If you are looking for something new to serve up to friends over drinks or a fun way to serve up something for the kids to snack on then my Speedy Cheesy Crostini is the perfect recipe to try!
This crostini recipe is a lovely treat to nibble on in fact appetizers are often the favourite part of my meal especially if they are crispy and cheesy! Crostini is the French word for baked or fried bread (I'm already sold), often served with other accompaniments. These are also vegetarian-friendly.
MY TIPS
A mini food processor makes it super easy to whip up this recipe however a good old bowl and fork will also do the trick
Serve your crostini as part of an antipasto platter with your favourite dips and sauces, olives, meats etc.
These can also work brilliantly in place of your traditional garlic bread but they are a little more on the crunchier side.
Works well as a fancy crouton with your favourite salad
You can use this cheese & herb spread to make yummy cheese toasts, mixed into scrambled eggs or added to some yummy fresh pasta
Add finely chopped salami or bacon to make these a little heartier
YOU WILL NEED
1 large French stick - my loaf made approximately 24 slices
5-6 garlic cloves crushed
A little oil for cooking your garlic, I used rice bran oil
150g | 5 ounces melted butter
150g | 5 ounces cream cheese
2 tablespoons roughly chopped basil (you could use fresh parsley, coriander, thyme, chives, etc)
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon paprika or chilli powder
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
Chilli flakes (optional)
Freshly chopped herbs for serving (optional)
METHOD
Preheat the oven to 180°C/350°F.
Slice your french stick into even slices approximately 2cm/3/4" in thickness. You can cut them straight or on a diagonal if you wish (that is what I did). Set aside.
In a small frying pan, add a little oil and add your crushed garlic and allow to saute until fragrant. Set aside.
In a small food processor, add the butter, cream cheese, coriander (or herbs of your choice), lemon juice, paprika, and garlic and process into a smooth spreadable paste. (You can also do this step in a medium-sized mixing bowl).
Generously spread the mixture over BOTH sides of the bread and place into your baking dish. I used 2 round dishes approximately 22cm/9" in diameter.
Continue to spread the mixture on both sides of each piece of bread, slightly overlapping each piece of bread, so you get a pretty pattern. Do this until both serving dishes are filled with your butter-coated bread slices.
Sprinkle your Parmesan cheese evenly between you two dishes.
Sprinkle with some chilli flakes, if you desire.
Place in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes or until the bread looks golden.
Sprinkle with some more fresh herbs and serve immediately.
MAKES 24 SLICES
Tried this recipe? Tag @eatinstylebyferitta or #eatinstylebyferitta so I can see your creations and show you some love ♥