oven before assembling.

What if I don’t have a pressure cooker?

You can boil the potatoes in a regular pot. Cover with water, bring to a boil, then simmer for about 15-20 minutes until tender. Drain thoroughly and proceed as directed.

Is this dish suitable for gluten-free diets?

Traditional schiacciate often contain wheat flour. To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free flatbread or crisp bread options available at specialty stores.

Conclusion

This Schiacciate with Asiago Potato Salad represents a perfect harmony of Italian rustic comfort and refined elegance. Its crispy bread base combined with a luscious, cheesy potato filling creates a memorable appetizer that elevates any dining experience. With simple ingredients and thoughtful preparation, this dish showcases the versatility of Italian flavors, making it an excellent addition to your culinary repertoire. Remember to source high-quality ingredients, adjust seasonings to your taste, and serve immediately to enjoy the optimal texture and flavor. Whether for a festive occasion or an everyday treat, this recipe embodies the warmth and sophistication of Italian cuisine, ensuring your guests will be delighted with every bite.

References

• “Traditional Italian Flatbread (Schiacciata),” Italian Food Forever, https://italianfoodforever.com
• “Cheese Varieties: Asiago,” Cheese.com, https://cheese.com