Jul 14 2026

Toscana Recipe

Time1h
Serves4

Marinara with mozzarella & provolone topped with crispy pancetta and pepperoncini peppers

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Ingredients

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Sauce

Method

Preparing the Marinara Sauce

  1. 1

    Heat the Olive Oil

    In a large skillet over medium heat, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil.

  2. 2

    Sauté the Garlic

    Add 4 teaspoons of minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

  3. 3

    Add the Tomatoes

    Pour in the 28 ounces of canned crushed tomatoes and stir to combine.

  4. 4

    Season the Sauce

    Add 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of black pepper, and 1 teaspoon of sugar to the sauce. Stir well.

  5. 5

    Simmer the Sauce

    Reduce heat to low and simmer the sauce for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

  6. 6

    Add Fresh Basil

    Stir in 1 cup of chopped fresh basil just before removing from heat.

Preparing the Toppings

  1. 7

    Cook the Pancetta

    In a separate skillet, cook 4 ounces of diced pancetta over medium heat until crispy. Drain on paper towels.

  2. 8

    Prepare the Cheese

    In a bowl, combine 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese and 1 cup of shredded provolone cheese.

Assembling the Dish

  1. 9

    Preheat the Oven

    Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

  2. 10

    Layer the Sauce

    Spread the marinara sauce evenly in a baking dish.

  3. 11

    Add the Cheese

    Sprinkle the cheese mixture over the marinara sauce.

  4. 12

    Top with Pancetta and Peppers

    Distribute the crispy pancetta and sliced pepperoncini peppers evenly on top of the cheese.

  5. 13

    Bake the Dish

    Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

  6. 14

    Serve

    Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your Toscana!

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