Italian > Pasta

Tomino Montoso with Spinach and Bacon Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 4 Tomino Montoso cheese rounds (about 2 oz each)
- 4 slices of bacon, chopped
- 4 cups of fresh spinach leaves
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp of olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste

Special equipment needed:
- Oven-safe skillet
- Spatula

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.

2. In an oven-safe skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet and set aside.

3. In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

4. Add the fresh spinach leaves to the skillet and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.

5. Remove the skillet from the heat and place a Tomino Montoso cheese round on top of the spinach and bacon mixture.

6. Drizzle the olive oil over the cheese and season with salt and pepper.

7. Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

8. Remove the skillet from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.

9. Using a spatula, carefully transfer the Tomino Montoso with spinach and bacon onto a serving plate.

10. Garnish with additional chopped bacon and serve immediately.


Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Temperature:
375°F
Serving size:
4 servings

Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 230
Fat: 18g
Protein: 12g
Carbohydrates: 3g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 1g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Tomino Montoso cheese can be substituted with any soft cheese such as Brie or Camembert.
- Spinach can be substituted with kale or Swiss chard.
- Bacon can be substituted with pancetta or prosciutto.

Variations:
- Add sliced mushrooms to the spinach and bacon mixture.
- Top the Tomino Montoso with sliced tomatoes before baking.
- Add a drizzle of balsamic glaze over the finished dish.

Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to use an oven-safe skillet to avoid any accidents.
- If the cheese is not melted enough, broil for an additional 1-2 minutes.
- Serve with crusty bread for dipping.

Storage instructions:
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating instructions:
Reheat in the oven at 375°F for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through.

Presentation ideas:
Serve on a wooden board with sliced bread and grapes.

Garnishes:
Additional chopped bacon and fresh herbs such as parsley or thyme.

Pairings:
Pair with a glass of red wine such as Pinot Noir or Merlot.

Suggested side dishes:
Serve with a side salad or roasted vegetables.

Troubleshooting advice:
If the cheese is not melting properly, make sure to use a soft cheese and let it come to room temperature before baking.

Food safety advice:
Make sure to cook the bacon thoroughly and wash your hands and utensils after handling raw meat.

Food history:
Tomino Montoso is a soft cheese from the Piedmont region of Italy.

Flavor profiles:
Creamy, salty, savory.

Serving suggestions:
Serve as an appetizer or as a light lunch.

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Taste: Savory, Salty, Smoky, Rich, Umami