Appetizer > Crostinis > Spanish Crostinis

Idiazábal Cheese and Apple Crostini Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 baguette, sliced into 1/2 inch thick rounds
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 medium apples, thinly sliced
- 8 oz Idiazábal cheese, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts

Special equipment needed:
- Baking sheet
- Pastry brush

Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
3. Brush each slice of baguette with the olive oil mixture and place on a baking sheet.
4. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until lightly toasted.
5. Remove from oven and top each slice with a few apple slices and a slice of Idiazábal cheese.
6. Drizzle honey over the top of each crostini and sprinkle with chopped walnuts.
7. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Serve immediately.


Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 17-19 minutes
5. Temperature:
375°F
Serving size:
Makes 12 crostini

Nutritional information:
Calories: 190
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 3.5g
Cholesterol: 15mg
Sodium: 260mg
Carbohydrates: 21g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 11g
Protein: 6g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Baguette can be substituted with any crusty bread.
- Idiazábal cheese can be substituted with any semi-hard cheese.
- Honey can be substituted with maple syrup or agave nectar.
- Walnuts can be substituted with pecans or almonds.

Variations:
- Add a sprinkle of cinnamon over the apple slices before adding the cheese.
- Use pear slices instead of apple slices.
- Top with a drizzle of balsamic glaze instead of honey.

Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to slice the apples thinly so they cook evenly.
- Don't overcrowd the crostini with too many toppings, as they may become soggy.
- Serve immediately to ensure the crostini are warm and crispy.

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 fresh herbs, such as thyme or rosemary.

Garnishes:
Fresh herbs, such as thyme or rosemary.

Pairings:
Pair with a crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.

Suggested side dishes:
- Mixed green salad with a vinaigrette dressing
- Roasted vegetables, such as Brussels sprouts or carrots

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the crostini are becoming too browned, cover with foil while baking.
- If the cheese is not melting, try broiling for a minute or two.

Food safety advice:
Make sure to wash and dry the apples thoroughly before slicing.

Food history:
Idiazábal cheese is a semi-hard, smoked cheese from the Basque region of Spain. It is made from raw sheep's milk and has a distinct smoky flavor.

Flavor profiles:
The crostini have a sweet and savory flavor profile, with the sweetness of the apples and honey balancing out the smokiness of the cheese.

Serving suggestions:
Serve as an appetizer or snack.

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Region: Spanish

Taste: Crispy, Sweet, Savory, Tangy, Nutty