Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 baguette, sliced into 1/2 inch thick pieces
- 1/2 cup of pitted kalamata olives, chopped
- 1/2 cup of marinated artichoke hearts, chopped
- 1/2 cup of sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1/2 cup of Maria Provolone cheese, grated
- 1/4 cup of extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Special equipment needed:
- Baking sheet
- Mixing bowl
- Cheese grater
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Arrange the baguette slices on a baking sheet and brush them with olive oil.
3. Bake the baguette slices for 10-12 minutes or until they are golden brown and crispy.
4. In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped olives, artichoke hearts, sun-dried tomatoes, grated Maria Provolone cheese, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
5. Mix all the ingredients together until they are well combined.
6. Spoon the olive and cheese mixture onto the toasted baguette slices.
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 the crostini from the oven and garnish with fresh basil leaves.
Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Temperature:
375°F
Serving size:
This recipe makes 12 crostini.
Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 160
Total fat: 9g
Saturated fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 10mg
Sodium: 350mg
Total carbohydrates: 16g
Dietary fiber: 1g
Sugar: 1g
Protein: 5g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Maria Provolone cheese can be substituted with any other type of provolone cheese or mozzarella cheese.
- Kalamata olives can be substituted with any other type of black olives.
- Marinated artichoke hearts can be substituted with fresh artichoke hearts or canned artichoke hearts.
- Sun-dried tomatoes can be substituted with fresh tomatoes or roasted red peppers.
Variations:
- Add chopped fresh herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or oregano to the olive and cheese mixture for added flavor.
- Top the crostini with sliced prosciutto or salami for a meatier version.
- Substitute the baguette slices with crackers or toasted bread rounds for a different presentation.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to chop all the ingredients into small pieces to ensure they can be easily spooned onto the crostini.
- Use a cheese grater to grate the Maria Provolone cheese for a more even distribution of cheese on the crostini.
- To make the crostini ahead of time, prepare the olive and cheese mixture and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Toast the baguette slices and assemble the crostini just before serving.
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 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 for a colorful and appetizing presentation.
Garnishes:
Fresh basil leaves
Pairings:
- Serve the crostini with a glass of red wine such as Chianti or Cabernet Sauvignon.
- Pair the crostini with a light salad for a complete meal.
Suggested side dishes:
- Mixed green salad with balsamic vinaigrette
- Roasted vegetables such as asparagus or zucchini
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the crostini are not crispy enough, bake them for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- If the cheese is not melted enough, place the crostini under the broiler for 1-2 minutes.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to wash your hands and all utensils thoroughly before preparing the crostini.
- 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 toasted bread slices topped with various toppings such as tomatoes, cheese, and cured meats.
Flavor profiles:
The Maria Provolone and Olive Crostini has a savory and tangy flavor profile from the combination of olives, artichoke hearts, and sun-dried tomatoes. The Maria Provolone cheese adds a creamy and slightly nutty flavor to the crostini.
Serving suggestions:
Serve the crostini as an appetizer at a dinner party or as a light lunch or snack.
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