Chicory Timbale Recipe – Savory Italian Vegetable & Cheese Layered Delight

Chicory Timbale Recipe

This Chicory Timbale recipe, also known as Timballo di Cicoria, combines tender chicory with layers of scamorza cheese, tomatoes, and prosciutto, topped with a golden Pecorino breadcrumb crust. Featured on Bonacini’s Italy, Michael Bonacini showcases a classic Italian vegetable dish with a sophisticated twist that’s perfect for entertaining or a special family dinner. This recipe delivers a comforting, flavorful meal that’s both visually impressive and delicious.

The Inspiration

The Chicory Timbale draws inspiration from traditional Italian timballi, baked layered dishes that were historically served during festive occasions or Sunday family meals. The combination of bitter chicory, creamy scamorza, and salty prosciutto reflects the Italian passion for balancing flavors and textures. Michael Bonacini brings his signature approach to this recipe: accessible, elegant, and true to its Italian roots.

By focusing on quality ingredients and layering techniques, this timbale highlights how classic Italian comfort food can be both refined and simple to prepare. Viewers of Bonacini’s Italy will appreciate its versatility as a starter, main course, or centerpiece for holiday and family dinners.

Ingredients

• 2-3 bunches chicory
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) butter
• ½ cup (120 ml) stale breadcrumbs, finely ground in a food processor
• ½ teaspoon (2.5 ml) salt
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) ground black pepper
• 2 cups (470 ml) grated scamorza cheese
• 3 Roma tomatoes, thinly sliced
• 7 ounces (198 g) thinly sliced prosciutto
• 5 eggs, beaten
• 1 cup (240 ml) grated Pecorino Romano, plus more for serving

Method

• Preheat oven to 350 F (175 C). Line an 8-inch (20.5 cm) springform pan with parchment paper. Mist or grease parchment paper with oil.
• Chop off woody ends of chicory. Clean and slice into 1-inch (2.5 cm) pieces.
• Boil trimmed chicory in salted water for 6 minutes, until tender.
• Drain, then squeeze as much moisture out of the chicory as possible. Transfer to refrigerator to chill.
• Heat butter in a skillet over medium heat and add breadcrumbs. Cook, stirring, until breadcrumbs are toasted. Remove from heat to cool at room temperature and reserve.
• Season the chilled chicory with salt and pepper.

In the prepared springform pan, create layers in the following order:

• • place half of the chicory in the bottom of the pan
  • cover with half of the grated scamorza cheese
  • layer in the tomato slices
  • neatly layer over half of the sliced prosciutto
  • cover prosciutto with the remaining chicory
  • add the remaining grated scamorza cheese
  • top with the remaining sliced prosciutto

• When layered, pour the beaten eggs evenly over the entire pan.
• Toss the reserved toasted breadcrumbs with grated Pecorino and sprinkle in an even layer over the top.
• Bake for 30-40 minutes or timbale is cooked through and breadcrumbs are golden and toasted.
• Before serving, cool the baked timbale for 10 minutes at room temperature.
• When ready, remove the sides from the springform pan, slice into wedges, and serve warm.
• Buon appetito!

Serving Suggestions

Chicory Timbale is perfect for a hearty family dinner or an elegant holiday table. Serve as a main course alongside a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal. It pairs beautifully with a light Italian red wine such as Chianti or a white like Pinot Grigio, enhancing the layers of flavors in the dish. This timbale also makes an impressive appetizer for entertaining, allowing guests to enjoy a slice alongside artisanal bread and antipasto. Its golden, layered presentation makes it ideal for special occasions while maintaining the comfort and homeliness of traditional Italian cooking.

Final Thoughts

Michael Bonacini’s Chicory Timbale is a celebration of Italian tradition, balancing bitter greens, rich cheeses, and savory prosciutto in a beautifully layered baked dish. The combination of textures—from tender chicory to a crisp, golden breadcrumb topping—creates a culinary experience that is both comforting and sophisticated. Whether served for a casual family dinner or a festive gathering, this timbale is a show-stopping dish that captures the essence of Italian cuisine. It demonstrates how simple ingredients, when thoughtfully prepared and layered, can transform into a dish worthy of celebration.