Sun-Dried Tomato and Buffalo Mozzarella Piadina Recipe

Introduction

The art of Italian cuisine is renowned worldwide for its emphasis on fresh, high-quality ingredients and simple, yet profoundly flavorful dishes. Among the many local specialties, piadina—an Italian flatbread originating from the Emilia-Romagna region—stands out as a versatile, satisfying, and incredibly adaptable dish. Traditionally enjoyed as street food or a quick snack, piadina has evolved into a popular main course suitable for any meal of the day. This particular recipe elevates the humble piadina by filling it with luscious buffalo mozzarella and tangy sun-dried tomatoes, creating a harmonious blend of creamy, savory, and slightly sweet flavors.

At Love With Recipes, we believe that good food is accessible, flavorful, and rooted in quality ingredients. This recipe is designed to be straightforward yet rich in flavor, ideal for busy weeknights, casual gatherings, or even as a portable lunch. The combination of the soft, warm piadina with the melt-in-your-mouth buffalo mozzarella and the intense, concentrated sun-dried tomatoes makes for a memorable dish that captures the essence of authentic Italian comfort food.

Time

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes

Needed Equipment

• Non-stick skillet or frying pan – essential for warming and crisping the piadina
• Cutting board – for slicing mozzarella and preparing ingredients
• Sharp knife – to slice mozzarella and cut sun-dried tomatoes if needed
• Measuring spoons – for precise addition of herbs and oils
• Serving plates or platter – to present the final dish
• Tongs or spatula – to flip and handle warm piadina
• Optional: A small bowl for drizzling olive oil or balsamic glaze

Tags

Italian cuisine, street food, flatbread, quick meal, vegetarian, appetizer, main course, easy recipe, comfort food, homemade

Serving Size

Serves 2 people generously, with each serving consisting of one large piadina cut into halves or quarters depending on preference.

Difficulty Level

Intermediate – requires familiarity with basic cooking techniques such as pan-frying and ingredient preparation, but overall straightforward and quick to assemble.

Allergen Information

• Dairy: Contains buffalo mozzarella
• Gluten: Contains wheat flour in piadina
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Usually preserved in oil and may contain traces of sulfites

Dietary Preference

Vegetarian – suitable for vegetarians; for vegan adaptation, replace buffalo mozzarella with plant-based cheese and ensure the piadina dough or wrap is vegan-friendly.

Course

Main Dish / Light Meal / Snack

Cuisine

Italian

Ingredients

Instructions

Preparing the Buffalo Mozzarella

Start by carefully slicing the buffalo mozzarella into thin, even slices. To achieve uniformly thin slices, use a sharp serrated knife or a very sharp chef’s knife. Place the mozzarella on a clean cutting board. If your mozzarella is packed in water or brine, drain it thoroughly to avoid excess moisture that can make the piadina soggy. For even melting and a pleasant texture, aim for slices approximately 2-3 mm thick. Set aside in a small dish or on a plate.

Heating and Preparing the Piadinas

Place a non-stick skillet or frying pan over medium heat. Allow it to warm up for about 1-2 minutes. When hot, gently place one piadina onto the skillet, pressing it lightly with tongs or a spatula. Heat for about 30 seconds, then flip and heat for another 30 seconds. The goal is to warm the bread gently to make it pliable and slightly crispy on the surface without burning. This step ensures that the piadina is warm enough to hold fillings and has a slight crispness that enhances texture.

Melting the Mozzarella and Assembling the First Piadina

Once the piadina is warm, carefully arrange half of the buffalo mozzarella slices on one side of the bread, spreading them evenly. Cover the pan with a lid or a large spatula to trap the heat and facilitate gentle melting of the cheese. Allow the mozzarella to soften for about 1-2 minutes. Do not wait for it to fully melt into a sauce; just softening is sufficient to enhance flavor and texture.

Remove the piadina from the pan using tongs or a spatula and transfer it to a serving plate or cutting board. Drizzle a small amount of extra virgin olive oil over the cheese and spread it gently with the back of a spoon or a brush. This adds richness and helps to marry the flavors.

Adding Sun-Dried Tomatoes, Oregano, and Seasoning

Scatter half of the sun-dried tomatoes evenly over the mozzarella. The concentrated, tangy flavor of the sun-dried tomatoes complements the creamy mozzarella beautifully. Sprinkle a pinch of dried oregano over the top for an aromatic herbal note. Finish with a light dusting of freshly cracked black pepper to add a subtle spicy kick. Adjust seasoning according to personal preference—some may prefer more oregano or pepper for added flavor complexity.

Repeat for the Second Piadina

Repeat the heating process for the second piadina, following the same steps. Spread the remaining mozzarella slices, cover with a lid to melt slightly, then transfer to a plate. Drizzle with olive oil, add the remaining sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, and black pepper.

Serving

Serve the piadine warm, either whole or cut into halves or quarters for easier sharing. The warmth enhances the melting cheese and brings out the flavors of the sun-dried tomatoes. For a more complete Italian-inspired meal, serve alongside a simple mixed green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or balsamic glaze. Alternatively, enjoy on its own as a satisfying handheld snack or light main course.

Preparation Tips

• Choosing the right piadina: Opt for authentic Italian piadina made with high-quality wheat flour, or make your own at home for maximum freshness. Store in a sealed bag if not using immediately.
• Sun-dried tomatoes: Use packed-in-oil varieties for added flavor and moistness. Drain excess oil before slicing to prevent sogginess.
• Cheese: Buffalo mozzarella is preferred for its creamy texture and rich flavor, but fresh cow’s milk mozzarella can be substituted if unavailable.
• Additional flavor enhancements: Consider adding fresh basil leaves, a drizzle of balsamic glaze, or some arugula for extra freshness and complexity.

Nutritional Information

Tips and Tricks

• Use a hot skillet: Ensuring the pan is well-heated before adding the piadina helps achieve a perfect balance of crispy exterior and soft interior.
• Control melting: Covering the mozzarella during heating prevents it from over-melting into a complete liquid, maintaining a pleasing texture.
• Flavor layering: Adding a touch of garlic-infused olive oil or a sprinkle of chili flakes can create nuanced flavor profiles.
• Customizing fillings: Incorporate additional ingredients like prosciutto, basil, or roasted peppers for variety.

Add-ons

• Fresh basil leaves for added aroma and freshness
• Balsamic glaze for a tangy sweetness
• Arugula or mixed greens for a peppery contrast
• Thin slices of prosciutto or cooked ham for added protein
• Chili flakes or hot sauce for spicy kick

Side Dishes

• Simple mixed green salad with lemon vinaigrette
• Roasted vegetables such as zucchini, eggplant, or bell peppers
• Italian antipasto platter with olives, cured meats, and cheeses
• Fresh fruit salad to balance the richness of the piadina

Improvements

• Homemade piadina dough: Making your own flatbread from scratch allows control over thickness and ingredients.
• Enhanced flavor infusion: Marinate sun-dried tomatoes with herbs or garlic for an hour before using.
• Adding a spread: Incorporate a thin layer of pesto or tapenade for an extra flavor dimension.
• Grilling the piadina: For a smoky flavor, cook the assembled piadina on a grill rather than a skillet.

Save and Store

While best enjoyed immediately, leftover piadina can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. To reheat, place in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until crispy and warmed through. Avoid microwave reheating as it can make the bread soggy and the cheese rubbery. If making in advance, consider assembling the piadina but adding the sun-dried tomatoes and cheese just before reheating to preserve freshness and texture.

FAQ

Can I make this vegan?

Yes. Substitute buffalo mozzarella with a plant-based mozzarella and ensure the piadina dough is vegan-friendly, typically made without dairy or eggs. Use vegan sun-dried tomatoes preserved in oil and fresh herbs for added flavor.

Can I use fresh sun-dried tomatoes instead of the packed-in-oil variety?

Fresh sun-dried tomatoes are dehydrated and concentrated, so if you use dried ones, rehydrate them in warm water or oil before slicing. This prevents dryness and enhances flavor.

What are some variations I can try?

Add sliced zucchini, roasted peppers, or a drizzle of balsamic glaze for different flavor profiles. Incorporate fresh basil or arugula after heating for a fresh contrast. Experiment with different herbs like thyme or rosemary for added aroma.

Is this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets?

Traditional piadina contains wheat flour, but gluten-free flatbread options can be substituted if available. Ensure all ingredients, especially processed sun-dried tomatoes and cheeses, are gluten-free.

Conclusion

The Piadina with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Buffalo Mozzarella embodies the simplicity and elegance of Italian comfort food. Its quick preparation, rich flavors, and versatility make it a perfect choice for various occasions—be it a casual lunch, a light dinner, or a gourmet snack. By choosing high-quality ingredients and paying attention to technique, you can elevate this humble dish into a memorable culinary experience. Remember, at Love With Recipes, we encourage experimenting with flavors and making dishes your own, so feel free to customize this recipe to suit your palate and dietary preferences.

References

• Maggie Glezer. “The Art of Italian Cooking.” Random House, 2012.
• Giorgio Locatelli. “Made in Italy: Food and Stories.” Ebury Press, 2011.