Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 baguette, sliced into 1/2 inch thick pieces
- 1 head of garlic
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 ounces Bleu Bénédictin cheese, crumbled
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
Special equipment needed:
- Baking sheet
- Aluminum foil
- Small bowl
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Cut off the top of the garlic head to expose the cloves. Place the garlic on a piece of aluminum foil and drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Wrap the garlic in the foil and place it on a baking sheet.
3. Roast the garlic in the oven for 30-40 minutes or until the cloves are soft and golden brown.
4. Remove the garlic from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Squeeze the garlic cloves out of their skins and mash them with a fork in a small bowl.
5. In a separate bowl, mix the crumbled Bleu Bénédictin cheese with the remaining tablespoon of olive oil, chopped parsley, and salt and pepper to taste.
6. Preheat the broiler on high.
7. Arrange the baguette slices on a baking sheet and place them under the broiler for 1-2 minutes or until they are lightly toasted.
8. Remove the baguette slices from the oven and spread a generous amount of the roasted garlic on each slice.
9. Top each slice with a spoonful of the Bleu Bénédictin cheese mixture.
10. Place the crostini back under the broiler for another 1-2 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
11. Serve the crostini hot and enjoy!
- Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 40 minutes
Temperature:
- Oven temperature: 375°F
- Broiler temperature: high
Serving size:
- This recipe makes 12-14 crostini.
Nutritional information:
- Calories per serving: 120
- Total fat: 7g
- Saturated fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
- Sodium: 220mg
- Total carbohydrates: 11g
- Dietary fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 1g
- Protein: 4g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Bleu Bénédictin cheese can be substituted with any other type of blue cheese.
- Fresh parsley can be substituted with other fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary.
Variations:
- Add a drizzle of honey on top of the crostini for a sweet and savory flavor.
- Top the crostini with sliced figs or grapes for a fruity twist.
- Substitute the baguette slices with crackers or pita chips for a different texture.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to wrap the garlic tightly in the foil to prevent it from drying out in the oven.
- Use a fork to mash the roasted garlic instead of a blender or food processor to prevent it from becoming too smooth.
- Don't overcrowd the baking sheet when toasting the baguette slices to ensure even browning.
Storage instructions:
- Store any leftover crostini in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheating instructions:
- To reheat the crostini, place them on a baking sheet and heat them in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes or until warmed through.
Presentation ideas:
- Arrange the crostini on a platter and garnish with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of paprika for a pop of color.
Garnishes:
- Fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or rosemary
- Paprika
- Honey drizzle
Pairings:
- Serve the crostini with a glass of red wine or a crisp white wine.
Suggested side dishes:
- Mixed green salad
- Roasted vegetables
- Charcuterie board
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the crostini are not browning evenly, rotate the baking sheet halfway through cooking.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to wash your hands and any utensils or surfaces that come into contact with raw garlic to prevent the spread of bacteria.
Food history:
- Crostini is a traditional Italian appetizer that dates back to the Middle Ages.
Flavor profiles:
- The crostini has a savory and slightly sweet flavor from the roasted garlic and Bleu Bénédictin cheese.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve the crostini as an appetizer at a dinner party or as a snack for a cozy night in.
Related Categories
Cooking Method: N/A
Course Type: N/A
Dietary: N/A
Ingredient: N/A
Meal type: N/A
Occassion: N/A
Region: N/A