Schiacciate with Castelmagno Cheese Flakes and Caramelized Onions
Category: Appetizers
Servings: 12
This flavorful appetizer combines the richness of Castelmagno cheese with the sweetness of caramelized onions, all served on top of crispy Schiacciate bread. It’s a perfect balance of savory, tangy, and sweet, and is sure to impress your guests at any gathering. The creamy texture of the Castelmagno cheese complements the soft, caramelized onions, while the Schiacciate provides the ideal crispy base. This recipe is a delicious way to enjoy Italian flavors in an elegant appetizer.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Castelmagno Cheese | 60g |
| White Onions | 2, sliced |
| White Wine Vinegar | 3 tbsp |
| Brown Sugar | 4 tsp |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | 3 tbsp |
| Salt | To taste |
| Black Pepper | To taste |
| Fresh Thyme | 3 sprigs |
| Schiacciate Bread (La Bottega di Olivia&Marino) | 12 pieces |
Instructions
-
Prepare the Caramelized Onions:
- Start by peeling and slicing the white onions thinly. Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat and add the onions. Sauté until they become soft and transparent.
- Once the onions have softened, sprinkle the brown sugar over them and stir gently. Let the onions cook for a few more minutes, allowing the sugar to dissolve and the onions to caramelize.
- Next, add the white wine vinegar to the pan and stir well to deglaze. Continue cooking until the vinegar has mostly evaporated and the onions are rich and glossy.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Finish the caramelization process until the onions are golden brown and tender.
-
Prepare the Castelmagno Cheese:
- While the onions are caramelizing, use a sharp knife or cheese slicer to cut the Castelmagno cheese into thin flakes. Set the cheese aside.
-
Assemble the Dish:
- Preheat the oven according to the instructions for your Schiacciate bread, if necessary.
- Once the bread is toasted or crispy, top each slice with a generous portion of the caramelized onions.
- Scatter the thin cheese flakes over the onions, allowing them to melt slightly from the heat of the onions.
-
Finishing Touches:
- Garnish with fresh thyme sprigs for an aromatic touch.
- Serve immediately and enjoy the contrast of flavors and textures in this delicious appetizer.
Tips for Success
- Choose a good quality Castelmagno: The quality of the cheese is key to this recipe, so try to find a genuine, well-aged Castelmagno cheese.
- Caramelize the onions slowly: The key to perfect caramelized onions is patience. Low and slow cooking allows the natural sweetness of the onions to develop.
- Experiment with toppings: While this recipe is perfect as is, you can add a touch of balsamic glaze or even some chopped walnuts for extra texture and depth.
Enjoy this delightful Italian-inspired appetizer as a starter for a special meal or as part of a tapas-style gathering. The combination of flavors will surely be a crowd-pleaser.
