Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 baguette, sliced into 1/2 inch thick pieces
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/2 cup Caciotta Genuina Romana cheese, grated
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Special Equipment Needed:
- Baking sheet
- Mixing bowl
- Cheese grater
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the olive oil and minced garlic.
3. Brush the baguette slices with the garlic oil and place them on a baking sheet.
4. Bake the baguette slices for 10-12 minutes or until they are lightly toasted.
5. Remove the baking sheet from the oven and sprinkle the grated Caciotta Genuina Romana cheese over the baguette slices.
6. Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. In a separate mixing bowl, combine the cherry tomatoes, chopped basil, salt, and pepper.
8. Top each crostini with the tomato mixture.
9. Serve immediately.
Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Temperature:
375°F
Serving size:
This recipe makes 12 crostini.
Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 150
Fat per serving: 9g
Carbohydrates per serving: 12g
Protein per serving: 5g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Baguette can be substituted with any crusty bread.
- Caciotta Genuina Romana cheese can be substituted with any mild cheese.
- Cherry tomatoes can be substituted with any small tomato.
Variations:
- Add sliced black olives to the tomato mixture.
- Top each crostini with a slice of prosciutto.
- Use sun-dried tomatoes instead of cherry tomatoes.
Tips and Tricks:
- Make sure to brush the baguette slices with the garlic oil evenly to ensure they are all toasted evenly.
- Grate the cheese finely to ensure it melts evenly.
- Use fresh basil for the best flavor.
Storage Instructions:
Store any leftover crostini in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheating Instructions:
To reheat, place the crostini on a baking sheet and bake in a 375°F oven for 5-7 minutes or until heated through.
Presentation Ideas:
Arrange the crostini on a platter and garnish with additional fresh basil leaves.
Garnishes:
Fresh basil leaves
Pairings:
This recipe pairs well with a light white wine such as Pinot Grigio.
Suggested Side Dishes:
- Mixed green salad
- Roasted vegetables
Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the cheese is not melting evenly, try grating it more finely.
- If the baguette slices are not toasting evenly, rotate the baking sheet halfway through baking.
Food Safety Advice:
Make sure to store any leftover crostini in the refrigerator and consume within 2 days.
Food History:
Caciotta Genuina Romana is a type of cheese that originated in the Lazio region of Italy. It is a mild, semi-soft cheese that is often used in Italian cuisine.
Flavor Profiles:
The crostini has a crispy texture from the toasted baguette, a creamy and slightly tangy flavor from the melted cheese, and a fresh and slightly sweet flavor from the tomato and basil topping.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve the crostini as an appetizer or as a light lunch or dinner.
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Region: Italian