Get ready to elevate your appetizer game with a mouthwatering recipe that will have your guests begging for more! These Caramelized Onion Cheddar Crostinis with Prosciutto Wrapped Apples are not just a snack – they're a flavor explosion that combines sweet, savory, and crispy elements into one irresistible bite. Perfect for dinner parties, game nights, or when you simply want to treat yourself to something extraordinary, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a gourmet experience that looks and tastes like it came straight from a high-end restaurant kitchen.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 16 crostinis
Ingredients
- 1 baguette, sliced
- 2 large onions, caramelized
- 8 oz sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 apple, thinly sliced
- 8 slices prosciutto
- Olive oil for drizzling
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the ingredients. Slice the baguette into ½-inch thick slices and set aside. Thinly slice the apple and set aside. Shred the sharp cheddar cheese if not already shredded.
- Next, caramelize the onions. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions to the skillet and stir to coat them in the oil. Cook the onions, stirring occasionally, for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and soft. If the onions begin to stick, you can add a splash of water to deglaze the pan. Once caramelized, remove the onions from the heat and set aside.
- While the onions are caramelizing, prepare the prosciutto-wrapped apples. Take each slice of prosciutto and wrap it around a slice of apple, securing it with a toothpick if necessary. Repeat this process until all apple slices are wrapped in prosciutto.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the baguette slices on a baking sheet and drizzle them lightly with olive oil. Bake in the preheated oven for about 5-7 minutes, or until they are golden and crispy.
- Once the baguette slices are ready, remove them from the oven and top each slice with a generous spoonful of caramelized onions. Follow this by adding a handful of shredded sharp cheddar cheese on top of the onions.
- Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- While the crostinis are baking, heat a separate skillet over medium heat. Add the prosciutto-wrapped apples and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the prosciutto is crispy and the apples are slightly softened.
- Once everything is cooked, remove the crostinis from the oven and let them cool slightly. Serve each crostini warm, topped with a prosciutto-wrapped apple for a delightful combination of flavors and textures.
- Enjoy your Caramelized Onion Cheddar Crostinis with Prosciutto Wrapped Apples as an appetizer or a delicious snack!
Tips
- Caramelize onions slowly: Patience is key. Low and slow cooking ensures deep, rich flavor without burning.
- Use a sharp cheddar for maximum flavor impact – the more aged, the better.
- Toast baguette slices until just golden to maintain a crisp texture.
- Don't overcrowd the skillet when cooking prosciutto-wrapped apples to ensure they crisp evenly.
- Serve immediately after preparation to enjoy the optimal temperature and texture.
- If you're short on time, you can caramelize onions in advance and store them in the refrigerator.
- Choose a high-quality prosciutto for the best taste and texture.
- Experiment with different apple varieties to find your perfect flavor combination.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 95kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 15mg
