Crispy Crostini with Mascarpone and Parmesan
Indulge in the rich and creamy flavors of these Crispy Crostini with Mascarpone and Parmesan, inspired by traditional Tuscan recipes shared by a wonderful group of Italian women from the Tutti-a-Tavola cooking class. This delightful appetizer is perfect for gatherings, casual brunches, or even as an elegant starter for a dinner party. The mascarpone cheese lends a luxurious creaminess that pairs beautifully with the nuttiness of freshly grated Parmesan. Enhanced with aromatic marjoram and seasonings, these crostinis are quick to prepare, making them a favorite among hosts. Prepare the cheese spread ahead of time—it's a versatile treat that stays fresh in the refrigerator for a few days. Accompanied by a crispy French baguette, this is a dish that is sure to impress your guests with its simple yet sophisticated flavors.
N/A
Servings
180
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Mascarpone cheese
1 1/2 cups (softened at room temperature)
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1/4-1/2 cup (to taste)
Marjoram
3 pinches (dried or fresh, to taste)
Salt
to taste
Pepper
to taste (freshly ground)
French baguette
1-2 (fresh)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2
In a mixing bowl, combine the mascarpone cheese and freshly grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until smooth and well combined.
3
Add the marjoram and season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix thoroughly to ensure an even distribution of flavors.
4
Carefully slice the French baguette into thin slices, approximately 1/2 inch thick, making sure not to compress the bread.
5
Generously spread the cheese mixture onto each baguette slice, fully covering the surface.
6
Arrange the prepared slices on a baking sheet in a single layer, ensuring they do not overlap.
7
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 5-8 minutes or until the cheese is hot and bubbly. Keep an eye on them to prevent the bread from browning too much.
8
Once out of the oven, allow to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your delicious crostini warm!
Nutrition Information
9g
Fat
15g
Carbs
5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Crispy Crostini with Mascarpone and Parmesan?
It is a Tuscan-inspired appetizer featuring a creamy cheese spread made of mascarpone and Parmesan on toasted French baguette slices.
What inspired this recipe?
The recipe was inspired by traditional Tuscan recipes shared by Italian women from the Tutti-a-Tavola cooking class.
What are the main ingredients?
The main ingredients are Mascarpone cheese, freshly grated Parmesan cheese, marjoram, salt, pepper, and a French baguette.
How much mascarpone cheese is needed?
The recipe requires 1 1/2 cups of mascarpone cheese.
What is the recommended preparation for the mascarpone?
The mascarpone should be softened at room temperature before mixing.
How much Parmesan cheese should I use?
You should use between 1/4 to 1/2 cup of freshly grated Parmesan, depending on your taste preference.
What herb is used to flavor the cheese spread?
Marjoram is used to add aromatic flavor to the cheese mixture.
How much marjoram is added to the recipe?
The recipe calls for 3 pinches of either dried or fresh marjoram.
What kind of bread is best for this recipe?
A fresh French baguette is recommended for making these crostini.
How many baguettes are needed for the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 to 2 French baguettes.
How should the baguette be sliced?
The baguette should be sliced into thin slices, approximately 1/2 inch thick, without compressing the bread.
At what temperature should the oven be set?
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit or 200 degrees Celsius.
How long do the crostini need to bake?
They should bake for about 5 to 8 minutes.
How do I know when the crostini are finished baking?
They are done when the cheese is hot and bubbly.
Can I prepare the cheese spread in advance?
Yes, the cheese spread can be prepared ahead of time and stays fresh in the refrigerator for a few days.
What are the nutritional facts for one serving?
One serving contains 180 calories, 9g of fat, 15g of carbohydrates, and 5g of protein.
Is this recipe considered easy to make?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe and is quick to prepare for hosts.
What is the total number of ingredients in this recipe?
There are 6 total ingredients used in this recipe.
How should the cheese mixture be applied to the bread?
Generously spread the mixture onto each slice until the surface is fully covered.
How should the slices be arranged on the baking sheet?
Arrange the slices in a single layer ensuring they do not overlap.
What should I watch out for while baking?
Keep an eye on the crostini to prevent the baguette slices from browning too much.
Should the crostini be served hot?
They are best enjoyed warm after cooling slightly out of the oven.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, based on the ingredients listed, this recipe is suitable for vegetarians.
What is the texture of the cheese spread?
The spread is luxurious and creamy due to the mascarpone cheese.
What kind of pepper is suggested?
Freshly ground pepper is suggested for seasoning to taste.
Can this recipe be used as a party food?
Yes, it is perfect for gatherings, casual brunches, or as an elegant starter for dinner parties.
What makes the flavor profile nutty?
The freshly grated Parmesan cheese provides a nutty flavor that pairs with the mascarpone.
Is there any salt added?
Yes, salt is added to the cheese mixture to taste.
How many servings does this recipe make?
The raw data does not specify a specific serving count, but it uses 1-2 baguettes.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include appetizer, italian cuisine, crostini, mascarpone, parmesan, easy recipe, party food, and tuscan recipe.