Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound Caciofiore Aquilino cheese, grated
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Special equipment needed:
- Large mixing bowl
- Baking dish
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the grated Caciofiore Aquilino cheese, cherry tomatoes, and chopped basil leaves. Mix well.
3. Add the extra virgin olive oil to the bowl and mix again until all the ingredients are well coated.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and spread it out evenly.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 20-25 minutes
Temperature:
- 375°F
Serving size:
- 4-6 servings
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 420
- Fat: 36g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Protein: 20g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Caciofiore Aquilino cheese can be substituted with Pecorino Romano or Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese.
- Cherry tomatoes can be substituted with diced Roma tomatoes.
Variations:
- Add sliced black olives or chopped artichoke hearts for extra flavor.
- Use different herbs such as oregano or thyme instead of basil.
Tips and tricks:
- Grate the cheese finely for even melting.
- Use a good quality extra virgin olive oil for best results.
- Serve with crusty bread or crackers for dipping.
Storage instructions:
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
- Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve in a baking dish or transfer to a serving platter.
- Garnish with extra basil leaves.
Garnishes:
- Fresh basil leaves
Pairings:
- Serve with a light-bodied red wine such as Pinot Noir or a crisp white wine such as Pinot Grigio.
Suggested side dishes:
- Garlic bread
- Roasted vegetables
- Salad
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the cheese is not melting evenly, try stirring the mixture halfway through cooking.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to use clean utensils and equipment when preparing the recipe.
- Store any leftovers in the refrigerator promptly.
Food history:
- Caciofiore Aquilino is a type of cheese that originated in the Abruzzo region of Italy.
Flavor profiles:
- Creamy, salty, tangy, and slightly sweet.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve as an appetizer or snack.
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Region: Italian