Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1/4 cup of pesto
- 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 baguette, sliced into 1/2 inch slices
Special Equipment Needed:
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, pesto, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
4. Spread the pesto mixture onto the baguette slices and top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
5. Place the crostini onto the prepared baking sheet.
6. Bake in preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the crostini are golden brown.
7. Serve warm.
Time:
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Temperature: 375°F
Serving Size: Makes 12 crostini
Nutritional Information:
Calories: 170
Fat: 10 g
Carbohydrates: 13 g
Protein: 7 g
Substitutions for Ingredients
- Olive oil can be substituted with melted butter.
- Pesto can be substituted with basil pesto or sun-dried tomato pesto.
- Mozzarella cheese can be substituted with any type of shredded cheese.
- Parmesan cheese can be substituted with any type of grated cheese.
Variations:
- Add cooked bacon or prosciutto to the crostini for an extra flavor boost.
- Add chopped fresh herbs such as basil or oregano to the crostini.
- Add chopped olives or sundried tomatoes to the crostini.
Tips and Tricks:
- For extra flavor, brush the baguette slices with olive oil before adding the pesto mixture.
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the pesto mixture.
Storage Instructions:
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating Instructions:
Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the crostini are heated through.
Presentation Ideas:
- Serve the crostini on a platter with a side of marinara sauce for dipping.
- Arrange the crostini on a plate with a side of fresh vegetables.
Garnishes:
- Fresh basil leaves
- Chopped fresh parsley
- Grated Parmesan cheese
Pairings:
- A glass of white wine
- A side salad
Suggested Side Dishes:
- Roasted vegetables
- Garlic bread
- Tomato soup
Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the crostini are not golden brown after baking, increase the oven temperature to 400°F and bake for an additional 2-3 minutes.
Food Safety Advice:
- Always use clean utensils and cutting boards when preparing food.
- Refrigerate leftovers promptly and consume within 3 days.
Food History:
Pesto and mozzarella crostini is a classic Italian appetizer that has been enjoyed for centuries. It is believed to have originated in the region of Liguria, Italy, where the traditional pesto sauce is made with basil, garlic, olive oil, and Parmesan cheese.
Flavor Profiles:
This dish has a savory, cheesy flavor with a hint of garlic and herbs.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve as an appetizer or snack.
- Serve as a side dish with a main course.
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Region: Italian