Oven-baked Cannoli Bread are a quick and tasty recipe, perfect for a relaxed aperitif with friends. Simple yet full of flavour, these fun little bites are sure to win everyone over with their easy, no-fuss appeal.
10 cannoli
1
First, roll out the slices of sandwich bread with a rolling pin to flatten them. If they are very long, cut them in half to obtain two squares of about 10 cm.
2
In a bowl, combine the Basil Tomato Sauce and the melting cheese, mix well and set aside.
3
To make the batter, place the chickpea flour, salt and sparkling water in a large bowl and whisk until you have a smooth, lump-free batter.
4
Now take the bread slices and position them in a diamond shape. Spoon a couple of tablespoons of the sauce and cheese mixture into the centre, then fold the bread over like an envelope. To help seal the Bread Cannoli, brush the overlapping edge with a little batter to moisten the bread and make it stick.
5
Dip each Bread Cannoli into the batter, making sure it is evenly coated, while keeping the filling uncovered. Roll it in the breadcrumbs and place it on a baking tray lined with baking paper, then add a teaspoon of filling to both open ends. Repeat until all the bread slices are used.
6
Drizzle the Bread Cannoli with a little oil and bake in a preheated conventional oven at 190 °C for 15–20 minutes.
7
Once ready, serve immediately, while still hot.
These savoury cannoli are an original and surprising idea, inspired by the famous Sicilian classic but reinterpreted in a modern, savoury way. Their shape echoes the iconic look of traditional cannoli, while the filling and preparation tell a completely different story: slices of sandwich bread, rolled thin and lightly baked, become a soft, golden wrap that encloses a creamy, aromatic filling. Mutti Pasta Sauce with Basil, rich and fresh, is combined with melting cheese to create a comforting balance of flavours that appeals to different tastes without sacrificing simplicity. To finish, a light coating turns beautifully crisp and golden during cooking, adding contrast and character to every bite.
As well as being delicious and fun to eat, these cannoli require very few ingredients and offer plenty of room for creativity. The filling can be enriched with sliced meats (or plant-based alternatives for a vegan version), or with grilled or sautéed vegetables such as courgettes, aubergines or peppers. Herbs and spices can also make a real difference: a pinch of black pepper, a touch of chilli or some fresh oregano will add depth and aroma, making each variation feel personal and unique.
Baking is ideal for achieving golden, light cannoli with a crisp coating and a soft, melting centre. For a richer and more indulgent result, you can opt for frying: just a few minutes in hot oil are enough to create an especially crunchy and irresistible finish. For a quicker, lighter option, the air fryer is an excellent alternative, delivering evenly browned cannoli that are crisp on the outside and creamy inside, with very little added fat. Whichever method you choose, the result will be a creative, crowd-pleasing finger food, best served hot for a relaxed and irresistibly crunchy aperitif.
DO ART YOURSELF
Finished the product? Don’t throw the packaging away: turn it into something creative!
