Appetizer > Crostini

Monte Veronese Cheese and Ham Crostini Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 baguette, sliced into 1/2 inch thick pieces
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/2 pound Monte Veronese cheese, sliced
- 1/4 pound prosciutto, sliced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste

Special equipment needed:
- Baking sheet
- Pastry brush

Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. Place the baguette slices on a baking sheet and brush each slice with olive oil.
3. Bake the baguette slices in the oven for 10-12 minutes or until they are golden brown.
4. Remove the baguette slices from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes.
5. Place a slice of Monte Veronese cheese on each baguette slice.
6. Top each cheese slice with a slice of prosciutto.
7. Sprinkle chopped parsley over the crostini.
8. Season with salt and pepper to taste.


Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 12 minutes
Temperature:
350°F
Serving size:
Makes 12 crostini

Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 200
Total fat: 12g
Saturated fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 25mg
Sodium: 400mg
Total carbohydrates: 16g
Dietary fiber: 1g
Sugars: 1g
Protein: 8g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Baguette: Any crusty bread can be used as a substitute.
- Monte Veronese cheese: Any semi-hard cheese such as cheddar or gouda can be used as a substitute.
- Prosciutto: Any cured meat such as salami or ham can be used as a substitute.
- Parsley: Any fresh herb such as basil or thyme can be used as a substitute.

Variations:
- Add sliced cherry tomatoes on top of the crostini for a burst of freshness.
- Substitute the prosciutto with cooked bacon for a smoky flavor.
- Drizzle balsamic glaze over the crostini for a tangy sweetness.

Tips and tricks:
- Use a serrated knife to slice the baguette for a clean cut.
- Make sure to brush the baguette slices with enough olive oil to prevent them from drying out in the oven.
- Let the crostini cool for a few minutes before serving to prevent the cheese from melting too much.

Storage instructions:
Store the crostini in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Reheating instructions:
Reheat the crostini in the oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the bread is crispy.

Presentation ideas:
Arrange the crostini on a platter and garnish with fresh parsley.

Garnishes:
Fresh parsley

Pairings:
- Red wine such as Chianti or Cabernet Sauvignon
- Sparkling wine such as Prosecco or Champagne

Suggested side dishes:
- Mixed greens salad with balsamic vinaigrette
- Roasted vegetables such as asparagus or Brussels sprouts

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the baguette slices are too thick, they may not cook evenly in the oven. Make sure to slice them thinly.
- If the cheese is not melting, place the crostini under the broiler for a few minutes.

Food safety advice:
- Make sure to wash your hands and all utensils before handling food.
- Store the crostini in the refrigerator to prevent the growth of bacteria.

Food history:
Crostini is a traditional Italian appetizer that dates back to the medieval times. It was originally made with stale bread that was toasted and topped with various ingredients such as cheese, meat, and vegetables.

Flavor profiles:
The Monte Veronese cheese adds a nutty and slightly sweet flavor to the crostini, while the prosciutto adds a salty and savory flavor. The parsley adds a fresh and herbaceous flavor.

Serving suggestions:
Serve the crostini as an appetizer before a meal or as a snack during a party.

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

Taste: Savory, Salty, Tangy, Creamy, Cheesy