Savory Bread Basket Bites – A Delicious Italian Antipasto
These delightful savory bread basket bites, or Cestini di Pancarrè Ripieni, are an exquisite and mouthwatering appetizer that brings the essence of Italian comfort food straight to your table. Soft and tender, these mini bread baskets are filled with a rich and flavorful ragù made from ground pork, sausage, and vegetables, all enhanced with fresh herbs and white wine. The addition of creamy ricotta and a hint of lemon zest adds a touch of creaminess, while the finishing sprinkle of Parmigiano Reggiano elevates the dish to perfection. Topped with sun-dried tomatoes for a burst of color and flavor, these little bites are a perfect starter for any occasion.
Ingredients (Serves 4)
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| White Bread (Pancarrè) | 16 slices |
| Ground Pork (Maiale) | 200g |
| Sausage (Salsiccia) | 200g (2 sausages) |
| White Wine | 60g |
| Celery | 1 stalk |
| Carrot | 1 |
| Shallot (Scalogno) | 1 |
| Garlic | 1 clove |
| Fresh Thyme (Timo) | 2 sprigs |
| Fresh Rosemary (Rosmarino) | 1 sprig |
| Salt (Sale fino) | To taste |
| Black Pepper (Pepe nero) | To taste |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil (Olio EV) | 10g |
| Vegetable Broth (Brodo vegetale) | 250g |
| Fresh Ricotta (Ricotta vaccina) | 400g |
| Lemon Zest (Scorza di limone) | ½ lemon |
| Parmigiano Reggiano (DOP) | 25g (grated) |
| Sun-Dried Tomatoes (Pomodori secchi sott’olio) | 30g (drained) |
| Nutmeg (Noce moscata) | A pinch |
Instructions
1. Prepare the Ragù
Begin by prepping the vegetables for the ragù. Peel the carrot, celery, and shallot, then finely chop them. Do the same with the rosemary and thyme leaves.
In a large skillet, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped vegetables and one whole garlic clove (unpeeled for flavor), allowing them to soften and cook for 5 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
Next, remove the casing from the sausages and crumble the sausage meat into the pan. Brown the sausage and pork together, breaking up the meat with a spoon. Once browned, pour in the white wine and stir to combine. Let the wine cook off for a few minutes.
Add the fresh herbs to the pan, then cover the skillet. Let the mixture simmer for about 30 minutes, occasionally stirring and adding vegetable broth if needed to keep the ragù moist. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Once cooked, remove the pan from the heat. Transfer the ragù to a bowl and set aside to cool.
2. Prepare the Ricotta Mixture
While the ragù is cooling, prepare the ricotta filling. Place the ricotta in a food processor and add a pinch of freshly grated nutmeg and the lemon zest. Pulse until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy. Transfer to a separate bowl and set aside.
3. Prepare the Bread Baskets
Now, use a rolling pin to flatten the slices of white bread (pancarrè) to make them thinner and more pliable.
Grease four individual ramekins or cocottes, each measuring about 9 cm in diameter and 5 cm high. Line each ramekin with 4 slices of the flattened bread, slightly overlapping them to create a cozy bread basket shape. Press the bread gently into the bottom of the ramekin to form an indentation.
4. Assemble the Cestini
Fill each bread basket with the ricotta and ragù mixture. Gently press the filling into the bread, ensuring it is evenly distributed. Once filled, sprinkle the tops with freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano to give a golden, cheesy crust.
5. Bake the Bread Baskets
Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F) for static baking or 180°C (350°F) for fan-assisted baking.
Bake the bread baskets for 10 minutes in the preheated oven (or 5 minutes in a fan-assisted oven), until the tops are golden and the bread is slightly crisped.
6. Finish the Dish
While the baskets are baking, drain the sun-dried tomatoes and slice them into thin strips.
Once the baskets are out of the oven, top each one with a few strips of sun-dried tomatoes for a burst of color and flavor. Serve warm and enjoy this delectable Italian antipasto!
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary depending on ingredient brands and portion sizes.
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 510 kcal |
| Protein | 24g |
| Carbohydrates | 33g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sugars | 6g |
| Fat | 33g |
| Saturated Fat | 7g |
| Sodium | 600mg |
| Cholesterol | 35mg |
| Calcium | 180mg |
| Iron | 2.5mg |
These savory bread baskets are not only a crowd-pleaser but also a delicious introduction to any Italian meal. Whether you’re hosting a special dinner party or looking to impress at a casual gathering, Cestini di Pancarrè Ripieni will surely make your guests’ taste buds sing. Enjoy the blend of hearty flavors from the ragù, the creamy ricotta, and the tangy sun-dried tomatoes – a truly satisfying bite!
