Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 baguette, sliced into ½ inch thick pieces
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup seedless red grapes, halved
- 4 slices prosciutto, sliced into thin strips
- 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze
Special equipment needed:
- Baking sheet
- Mixing bowl
- Spoon
- Knife
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Brush each slice of baguette with olive oil and place on a baking sheet.
3. Bake in the oven for 8-10 minutes or until golden brown.
4. In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, chopped basil, salt, and black pepper.
5. Spread a generous amount of the ricotta mixture onto each baguette slice.
6. Top each slice with halved grapes and prosciutto strips.
7. Drizzle balsamic glaze over the crostini.
8. Serve immediately.
- Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 10 minutes
5. Temperature:
- Oven temperature: 375°F
Serving size:
- Makes 12 crostini
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 130
- Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Protein: 5g
- Sodium: 250mg
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Baguette can be substituted with any type of bread.
- Ricotta cheese can be substituted with goat cheese or cream cheese.
- Red grapes can be substituted with green grapes or sliced strawberries.
- Prosciutto can be substituted with cooked bacon or ham.
Variations:
- Add a drizzle of honey over the crostini for a sweet twist.
- Top with chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch.
- Substitute the balsamic glaze with a fig or raspberry glaze.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to brush each baguette slice with enough olive oil to prevent them from drying out in the oven.
- Use a serrated knife to slice the baguette for a clean cut.
- For a more savory flavor, sprinkle a pinch of garlic powder over the crostini before baking.
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 in a preheated oven at 375°F 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
- Chopped walnuts or pecans
- Honey drizzle
Pairings:
- Serve with a glass of red wine or a sparkling water with lemon.
Suggested side dishes:
- Arugula salad with a lemon vinaigrette
- Roasted vegetables
- Grilled chicken skewers
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the baguette slices are too thick, they may not crisp up in the oven. Make sure to slice them thinly.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to wash the grapes thoroughly before using them.
Food history:
- Crostini is a traditional Italian appetizer that dates back to medieval times.
Flavor profiles:
- The crostini has a combination of sweet and savory flavors, with the sweetness of the grapes and the saltiness of the prosciutto.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve the crostini as an appetizer at a dinner party or as a light lunch.
Related Categories
Cooking Method: N/A
Course Type: N/A
Dietary: N/A
Ingredient: N/A
Meal type: N/A
Occassion: N/A
Region: Italian