Imagine biting into a crispy, golden slice of baguette topped with creamy ricotta and a tantalizing red onion jam that dances between sweet and tangy. These crostini aren't just an appetizer; they're a culinary experience that transports you straight to the rustic kitchens of Tuscany. Whether you're hosting a sophisticated dinner party or craving a gourmet snack, this recipe promises to elevate your cooking game and impress even the most discerning food lovers.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 baguette, sliced
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the red onion jam. In a medium saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the finely chopped red onion.
- Sauté the red onion for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it becomes soft and translucent.
- Add the 1/4 cup of balsamic vinegar to the pan with the sautéed onions. Stir well to combine, and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Reduce the heat to low and let the onion and vinegar mixture cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. The mixture should thicken slightly and become jam-like in consistency. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
- While the onion jam is cooling, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Slice the baguette into 1/2-inch thick slices. Arrange the slices on a baking sheet in a single layer.
- Toast the baguette slices in the preheated oven for about 5-7 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
- Once toasted, remove the baguette slices from the oven and allow them to cool slightly.
- To assemble the crostini, spread a generous tablespoon of ricotta cheese onto each toasted baguette slice.
- Top the ricotta with a spoonful of the red onion jam, ensuring that each crostini has a good balance of both flavors.
- Serve the crostini warm or at room temperature as an appetizer or snack. Enjoy your delicious Crostini with Ricotta and Red Onion Jam!
Tips
- Choose a high-quality baguette with a crisp exterior for the best texture
- Slice the baguette evenly to ensure uniform toasting
- Watch the baguette slices closely while toasting to prevent burning
- Use room temperature ricotta for smoother spreading
- For extra flavor, try adding a light drizzle of honey or fresh herbs on top
- Make the red onion jam ahead of time to allow flavors to develop
- Serve immediately after assembling to maintain the crostini's crispness
- Experiment with different aged balsamic vinegars for varied flavor profiles
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 242kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 20mg
