Aug 25 2026

Stracciatella Recipe

Time30m
Serves6

Toasted Bread, Medley Tomato, Stracciatella Cheese & Pesto

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Ingredients

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Toasted Bread

Method

Toasted Bread

  1. 1

    Preheat & Prep

    Preheat a grill pan or oven broiler to high (or a toaster oven to 400°F / 200°C). Brush both sides of each bread slice with 2 tbs extra-virgin olive oil.

  2. 2

    Toast

    Place bread on the hot grill pan or under the broiler. Toast until golden and crisp, about 2–3 minutes per side under the broiler or 1–2 minutes per side on a grill pan. Watch closely to prevent burning.

  3. 3

    Rub with Garlic & Season

    While bread is still warm, rub the cut side of the halved garlic clove over the toasted surface to impart subtle garlic aroma. Sprinkle each slice with a light pinch of the 1 tsp sea salt and divide the 1/2 tsp black pepper evenly across slices.

Medley Tomato

  1. 4

    Combine Tomatoes & Aromatics

    In a medium bowl combine 2 cups halved cherry tomatoes, 1 cup diced plum/salad tomato, and 2 tbsp finely diced red onion.

  2. 5

    Dress & Season

    Add 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, 1 tsp red wine vinegar, 3/4 tsp sea salt, and 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper. Toss gently to coat so tomatoes remain intact.

  3. 6

    Add Basil & Rest

    Fold in 1/2 cup chiffonade basil. Let mixture sit at room temperature for 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld and any tomato juices to loosen — this will keep the pintxos juicy without soaking the bread immediately.

Stracciatella Cheese & Finish

  1. 7

    Assemble Pintxos

    Divide the toasted, garlic-rubbed bread slices among a platter. Spoon a generous heaping tablespoon (about 2–3 tbs) of stracciatella cheese onto each slice, leaving a small border so cheese doesn't run over the edges.

  2. 8

    Top with Tomato Medley

    Using a slotted spoon (to minimize excess liquid), top the stracciatella on each slice with 2–3 tablespoons of the tomato medley. Press lightly so toppings adhere to the cheese.

  3. 9

    Add Pesto & Garnish

    Dot or drizzle roughly 1/2 tbs pesto over each pintxo (total about 3 tbs). Finish with a light sprinkle of lemon zest, a pinch of flaky sea salt (divide the 1/2 tsp among slices), and a crack of the remaining 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper. Garnish with microgreens or small basil leaves if using.

  4. 10

    Serve

    Serve immediately while bread is still slightly warm and crisp. If preparing ahead, keep tomato mixture chilled and toast bread just before assembling to preserve texture.

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