Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 red bell pepper, roasted and diced
- 1/2 cup Formaggio a Crosta Rossa cheese, grated
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 French baguette, sliced
Special equipment needed:
- Oven or toaster oven
- Baking sheet
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Slice the baguette into 1/2 inch thick slices and place them on a baking sheet.
3. Brush each slice with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and black pepper.
4. Bake the baguette slices for 8-10 minutes or until they are lightly golden brown.
5. In a mixing bowl, combine the roasted red pepper, grated Formaggio a Crosta Rossa cheese, and chopped basil leaves.
6. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
7. Top each baguette slice with the red pepper and cheese mixture.
8. Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 15-17 minutes
Temperature:
375°F (190°C)
Serving size:
Makes 12-14 bruschetta slices
Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 140
Total fat: 9g
Saturated fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 10mg
Sodium: 280mg
Total carbohydrate: 11g
Dietary fiber: 1g
Total sugars: 1g
Protein: 4g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Roasted yellow or orange bell pepper can be used instead of red bell pepper.
- Parmesan or Romano cheese can be used instead of Formaggio a Crosta Rossa cheese.
- Fresh parsley or oregano can be used instead of basil leaves.
Variations:
- Add sliced black olives or chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the red pepper and cheese mixture.
- Top the bruschetta with a drizzle of balsamic glaze or honey for added sweetness.
- Substitute the baguette slices with crostini or crackers for a different texture.
Tips and tricks:
- To roast the red bell pepper, place it on a baking sheet and broil in the oven for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the skin is charred. Let it cool before peeling off the skin and dicing.
- Use a microplane grater to grate the cheese finely for better melting.
- Serve the bruschetta warm or at room temperature for best flavor.
Storage instructions:
Leftover bruschetta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheating instructions:
To reheat, place the bruschetta on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes or until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Arrange the bruschetta slices on a platter and garnish with fresh basil leaves or a sprinkle of black pepper.
Garnishes:
Fresh basil leaves, black pepper, balsamic glaze, honey
Pairings:
- Serve with a glass of red wine or sparkling water.
- Pair with a side salad or soup for a complete meal.
Suggested side dishes:
- Mixed greens salad with balsamic vinaigrette
- Tomato soup with croutons
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the cheese is not melting, try broiling the bruschetta for an additional 1-2 minutes.
- If the baguette slices are too hard, brush them with a little more olive oil before baking.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to wash your hands and all utensils before handling food.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator and discard any that have been left out at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Food history:
Bruschetta is a traditional Italian appetizer that originated in central Italy. It is typically made with toasted bread rubbed with garlic and topped with tomatoes, basil, and olive oil. This recipe puts a twist on the classic bruschetta by using roasted red pepper and Formaggio a Crosta Rossa cheese.
Flavor profiles:
Savory, tangy, cheesy, slightly sweet
Serving suggestions:
Serve as an appetizer or snack before a meal.
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Region: Italian