Imagine a bite-sized explosion of flavor that will have your guests begging for the recipe - that's exactly what these Herbed Cheese and Roasted Pepper Crostini deliver! This elegant Italian-inspired appetizer transforms simple ingredients into a gourmet experience that looks like it came straight from a professional kitchen. Perfect for dinner parties, game nights, or when you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen, these crostini are your secret weapon to culinary stardom.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 baguette, sliced
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup roasted red peppers, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Slice the baguette diagonally into 1/2-inch thick pieces, creating 8-10 uniform slices.
- Brush each baguette slice lightly with olive oil on both sides, ensuring even coverage.
- Arrange the oiled baguette slices on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer.
- Toast the bread in the preheated oven for 5-7 minutes, turning once halfway through, until edges are golden brown and crisp.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese with finely chopped fresh basil, stirring until well incorporated.
- Season the cream cheese mixture with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Drain and finely chop the roasted red peppers, removing any excess liquid.
- Once crostini are cooled slightly, spread a generous layer of herbed cream cheese on each slice.
- Top each crostini with a sprinkle of chopped roasted red peppers.
- Arrange on a serving platter and garnish with additional fresh basil leaves if desired.
- Serve immediately while bread is still crisp and cheese is creamy.
Tips
- Choose a high-quality, fresh baguette for the best texture and flavor.
- Ensure cream cheese is truly at room temperature for smooth, easy spreading.
- Pat roasted red peppers dry to prevent soggy crostini.
- Don't skimp on olive oil when brushing bread - it's key to achieving that golden, crispy texture.
- Watch bread closely while toasting to prevent burning - ovens can vary.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a tiny drizzle of balsamic glaze or a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top.
- Prepare components ahead of time and assemble just before serving to maintain crispness.
- If you prefer, you can use goat cheese or ricotta as an alternative to cream cheese.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 120kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 20mg
