Okay, this dish is really simple, just three ingredients, but like everything simple, to be truly good, you need to do it right by following the correct steps and especially using top-quality ingredients. If you’re worried about not finding Tuscan delicacies near you, then you’re in the right mindset. Don’t worry, though, I’ve got some alternatives for you in the notes below. Now, let’s head to the kitchen!

The image shows two slices of toasted bread generously drizzled with a green-golden colored olive oil, seasoned with black specks of pepper. A whole garlic bulb and a peeled clove are visible next to the bread, and in the background, there's a bottle of olive oil. The arrangement is on a textured surface that appears to be a burlap cloth.

Fettunta [Toasted Tuscan Bread with Garlic and Oil]

A classic Tuscan snack or appetizer, a crispy slice of bread seasoned with garlic, salt, pepper, and a generous drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil. Authentic taste of Toscana into your kitchen with just a few ingredients.

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Prep Time 5

Cook Time 4

Course Appetizer

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Equipment

Grill pan
Knife

Ingredients

4 slices of day-old bread about 1 inch thick
2 cloves of garlic
Extra-virgin olive oil as needed
Salt to taste
Pepper to taste

Instructions

Heat Your Grill: Preheat your grill pan until it's really hot. This ensures your bread gets that perfect crunch.
Toast the Bread: Cut your bread into about 1-inch thick slices. Place them on the grill and toast for about 2 minutes on each side, until the outside is crispy but the inside stays a bit soft.
4 slices of day-old bread
Season: Once your bread is nicely toasted, rub a clove of garlic over each slice. This adds a sharp, aromatic flavor. Then, sprinkle a little salt and pepper on top for extra seasoning.
2 cloves of garlic, Salt, Pepper
Drizzle with Oil: Finally, drizzle each slice generously with extra-virgin olive oil. This is what gives Fettunta its name and delicious taste – so don't be shy with the oil!
Extra-virgin olive oil

Notes

The key to a perfect Fettunta lies in the bread’s thickness; it should be thick enough to remain moist inside after toasting.
Preheat a grill pan or heavy skillet over medium-high heat to simulate traditional grilling conditions, ensuring the bread gets the right crunch while keeping the inside soft.
If Tuscan pane sciocco (unsalted bread) is unavailable, substitute it with any day-old unsalted or lightly salted bread, such as a country loaf or artisan bread. The bread should be thick enough to stay moist inside after toasting.
For an authentic Fettunta flavor, use a high-quality extra-virgin olive oil with a fruity, peppery profile, similar to those from Tuscany. Quality olive oil significantly enhances the dish.
To toast the bread without a grill, consider using a broiler or toaster oven. Monitor closely to achieve an even toast on both sides without burning, maintaining the desired crunchiness.
Enjoy your Fettunta with Italian cold cuts and cheeses for a truly Tuscan snack!

Fettunta: A Toast to Tuscan Tradition

Fettunta recipe stands as a shining example of the simplicity and depth of Italian culinary tradition, particularly spotlighting Tuscany’s ingenuity and respect for ingredients.

Two slices of toasted Tuscan bread, on which a clove of garlic has been rubbed, which now lies next to the two slices of bread, and then a drizzle of oil has been poured, on top of the slices of bread there is also a pinch of salt and pepper. Near the two slices of bread you can also see a bottle of extra virgin olive oil, both the oil on the slices of bread and the one in the bottle have a golden green color, you can see that it is a very young oil.

Unlike the commonly misconceived garlic bread, Fettunta is a celebration of what is quintessentially Tuscan: the high-quality extra virgin olive oil, the art of using day-old bread, and the subtlety of garlic’s flavor. It’s not just food; it’s a piece of Tuscan culture, a bite of history, and a lesson in sustainability.

For more insight into Florence’s culinary wonders and to explore dishes that share Fettunta’s authentic spirit, check out this collection of traditional dishes and foods from Florence.