Hearty Alsace Cheese and Parsley Toast
Experience the vibrant flavors of Alsace with this delightful cheese salad served atop crusty bread. Featuring a blend of nutty Gruyère or Emmental cheese, fresh parsley, and tangy shallots, this hearty dish perfectly combines texture and taste. Ideal as a refreshing first course or a satisfying snack, it's a great way to enjoy simple yet delicious ingredients in an elegant presentation. Pair each toast with fresh lettuce and juicy tomato slices for a delightful crunch, making it a perfect addition to your lunch repertoire.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Red wine vinegar or cider vinegar
2 tablespoons (Liquid)
Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon (Condiment)
Olive oil
1/4 cup (Liquid)
Gruyère or Emmental cheese, grated
2 cups (about 8 oz) (Grated)
Fresh parsley, chopped
1/2 cup (Chopped)
Shallots, finely chopped
2 (Finely chopped)
Crusty bread, slices
12 (Slices)
Lettuce (optional)
as desired (Leaves)
Tomatoes, slices (optional)
as desired (Sliced)
Instructions
1
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the red wine vinegar (or cider vinegar) and Dijon mustard until well combined.
2
Gradually add the olive oil and two tablespoons of water to the mixture, continuing to whisk until the dressing is smooth and emulsified.
3
Fold in the grated cheese, chopped parsley, and finely chopped shallots, ensuring everything is evenly coated.
4
Prepare 6 slices of crusty bread and spoon approximately 1/3 cup of the cheese mixture onto each slice, spreading it evenly.
5
If desired, add a layer of fresh lettuce and tomato slices on top of the cheese mixture for added freshness and texture.
6
Top with the remaining slices of bread, creating delightful cheese toasts ready to serve.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Alsace Cheese and Parsley Toast?
It is a flavorful dish from the Alsace region featuring a cheese salad of Gruyere or Emmental, parsley, and shallots served on crusty bread.
What types of cheese are recommended for this recipe?
The recipe suggests using nutty cheeses such as Gruyere or Emmental.
Can I use cider vinegar instead of red wine vinegar?
Yes, the recipe allows for either red wine vinegar or cider vinegar for the dressing.
How much cheese is needed for the toast?
You will need approximately 2 cups or 8 ounces of grated cheese.
What is the first step in preparing the dressing?
The first step is to whisk together the vinegar and Dijon mustard in a medium-sized bowl until well combined.
How do I emulsify the salad dressing?
Gradually add 1/4 cup of olive oil and two tablespoons of water to the vinegar mixture while whisking continuously.
What kind of bread is best for this Alsace recipe?
The recipe calls for 12 slices of crusty bread to provide a satisfying crunch.
Is the Hearty Alsace Cheese and Parsley Toast vegetarian?
Yes, this dish is categorized as a vegetarian recipe.
What fresh herbs are used in this dish?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of fresh chopped parsley.
How are the shallots prepared?
Two shallots should be finely chopped before being added to the cheese mixture.
How much of the cheese mixture should I put on each slice?
You should spoon approximately 1/3 cup of the cheese mixture onto each of the bottom slices.
Are there any optional vegetable additions?
Yes, you can optionally add fresh lettuce leaves and tomato slices for extra freshness and texture.
What is the total number of ingredients required?
There are 9 ingredients in total, including optional items like lettuce and tomatoes.
Is this recipe suitable for a quick lunch?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe and is ideal for a satisfying lunch or snack.
What is the preparation method for the cheese?
The Gruyere or Emmental cheese should be grated before being folded into the dressing.
How much Dijon mustard is used?
The recipe requires 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard.
Does the recipe use water?
Yes, two tablespoons of water are whisked into the dressing mixture.
Can I serve this as an appetizer?
Yes, it is an elegant presentation that works well as a refreshing first course or appetizer.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include alsace, cheese salad, parsley, lunch, snack, vegetarian, French cuisine, easy recipe, appetizer, and toasts.
How many slices of bread are prepared at once?
You prepare 6 base slices with the mixture and then top them with the remaining 6 slices.
What is the flavor profile of the shallots in this dish?
The shallots provide a tangy and sharp contrast to the nutty cheese.
How do I ensure the cheese salad is well-mixed?
Fold the cheese, parsley, and shallots into the dressing until everything is evenly coated.
What gives the toast its 'hearty' description?
The combination of a rich cheese salad and thick, crusty bread makes it a very satisfying meal.
Can I use a different oil than olive oil?
While the recipe specifies olive oil, you could use other oils, though olive oil is traditional for this dressing.
What is the suggested preparation for the tomatoes?
If using tomatoes, they should be sliced before being added to the toast.
Is this recipe considered part of French cuisine?
Yes, it is inspired by the culinary traditions of the Alsace region in France.
How much parsley should I chop?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of chopped fresh parsley.
What is the role of the vinegar in the recipe?
The vinegar provides the acidity needed to balance the rich cheese and oil.
Should the bread be toasted before adding the cheese?
The instructions suggest spooning the mixture onto the slices, but you can use crusty bread which provides its own firm texture.
How many shallots are in the ingredient list?
The recipe specifies using 2 shallots.