Anchovy Crostini Recipe
Overview:
This Anchovy Crostini recipe, discovered in the Australian Women’s Weekly Italian cookbook, is a delightful blend of flavors that is sure to impress your guests. Perfect for a cocktail party or as an appetizer before dinner, these crostinis are easy to prepare and simply irresistible. The savory anchovy spread paired with the crispy toast rounds creates a mouthwatering combination that will leave everyone wanting more.
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Servings: 24 Crostini
- Calories per serving: 76.6
- Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4 reviews)
Ingredients:
- 12 slices of bread (2″ circles or 1/4″ baguette slices)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 1/2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 3 mushrooms, finely chopped
- 3 tablespoons anchovy paste
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)
- Anchovy fillets, olives, and red pepper slices for garnish
Instructions:
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Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
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Prepare Toast Rounds: Cut the bread into 2″ circles or use 1/4″ baguette slices. Brush both sides of the bread with olive oil.
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Bake Toast Rounds: Place the bread slices on a cookie sheet and bake in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes or until golden brown. These toasts can be made in advance and stored in a closed tin for future use.
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Prepare Anchovy Spread: In a frying pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and mix well, cooking for about 1 minute. Gradually add the milk, stirring constantly until the mixture boils and thickens. Remove from heat and add 3 tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and chopped mushrooms. Mix well.
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Add Anchovy Paste: Stir in the anchovy paste until well combined. The mixture may appear loose, but it will bake perfectly.
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Assemble Crostini: Spread 2 teaspoons of the anchovy mixture onto each toast round. Sprinkle generously with extra grated Parmesan cheese. At this point, you can freeze the crostinis for future use if desired.
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Garnish Crostini: Slice the olives and place a slice on some of the crostinis. Roll anchovy fillets and place them on some crostinis. Place thin slices of red pepper on the remaining crostinis.
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Bake: Arrange the prepared crostinis on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown on top.
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Serve: Remove from the oven and transfer the crostinis to a serving platter. Allow them to cool slightly before serving. Get ready for the rave reviews from your guests!
Tips:
- To save time, prepare the toast rounds in advance and store them in an airtight container until ready to use.
- Freeze the anchovy spread separately for future use. Simply thaw and spread on toast rounds before baking.
- Experiment with different garnishes such as capers, sun-dried tomatoes, or fresh herbs to customize the flavor according to your preference.
- Serve these Anchovy Crostini alongside a glass of chilled white wine for the perfect appetizer pairing.
Enjoy the delightful flavors of these Anchovy Crostini as you entertain guests or simply indulge in a savory snack any time of day!
