Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 baguette, sliced into 1/2 inch thick rounds
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 garlic clove, peeled and halved
- 8 oz stracchino cheese, room temperature
- 4 oz prosciutto, thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
Special equipment needed:
- Baking sheet
- Pastry brush
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Arrange the baguette slices on a baking sheet and brush each slice with olive oil.
3. Rub each slice with the cut side of the garlic clove.
4. Bake in the oven for 8-10 minutes or until the bread is crispy and golden brown.
5. Spread a generous amount of stracchino cheese on each crostini.
6. Top each crostini with a slice of prosciutto.
7. Sprinkle fresh thyme leaves over the crostini.
8. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
9. Serve immediately.
Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 8-10 minutes
Temperature:
375°F
Serving size:
Makes 12 crostini
Nutritional information:
Calories: 150
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 15mg
Sodium: 300mg
Carbohydrates: 11g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 1g
Protein: 6g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Stracchino cheese can be substituted with brie or camembert cheese.
- Prosciutto can be substituted with cooked bacon or ham.
Variations:
- Add a drizzle of balsamic glaze over the crostini for a sweet and tangy flavor.
- Top the crostini with sliced figs or grapes for a fruity twist.
- Substitute the thyme leaves with chopped fresh basil or parsley.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure the cheese is at room temperature for easy spreading.
- Use a sharp knife to slice the baguette into even rounds.
- For a crispier crostini, broil the bread for the last minute of baking.
Storage instructions:
Store any leftover 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 heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Arrange the crostini on a platter and garnish with fresh thyme sprigs.
Garnishes:
Fresh thyme sprigs
Pairings:
- Serve with a crisp white wine such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc.
- Pair with a light salad for a complete meal.
Suggested side dishes:
- Arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette
- Roasted vegetables
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the crostini are too soft, bake them for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- If the cheese is too hard to spread, let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before using.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to store any leftover crostini in the refrigerator to prevent bacterial growth.
- Use caution when handling the hot baking sheet and crostini.
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.
Flavor profiles:
The crostini has a crispy texture with a creamy and tangy flavor from the stracchino cheese. The prosciutto adds a salty and savory taste, while the thyme adds a fresh and herbaceous note.
Serving suggestions:
Serve the crostini as an appetizer for a dinner party or as a light lunch or snack.
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Region: Italian