Serrano and Manchego Tapa Crostini
This delectable Serrano and Manchego Tapa Crostini combines the rich flavors of Spanish cuisine with a delightful crunch. Ideal for entertaining, these little bites feature a perfectly toasted whole grain baguette topped with slices of savory Serrano ham and creamy Manchego cheese. Drizzled with aromatic olive oil and accented by a hint of garlic, these crostinis are the perfect appetizer for wine and cheese parties or casual gatherings. Easy to prepare and deliciously satisfying, they will have your guests reaching for more in no time!
24
Servings
100
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
Whole grain baguette
1 (cut into 1/4-inch to 1/3-inch slices)
Serrano ham
1/4 lb (sliced thin and to fit the baguette slices)
Manchego cheese
8 ounces (sliced thin and slightly smaller than the ham)
Olive oil
2 tablespoons (for brushing and sautéing)
Garlic
2 teaspoons (minced)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven's broiler to high and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2
In a small skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until lightly browned and fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. If you prefer a milder flavor, consider removing the garlic from the oil and discarding it, leaving just the infused oil.
3
Arrange the baguette slices on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Brush each slice generously with the garlic-infused olive oil.
4
Begin assembling the crostinis by placing a slice of Serrano ham on each baguette slice, followed by a slice of Manchego cheese on top.
5
Place the baking sheet under the broiler and cook for 2-4 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the ham is warmed through. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.
6
Remove from the oven and serve immediately as a delightful tapa or appetizer.
Nutrition Information
6.7g
Fat
9.2g
Carbs
3.3g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Serrano and Manchego Tapa Crostini?
It is a Spanish-inspired appetizer featuring toasted whole grain baguette slices topped with savory Serrano ham and creamy Manchego cheese, finished with garlic-infused olive oil.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe yields 24 servings.
What type of bread is recommended for the crostini?
The recipe calls for one whole grain baguette, cut into 1/4-inch to 1/3-inch slices.
What are the main ingredients in this recipe?
The five main ingredients are a whole grain baguette, Serrano ham, Manchego cheese, olive oil, and minced garlic.
How do I prepare the garlic-infused oil?
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat, add 2 teaspoons of minced garlic, and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and lightly browned.
Can I make the garlic flavor milder?
Yes, after sautéing the garlic in the oil, you can remove and discard the garlic pieces, using only the infused oil to brush the bread.
How long should I broil the crostinis?
Broil them for 2-4 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the ham is warmed through.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 100 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each crostini contains 6.7g of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in each serving?
There are 9.2g of carbohydrates per serving.
What is the protein content of these crostinis?
Each serving provides 3.3g of protein.
How much Serrano ham do I need?
You will need 1/4 lb of Serrano ham, sliced thin to fit the baguette slices.
How much Manchego cheese is required?
The recipe requires 8 ounces of Manchego cheese, sliced thin.
Is this recipe considered easy to make?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe and is ideal for quick entertaining.
What category does this dish belong to?
It is categorized under Appetizers and is a type of Spanish tapa.
Should I serve these hot or cold?
They should be served immediately after removing them from the oven for the best flavor and texture.
Can I use parchment paper for baking?
Yes, the instructions recommend lining a baking sheet with parchment paper before arranging the bread.
What are some recommended pairings for this dish?
These crostinis are perfect for wine and cheese parties and pair well with various wines.
How should I layer the ingredients?
First, brush the bread with garlic oil, then place a slice of Serrano ham, and finally top it with a slice of Manchego cheese.
What should the oven setting be?
Set your oven's broiler to high.
How should the Manchego cheese be sized?
The cheese should be sliced slightly smaller than the ham slices.
Is there any fiber in this recipe?
The provided nutritional data does not list a specific amount for fiber.
Is there any sugar in this recipe?
The provided nutritional data does not list any sugar content.
What kind of oil should I use?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
What is the total number of ingredients?
The recipe uses 5 specific ingredients.
Can I substitute the Manchego cheese?
While Manchego provides the authentic Spanish flavor, other firm sheep's milk cheeses can be used if it is unavailable.
What are some relevant tags for this recipe?
Tags include crostini, tapas, Spanish cuisine, wine pairing, and party food.
How do I prevent the crostinis from burning?
Keep a close eye on them while they are under the broiler, as they only take 2-4 minutes to cook.
Is this recipe suitable for casual gatherings?
Yes, its easy preparation and finger-food format make it perfect for casual hosting.
What is the primary flavor profile of this tapa?
It features a balance of savory, salty ham, creamy cheese, and aromatic garlic with a crunchy base.