Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 baguette, sliced into 1/2 inch thick pieces
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 4 oz prosciutto, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Special equipment needed:
- Baking sheet
- Mixing bowl
- Pastry brush
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Arrange baguette slices on a baking sheet and brush with olive oil.
3. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until lightly toasted.
4. In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, minced garlic, chopped basil, salt, and pepper.
5. Spread a spoonful of the ricotta mixture on each toasted baguette slice.
6. Top each crostini with a slice of prosciutto.
7. Garnish with additional chopped basil leaves.
8. Serve immediately.
- Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 10 minutes
Temperature:
- Oven temperature: 375°F
Serving size:
- This recipe makes 12 crostini.
Nutritional information:
- Calories per serving: 120
- Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Protein: 5g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Baguette can be substituted with any crusty bread.
- Ricotta cheese can be substituted with goat cheese or cream cheese.
- Prosciutto can be substituted with thinly sliced ham or bacon.
- Basil can be substituted with parsley or cilantro.
Variations:
- Add sliced cherry tomatoes or roasted red peppers on top of the prosciutto.
- Drizzle balsamic glaze on top of the crostini before serving.
- Use different herbs such as rosemary or thyme in the ricotta mixture.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to brush the baguette slices with enough olive oil to prevent them from drying out in the oven.
- Use a good quality prosciutto for the best flavor.
- The ricotta mixture can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until ready to use.
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 additional chopped basil leaves.
- Serve on individual plates with a side salad.
Garnishes:
- Chopped basil leaves
Pairings:
- Serve with a glass of white wine or a light beer.
Suggested side dishes:
- Arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette
- Grilled vegetables
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the baguette slices are too thick, they may not toast evenly in the oven. Adjust the thickness accordingly.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to store any leftover crostini in the refrigerator to prevent bacterial growth.
Food history:
- Crostini is a traditional Italian appetizer that dates back to medieval times. It was originally made with stale bread that was toasted and topped with various ingredients.
Flavor profiles:
- The crostini has a crunchy texture from the toasted baguette, creamy and tangy flavor from the ricotta mixture, and salty and savory flavor from the prosciutto.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve as an appetizer before a meal or as a light lunch or dinner.
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Region: Italian