Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 baguette, sliced into 1/2-inch thick rounds
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 8 ounces stracciatella di bufala cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze
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 both sides with olive oil. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the crostini are golden brown and crispy.
4. Remove the crostini from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes.
5. Spread a generous spoonful of stracciatella di bufala cheese on each crostini.
6. Sprinkle chopped fresh basil on top of the cheese.
7. Drizzle balsamic glaze over the crostini.
8. Serve immediately.
Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 12 minutes
Temperature:
375°F
Serving size:
Makes 12 crostini
Nutritional information:
Calories: 120
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 10mg
Sodium: 250mg
Carbohydrates: 11g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 1g
Protein: 4g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Baguette can be substituted with any crusty bread.
- Stracciatella di bufala cheese can be substituted with fresh mozzarella cheese.
Variations:
- Add sliced cherry tomatoes on top of the cheese for a burst of color and flavor.
- Top the crostini with prosciutto or salami for a meaty twist.
- Use different herbs like parsley or oregano instead of basil.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to brush both sides of the crostini with olive oil to ensure even browning.
- Don't over-bake the crostini as they will become too hard and difficult to eat.
- Use a good quality balsamic glaze for the best flavor.
Storage instructions:
Store the crostini in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Reheating instructions:
Reheat the crostini in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes or until crispy.
Presentation ideas:
Arrange the crostini on a platter and garnish with fresh basil leaves.
Garnishes:
Fresh basil leaves
Pairings:
- Serve with a glass of chilled white wine.
- Pair with a fresh green salad for a light meal.
Suggested side dishes:
- Roasted vegetables
- Grilled chicken
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the crostini are too hard, reduce the baking time.
- If the cheese is too runny, drain it on a paper towel before spreading it on the crostini.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to use clean hands and utensils when handling the cheese and other ingredients.
- Store the crostini in an airtight container to prevent contamination.
Food history:
Stracciatella di bufala is a soft Italian cheese made from buffalo milk. It originated in the Puglia region of Italy and is traditionally used in dishes like pizza and pasta.
Flavor profiles:
The crostini has a crispy texture with a creamy and tangy flavor from the stracciatella di bufala cheese. The balsamic glaze adds a sweet and acidic note while the basil adds a fresh and herbaceous flavor.
Serving suggestions:
Serve the crostini as an appetizer or snack at a party or gathering. It's also a great addition to a cheese board.
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Region: Italian