Oh, the allure of a crispy crostini topped with velvety goat cheese and sweet, smoky roasted red peppers—it’s like a little bite of bliss that promises to transport you to a sun-drenched Italian piazza. Ever had those days where you just crave something fancy yet simple? These crostini are the answer, a perfect blend of creamy, tangy, and crunchy that somehow makes you feel a bit like a gourmet chef, even if your last culinary adventure was reheating last night’s pizza.
Steps
- Mix balsamic vinegar, honey, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl, whisking until well combined.
- Chop the roasted red bell peppers and immerse them in the marinade for at least an hour to absorb the flavors.
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Finely chop the chives and set them aside for garnishing.
- Lightly spray a baking tray and line it with parchment paper. Arrange eight slices of bread on the tray.
- Toast the bread in the oven for about 6 minutes, then flip them and bake for an additional 4 minutes. Once done, rub each slice with a garlic clove.
- Break up the goat cheese in a bowl for easy spreading. Use a knife to evenly spread the cheese over each toasted bread slice.
- Use a slotted spoon to evenly distribute the marinated red peppers over the goat cheese-topped crostinis, ensuring excess marinade is drained.
- Garnish the crostinis with chopped chives for added color and serve immediately. Enjoy your appetizer!
Ingredients
- 1 loaf of sourdough bread or Italian pane, sliced into 1/4 inch-thick pieces
- 3 large roasted red bell peppers, purchased from the store
- 2 cloves of garlic, peeled
- 1/4 cup of olive oil
- 1/2 tablespoon of honey
- 1/2 teaspoon of sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of ground black pepper
- Fresh chives, chopped to yield 2 tablespoons, for garnish
FAQ
- Can I use a different type of bread for the crostinis?
- Absolutely! While the recipe suggests sourdough or Italian Pane, you can use any type of crusty bread that you prefer, such as baguette or ciabatta.
- How long should the red peppers soak in the marinade?
- The red peppers should soak in the marinade for at least an hour, but allowing them to marinate for several hours will enhance the flavor even more.
- Is there an alternative to goat cheese?
- If you’re not a fan of goat cheese, you can substitute it with another soft cheese such as cream cheese or ricotta.
- Can I prepare the crostinis in advance?
- You can prepare the components in advance, such as marinating the peppers and toasting the bread. However, it’s best to assemble the crostinis just before serving to ensure they remain crisp.
- What is the purpose of rubbing garlic on the toasted bread?
- Rubbing garlic on the warm toasted bread infuses it with a subtle garlic flavor, adding depth to the overall taste of the crostinis.
Tips
- Allow the roasted red peppers to marinate in the balsamic mixture for several hours if possible, to ensure the flavors fully develop and meld together.
- When toasting the bread slices, rub them with a peeled garlic clove immediately after removing them from the oven for an extra burst of flavor.
- Use a slotted spoon to drain excess marinade from the red peppers before placing them on the crostini, preventing the bread from becoming soggy.
- Finish by sprinkling chopped chives on top for a fresh, vibrant garnish that adds a pop of color and flavor.
Equipment
- Non-stick baking spray
- Parchment paper
- Slotted spoon