Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 baguette, sliced into 1/2 inch thick pieces
- 1 head of garlic
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 8 oz Stracchino Orobico cheese, room temperature
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Special equipment needed:
- Baking sheet
- Aluminum foil
- Small bowl
- Cheese knife or spreader
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F.
2. Cut the top off the garlic head to expose the cloves. Place the garlic head on a piece of aluminum foil and drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Wrap the garlic tightly in the foil and place on a baking sheet.
3. Bake the garlic for 30-40 minutes or until the cloves are soft and golden brown. Remove from the oven and let cool.
4. While the garlic is roasting, brush the baguette slices with the remaining olive oil and place on a baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the bread is lightly toasted.
5. Once the garlic has cooled, squeeze the cloves out of the head and mash them in a small bowl with a fork.
6. Spread a generous amount of Stracchino Orobico cheese on each crostini. Top with a small spoonful of the roasted garlic and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
7. Garnish each crostini with a fresh basil leaf.
Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 40 minutes
Temperature:
Oven temperature: 400°F
Serving size:
This recipe makes 12 crostini.
Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 150
Fat per serving: 8g
Carbohydrates per serving: 15g
Protein per serving: 5g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Baguette can be substituted with any crusty bread.
- Stracchino Orobico cheese can be substituted with any soft cheese like Brie or Camembert.
- Basil leaves can be substituted with any fresh herb like parsley or thyme.
Variations:
- Add a drizzle of balsamic glaze on top of the crostini for a sweet and tangy flavor.
- Top the crostini with sliced cherry tomatoes for a fresh and colorful twist.
- Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure the Stracchino Orobico cheese is at room temperature before spreading it on the crostini.
- Use a cheese knife or spreader to make it easier to spread the cheese evenly.
- You can make the roasted garlic ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to a week.
Storage instructions:
Store the crostini in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Reheating instructions:
Reheat the crostini in the oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes or until warmed through.
Presentation ideas:
Arrange the crostini on a platter and garnish with fresh basil leaves.
Garnishes:
Fresh basil leaves
Pairings:
- Serve with a glass of red wine like Pinot Noir or Chianti.
- Pair with a light salad for a complete meal.
Suggested side dishes:
- Mixed green salad with a balsamic vinaigrette.
- Roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the crostini are too hard, brush them with a little bit of olive oil and bake them for a few more minutes.
- If the cheese is too thick to spread, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to store the crostini in the fridge if not consumed immediately.
- Wash your hands and all utensils thoroughly before handling any food.
Food history:
Stracchino Orobico cheese is a soft cheese made from cow's milk in the Lombardy region of Italy. It has a mild and creamy flavor that pairs well with roasted garlic.
Flavor profiles:
Creamy, garlicky, and slightly tangy.
Serving suggestions:
Serve as an appetizer or snack.
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Region: Italian