Savory Garlic Herb Crostini with Melted Provolone
Elevate your appetizer game with these Savory Garlic Herb Crostini, a delightful treat that combines crispy, golden bread with a rich garlic herb butter infused with a touch of umami from finely chopped anchovies. Despite their mysterious presence, anchovies dissolve seamlessly into the butter, enhancing the overall flavor without imparting a fishy taste. This recipe features a harmonious blend of fresh parsley, thyme, and zesty lemon, beautifully finished with melted provolone cheese. Perfect for gatherings, these crostini are sure to impress your guests while keeping your culinary secrets under wraps. Serve them warm and watch everyone savor each bite!
N/A
Servings
70
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
crusty white bread
12 slices (sliced on the diagonal (1/3 - 1/2 inch thick))
butter
1/4 cup (unsalted, melted)
fresh Italian parsley
1 1/2 tablespoons (chopped)
fresh thyme leaves
1 teaspoon (chopped)
garlic
3 cloves (minced)
lemon
1/2 teaspoon (zest, chopped)
crushed red pepper flakes
1/4 teaspoon (to taste)
anchovy fillets
4 (drained and chopped)
provolone cheese
3/4-1 cup (grated)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2
In a heavy skillet over medium heat, melt the butter until it is frothy and bubbling.
3
Add the chopped anchovy fillets to the melted butter, stirring constantly until they completely dissolve, about 3 minutes.
4
Incorporate the fresh parsley, thyme, minced garlic, lemon zest, and crushed red pepper flakes into the melted butter mixture. Stir well to combine and allow the flavors to meld for another minute.
5
Arrange the slices of crusty white bread diagonally on a baking sheet, ensuring they are evenly spaced.
6
Using a brush, generously coat the tops of each bread slice with the garlic herb butter mixture. (For a quicker option, simply dip one side of each bread slice into the butter mixture and place the buttered side up on the baking sheet.)
7
Sprinkle a generous amount of grated provolone cheese over the top of each buttered bread slice.
8
Bake in the preheated oven for 7 to 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and golden, and the edges of the bread are crisp and toasty.
9
Remove from the oven, allow to cool slightly, and serve warm as a delicious appetizer.
Nutrition Information
5g
Fat
3g
Carbs
3g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Garlic Herb Crostini with Melted Provolone?
It is an appetizer featuring crusty white bread topped with a garlic herb butter infused with anchovies and finished with melted provolone cheese.
How many slices of bread are required for this recipe?
You will need 12 slices of crusty white bread.
What is the recommended thickness for the bread slices?
The bread should be sliced on the diagonal between 1/3 to 1/2 inch thick.
At what temperature should the oven be set?
The oven should be preheated to 425 degrees Fahrenheit (220 degrees Celsius).
What role do anchovies play in this recipe?
Anchovies dissolve into the butter to provide a rich umami flavor without making the dish taste fishy.
How long does it take for the anchovies to dissolve in the butter?
It takes approximately 3 minutes of constant stirring in melted butter over medium heat.
Which herbs are used in the garlic herb butter?
The recipe uses 1 1/2 tablespoons of chopped fresh Italian parsley and 1 teaspoon of fresh thyme leaves.
How much garlic is needed for the crostini?
The recipe calls for 3 minced cloves of garlic.
Is lemon juice used in this recipe?
No, the recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of chopped lemon zest instead of juice.
What provides the heat in these crostini?
The heat comes from 1/4 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes.
What type of butter is recommended?
The recipe specifies 1/4 cup of unsalted melted butter.
How should I apply the garlic herb butter to the bread?
You can either brush the mixture generously onto the tops or dip one side of each slice directly into the butter.
What kind of cheese is used for the topping?
Grated provolone cheese is used for the topping.
How much provolone cheese is needed?
You will need between 3/4 cup to 1 cup of grated provolone.
How long do the crostini need to bake?
They should bake for 7 to 10 minutes.
How can I tell when the crostini are finished baking?
They are done when the cheese is bubbling and golden and the bread edges are crisp and toasty.
Should these be served hot or cold?
These crostini are best served warm as a delicious appetizer.
How many calories are in a serving?
Each serving contains 70 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 5 grams of fat per serving.
How much protein is in each serving?
Each serving contains 3 grams of protein.
How many carbohydrates are in these crostini?
There are 3 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How many ingredients are in this recipe in total?
There are 9 ingredients in total.
What equipment is needed to melt the butter and anchovies?
A heavy skillet used over medium heat is recommended.
How should the bread be arranged on the baking sheet?
The slices should be arranged diagonally and evenly spaced.
Is the parsley used fresh or dried?
The recipe specifically calls for fresh Italian parsley.
Can I adjust the amount of red pepper flakes?
Yes, the recipe suggests 1/4 teaspoon or to taste.
Are the anchovy fillets used whole?
No, they should be drained and chopped before being added to the butter.
What is the preparation for the thyme?
The fresh thyme leaves should be chopped.
Does the recipe include salt?
The recipe uses unsalted butter and does not call for additional salt, as the anchovies provide a salty umami flavor.
Is this recipe suitable for parties?
Yes, it is described as a perfect appetizer for gatherings and an impressive finger food.