Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 French baguette, sliced into 1/2 inch thick pieces
- 1/2 cup Formaggio di Montagna cheese, grated
- 1/2 cup roasted red peppers, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Special equipment needed:
- Baking sheet
- Oven
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Arrange the baguette slices on a baking sheet and brush each slice with olive oil.
3. Bake the baguette slices for 8-10 minutes, or until they are lightly golden brown and crispy.
4. In a small bowl, mix together the grated Formaggio di Montagna cheese, chopped roasted red peppers, and chopped basil leaves.
5. Spoon the cheese and pepper mixture onto each crostini.
6. Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Place the crostini back in the oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes.
9. Serve warm and enjoy!
- Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 15-17 minutes
Temperature:
- Oven temperature: 375°F
Serving size:
- This recipe makes 12 crostini.
Nutritional information:
- Calories per serving: 110
- Total fat: 5g
- Saturated fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
- Sodium: 220mg
- Total carbohydrates: 12g
- Dietary fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 1g
- Protein: 4g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Formaggio di Montagna cheese can be substituted with any other type of hard cheese, such as Parmesan or Asiago.
- Roasted red peppers can be substituted with sun-dried tomatoes or marinated artichoke hearts.
- Fresh basil leaves can be substituted with dried basil or any other fresh herb, such as parsley or thyme.
Variations:
- Add sliced black olives or chopped capers to the cheese and pepper mixture for a briny twist.
- Top the crostini with a slice of prosciutto or salami for added protein.
- Drizzle balsamic glaze over the crostini for a sweet and tangy finish.
Tips and tricks:
- To make the crostini ahead of time, bake the baguette slices and store them in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Add the cheese and pepper mixture and bake just before serving.
- For a crispier crostini, brush the baguette slices with garlic-infused olive oil before baking.
- Use a microplane grater to finely grate the cheese for a smoother texture.
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 bake in a preheated 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 or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.
- Serve the crostini on individual plates with a side salad or soup.
Garnishes:
- Fresh basil leaves
- Red pepper flakes
- Balsamic glaze
Pairings:
- Serve with a crisp white wine, such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc.
Suggested side dishes:
- Arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette
- Tomato soup with grilled cheese croutons
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the cheese is not melting, place the crostini under the broiler for a few minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
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 dates back to the Middle Ages. It was originally made with stale bread that was toasted and topped with various ingredients, such as cheese, meats, and vegetables.
Flavor profiles:
- The Formaggio di Montagna cheese adds a nutty and slightly sweet flavor to the crostini, while the roasted red peppers provide a smoky and slightly sweet taste. The fresh basil adds a bright and herbaceous note.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve the crostini as a starter for a dinner party or as a light lunch or snack.
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Region: Italian