Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 heads of garlic
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 large tomatoes, diced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 loaf French baguette, cut into 1/2-inch slices
Special Equipment Needed:
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Small bowl
- Knife
- Cutting board
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
2. Peel the garlic and cut off the top of each head. Place the garlic heads on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
3. Roast in preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the garlic is golden brown and fragrant.
4. Remove from oven and let cool. Once cool, squeeze the garlic cloves out of the skins and mash them into a paste.
5. In a small bowl, combine the mashed garlic, diced tomatoes, chopped basil, and Parmesan cheese.
6. Place the baguette slices on a baking sheet and top with the garlic and tomato mixture.
7. Bake in preheated oven for 10 minutes, or until the crostini are golden brown.
Time:
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Temperature: 375 degrees F
Serving Size: 4-6
Nutritional Information:
Calories: 200
Fat: 7g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Protein: 6g
Substitutions for Ingredients
- For the garlic, you can use garlic powder or minced garlic.
- For the tomatoes, you can use canned diced tomatoes or sun-dried tomatoes.
- For the basil, you can use fresh parsley or oregano.
- For the Parmesan cheese, you can use grated Romano or Asiago cheese.
Variations:
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic and tomato mixture.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the Parmesan cheese.
- For a vegan version, use vegan cheese instead of Parmesan cheese.
Tips and Tricks:
- For a crispier crostini, bake the baguette slices for a few minutes before adding the garlic and tomato mixture.
- For a creamier texture, add a tablespoon of cream cheese to the garlic and tomato mixture.
Storage Instructions:
Store the crostini in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating Instructions:
Reheat the crostini in a 350 degree F oven for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through.
Presentation Ideas:
Serve the crostini on a platter with fresh herbs and lemon wedges for garnish.
Garnishes:
Fresh herbs, lemon wedges
Pairings:
This dish pairs well with a crisp white wine or a light red wine.
Suggested Side Dishes:
This dish goes well with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables.
Troubleshooting Advice:
If the crostini are not crispy enough, bake them for a few minutes longer.
Food Safety Advice:
Always store the crostini in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Food History:
Crostini originated in Italy and are a popular appetizer or snack.
Flavor Profiles:
This dish has a savory flavor with a hint of sweetness from the tomatoes.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve the crostini as an appetizer or as a side dish with a main course.
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