Savory Cantucci: The Rustic Italian Appetizer (VIDEO)
Impress guests with crunchy, cheesy savory cantucci. These twice-baked Italian biscuits make a sophisticated appetizer or snack, but trust me, the recipe is so easy!
Get ready to impress your guests with a rustic Italian appetizer you’ll want to make every day. You’re about to discover Savory Cantucci, the salty cousin of the classic Cantucci, the traditional Tuscan sweet almond biscuits. These crunchy treats pack a punch of flavor with cheese, almonds, and pistachios. But don’t stop there — you can mix it up with your favorite nuts like walnuts or cashews. Perfect as a snack or appetizer, these cantucci pair beautifully with cheese platters, cured meats, or zesty dips. The best part? You’ll whip them up in no time with this easy recipe. Let’s dive in and create some mouthwatering savory cantucci!
What are Savory Cantucci?
Savory Cantucci are a rustic Italian appetizer that puts a savory twist on the classic sweet Cantucci biscuits. These crunchy, twice-baked treats are perfect for snacking or serving as an appetizer. Unlike their sweet counterparts, savory Cantucci feature a cheese-based dough studded with nuts like almonds and pistachios.
You’ll love the rich, umami flavors of savory Cantucci. The cheese provides a tangy base, while the nuts add a satisfying crunch and nutty depth. These bites are versatile enough to pair with various accompaniments.
Ingredients for Homemade Italian Savory Cantucci
To create these delectable savory Cantucci, you’ll need a handful of simple yet flavorful ingredients. Here are the ingredients for 18-20 savory Cantucci:
- 250 g all-purpose flour (2 cups plus 1 tbsp) — all-purpose flour is the base, and provides structure to these crisp Italian appetizers.
- 100 g butter (¾ stick plus 1 tbsp)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 2 eggs
- 80 g Parmesan cheese (about 1 cup) — Add to these Cantucci thegrated Parmesan cheese for a rich, umami flavor that sets these apart from their sweet counterparts.
- 100 g almonds and pistachios mix (⅔ cup plus 1 tbsp) — These nuts add a delightful crunch and earthy taste to your Cantucci recipe.
Seasonings and Add-ins
To elevate the flavor profile of your savory Cantucci, you’ll want to include some aromatic herbs and spices. Dried rosemary and thyme work wonderfully, infusing the biscotti with a Mediterranean flair. A pinch of sea salt and freshly ground black pepper will enhance all the flavors.
For an extra savory kick, consider adding some sun-dried tomatoes or olives. These ingredients not only boost the taste but also add visual appeal to your homemade Italian appetizer.
How to Make Savory Cantucci: A Step-by-Step Guide
Prepare the Dough
First, place the cold butter in pieces into a mixer with flour, baking powder, and salt. Run the mixer at high speed until it forms a sandy texture. You can also do this by hand with a fork. Next, add the cheeses and eggs. Mix for a few seconds until a malleable dough forms (1). Finally, add the almonds and pistachios. Knead the dough to incorporate the nuts (2).
Then, divide the dough in half. Form 2 logs about 5 cm in diameter (2 inches) and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper (3). Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 180 °C (356 °F).
Bake and Slice
Bake the logs in the center of the hot oven for about 18 minutes until puffed and golden (4). Remove from the oven and slice into 2 cm (1-inch) pieces using a sharp knife or bread knife (5).
Return the slices to the oven, still in the center at 180 °C (356 °F), and bake for 10-12 more minutes. No need to flip them (6). They should become golden brown and crunchy on the surface.
Allow to Cool
Remove the cantucci from the oven (7) and allow to cool completely on a wire rack for at least 3 hours before enjoying as a snack or appetizer!
Serve and Enjoy
Your savory Cantucci are now ready to serve. Pair them with a cheese platter or cured meats for a rustic Italian appetizer experience. These crispy, savory biscuits are perfect for any occasion and sure to impress your guests.
Savory Cantucci Video Tutorial
Serving Suggestions
In Italy, savory Cantucci are traditionally served as part of an antipasto platter alongside:
- Cured meats
- Aged cheeses
- Flavorful dips or spreads
They’re also delightful on their own as a snack, any time of day. The Cantucci recipe is simple to follow, allowing you to easily impress guests with this unique Italian appetizer. Get ready to elevate your appetizer game with these addictive savory biscuits!
How to Store Savory Cantucci
Your Cantucci can be stored at room temperature in plastic bags for 1 week! You can also freeze them for up to 2 months. Before enjoying them, let them defrost completely at room temperature.
Savory Cantucci: The Rustic Italian Appetizer
Ingredients
- 250 g all-purpose flour
- 100 g butter
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 2 eggs
- 80 g Parmesan cheese
- 100 g almonds and pistachios mix
Instructions
- Place the cold butter in pieces into a mixer with flour, baking powder, and salt. Run the mixer at high speed until it forms a sandy texture. You can also do this by hand with a fork.
- Add the cheeses and eggs. Mix for a few seconds until a malleable dough forms.
- Add the almonds and pistachios and knead the dough to incorporate the nuts.
- Divide the dough in half. Form 2 logs about 5 cm in diameter (2 inches) and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 180 °C (356 °F).
- Bake the logs in the center of the hot oven for about 18 minutes until puffed and golden.
- Remove from the oven and slice into 2 cm (1-inch) pieces using a sharp knife or bread knife.
- Return the slices to the oven, still in the center at 180 °C (356 °F), and bake for 10-12 more minutes. No need to flip them. They should become golden brown and crunchy on the surface.
- Remove the savory cantucci from the oven and allow to cool completely on a wire rack for at least 3 hours before enjoying as a snack or appetizer!
