Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 French baguette, sliced into 1/2 inch thick pieces
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 4 oz Caprina cheese, crumbled
- 4 oz prosciutto, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Special equipment needed:
- Baking sheet
- Pastry brush
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Brush each slice of bread with olive oil and place them on a baking sheet.
3. Bake the bread slices for 10-12 minutes or until they are golden brown and crispy.
4. Remove the bread slices from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes.
5. Top each slice of bread with crumbled Caprina cheese and a slice of prosciutto.
6. Sprinkle chopped basil over the top of each crostini.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 10-12 minutes
Temperature:
375°F
Serving size:
Makes 12 crostini
Nutritional information:
Calories: 160
Fat: 8g
Carbohydrates: 16g
Protein: 7g
Sodium: 320mg
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Any type of bread can be used instead of French baguette.
- Goat cheese can be used instead of Caprina cheese.
- Thinly sliced ham can be used instead of prosciutto.
- Fresh parsley or oregano can be used instead of basil.
Variations:
- Add sliced cherry tomatoes on top of the crostini for a pop of color and flavor.
- Drizzle balsamic glaze over the crostini for a sweet and tangy taste.
- Use different types of cheese, such as feta or blue cheese, for a different flavor profile.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to brush the bread slices with enough olive oil to ensure they become crispy.
- Don't overcrowd the baking sheet, as this will prevent the bread from becoming crispy.
- Serve the crostini immediately after assembling to prevent them from becoming soggy.
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 in a 375°F oven for 5-7 minutes or until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Arrange the crostini on a platter and garnish with fresh basil leaves.
Garnishes:
Fresh basil leaves
Pairings:
Serve the crostini with a glass of red wine, such as Chianti or Pinot Noir.
Suggested side dishes:
- Mixed green salad
- Grilled vegetables
- Roasted potatoes
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the bread slices are not becoming crispy, try baking them for a few more minutes.
- If the crostini become soggy, try using less cheese or prosciutto on each slice.
Food safety advice:
Make sure to store any leftover crostini in the refrigerator and consume within 2 days.
Food history:
Crostini is a traditional Italian appetizer that originated in Tuscany. It is typically made with bread that is toasted or grilled and topped with various ingredients, such as cheese, meats, and vegetables.
Flavor profiles:
The Caprina cheese and prosciutto crostini has a savory and salty flavor profile, with a hint of sweetness from the basil.
Serving suggestions:
Serve the crostini as an appetizer at a dinner party or as a light lunch.
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Region: Italian