Crostini With Peppers & Cheese Recipe
Indulge in the delightful flavors of Italy with this simple yet delectable Crostini with Peppers & Cheese recipe. Perfectly toasted slices of French loaf topped with a vibrant mix of bell peppers and gooey mozzarella cheese make for a fantastic appetizer or a satisfying evening snack. Whether you’re entertaining guests or enjoying a cozy night in, this dish is sure to impress.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| French Loaf | 1 |
| Butter | 2 tablespoons |
| Garlic Paste | 1½ tablespoons |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | 1 teaspoon |
| Green Bell Pepper (Capsicum) – chopped | 1 cup |
| Tomato Ketchup | 1½ tablespoons |
| Pizza Seasoning | 1 teaspoon |
| Fresh Parsley Leaves – chopped | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Mozzarella Cheese | 1 cup |
| Dried Oregano | ½ teaspoon |
| Black Pepper Powder | ¼ teaspoon |
| Cherry Tomatoes – halved | 8 |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | Approximately 250-300 |
| Protein | 12g |
| Carbohydrates | 30g |
| Fat | 10g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sodium | Varies based on salt added |
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Cuisine: Italian
- Course: Dinner
- Diet: Vegetarian
Instructions
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Prepare Ingredients: Begin by gathering all the ingredients mentioned above. Slice the French loaf into thin pieces, about half an inch thick, to create the perfect base for your crostini.
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Make the Butter Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the butter, dried oregano, garlic paste, and chopped fresh parsley. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
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Butter the Loaf Slices: Using a spatula or knife, evenly spread the butter mixture on both sides of each slice of the French loaf. This will ensure that the crostini are flavorful and aromatic.
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Bake the Bread Slices: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Place a small amount of butter on a baking tray and arrange the buttered loaf slices on top. Bake in the preheated oven for about 5 minutes, or until the bread is lightly golden and crisp.
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Prepare the Pepper Topping: While the bread is baking, heat a frying pan over medium heat and add the extra virgin olive oil. Add ¼ teaspoon of garlic paste, followed by the chopped bell peppers. Sauté for a few minutes until the peppers are tender yet still vibrant in color.
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Season the Mixture: Once the peppers are cooked, stir in the chopped parsley, pizza seasoning, dried oregano, tomato ketchup, and coarsely ground black pepper. Cook for an additional minute to combine all the flavors. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly. Add salt to taste.
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Assemble the Crostini: Take the baked bread slices out of the oven and generously spoon the pepper mixture over each slice, ensuring even coverage. Next, top each slice with a generous handful of mozzarella cheese and sprinkle with additional pizza seasoning.
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Melt the Cheese: Return the assembled crostini to the oven for an additional 5-6 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, creating a delightful golden crust.
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Finish with Cherry Tomatoes: Once the cheese has melted, remove the crostini from the oven and place a few halved cherry tomatoes on top of each slice. This adds a refreshing burst of flavor and color to your dish.
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Serve and Enjoy: Your Crostini with Peppers & Cheese are now ready to serve! These can be enjoyed as a tasty appetizer or paired with a hearty dish like Penne Arrabiata for a satisfying weeknight dinner. Enjoy your culinary creation!
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Crostini with Peppers & Cheese alongside a crisp green salad or a refreshing drink to enhance your dining experience. These delightful bites are perfect for gatherings, game days, or simply as a treat to share with friends and family.
This Crostini with Peppers & Cheese recipe not only brings an Italian flair to your table but also captures the essence of home-cooked love, ensuring each bite is a celebration of flavor. Enjoy!
