Jul 14 2026
Restaurants›Piazza Mia Italian Bar & Grill›Italian Sampler Recipe

Italian Sampler Recipe

Inspired by Piazza Mia Italian Bar & Grill
Time45m
Serves4

A tasting of Piazza Mia - Tomato Bruschetta, Mozzarella Fritta, and Fried Calamari, served with marinara sauce & peppercorn ranch.

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Ingredients

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Tomato Bruschetta

Mozzarella Fritta

Fried Calamari

Dipping Sauces

Method

Tomato Bruschetta

  1. 1

    Prepare the Tomato Mixture

    Dice the Roma tomatoes and place them in a bowl. Add chopped fresh basil, minced garlic cloves, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Mix well and let it sit for about 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

  2. 2

    Toast the Baguette

    Slice the baguette into 1/2-inch thick slices. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and arrange the baguette slices on a baking sheet. Toast in the oven for about 5-7 minutes until golden brown.

  3. 3

    Assemble the Bruschetta

    Top each toasted baguette slice with a generous spoonful of the tomato mixture. Serve immediately.

Mozzarella Fritta

  1. 4

    Prepare the Cheese

    Slice the fresh mozzarella cheese into 1/2-inch thick pieces.

  2. 5

    Set Up Breading Station

    In three separate bowls, place flour in one, beaten eggs in the second, and breadcrumbs mixed with salt and black pepper in the third.

  3. 6

    Bread the Mozzarella

    Dip each mozzarella slice first into the flour, then into the egg, and finally coat it with breadcrumbs.

  4. 7

    Fry the Mozzarella

    In a deep pan, heat canola oil over medium-high heat. Fry the breaded mozzarella slices in batches until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.

Fried Calamari

  1. 8

    Prepare the Calamari

    Rinse the calamari rings under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.

  2. 9

    Set Up Breading Station

    In a bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, salt, and black pepper.

  3. 10

    Bread the Calamari

    Coat the calamari rings in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess.

  4. 11

    Fry the Calamari

    In a deep pan, heat canola oil over medium-high heat. Fry the calamari in batches until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes. Drain on paper towels.

  5. 12

    Serve

    Serve the fried calamari with lemon wedges on the side.

Dipping Sauces

  1. 13

    Prepare the Dipping Sauces

    In small bowls, pour the marinara sauce and peppercorn ranch dressing for serving.

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