Description
Succulent Italian beef crostini invites gourmet enthusiasts on a culinary journey through robust flavors and rustic charm. Crisp bread slices topped with tender, seasoned meat promise a delightful appetizer that will transport guests straight to an Italian kitchen’s warmth.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- ½ pound (225 grams) roast beef (deli-sliced or leftover cooked beef)
Bread and Cheese:
- 1 baguette, sliced into 12 thin rounds
- ½ cup (50 grams) shredded mozzarella or provolone cheese
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
Seasonings and Garnishes:
- ½ cup (120 milliliters) beef broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- ¼ cup (30 grams) roasted red peppers, finely diced
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil or parsley, chopped
- Balsamic glaze (optional, for drizzling)
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 375F (190C) and arrange baguette slices on a baking sheet, generously coating both sides with olive oil.
- Toast the bread slices until they transform into crispy, golden-brown crostini, rotating them midway through the baking process for even coloration.
- Prepare a savory broth mixture in a skillet by combining Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and optional red pepper flakes with beef broth.
- Gently warm the roast beef slices in the aromatic liquid, ensuring they remain tender and absorb the herbal flavors without overcooking.
- Layer the warmed beef slices atop each crisp baguette piece, creating a foundation for the upcoming cheesy transformation.
- Sprinkle a luxurious blend of mozzarella and provolone cheese over the beef, followed by a delicate dusting of Parmesan for added depth.
- Return the assembled crostini to the oven, allowing the cheese to melt into a bubbly, golden blanket that embraces the beef underneath.
- Garnish each crostini with vibrant roasted red pepper strips and a scattering of fresh basil or parsley for a burst of color and herbaceous notes.
- Optional: Drizzle with a balsamic glaze to introduce a subtle sweetness that complements the rich, savory elements of the dish.
- Serve immediately while the crostini are warm, crisp, and irresistibly aromatic.
Notes
- Customize bread choice by using gluten-free baguette for celiac or wheat-sensitive diets, ensuring crispy texture remains consistent.
- Control spice levels by adjusting red pepper flakes or substituting with mild paprika for sensitive palates.
- Explore meat alternatives like shredded chicken or plant-based protein for vegetarian and lighter protein options without compromising flavor profile.
- Enhance storage by keeping toasted baguette slices separate from beef and cheese, allowing quick reassembly and maintaining crispness when preparing ahead or storing leftovers.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 195
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 30mg