Crostini Mushrooms: A Tasty Appetizer

Mushroom crostini is an appetizer or snack that involves topping crunchy mini toasts with mushrooms, creamy cheese, and herbs. The word crostini means little toasts in Italian, and the dish is characterized by its simplicity and ease of preparation. While the specific ingredients and cooking methods may vary, the basic concept involves toasting bread, spreading it with cheese, and topping it with mushrooms that have been seasoned and cooked in various ways. The mushrooms are typically sliced and cooked in a skillet with olive oil, butter, garlic, and herbs, resulting in a golden brown crust and a flavorful dish. The choice of mushrooms, cheese, and additional ingredients can be customized to create different variations of mushroom crostini.

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How to make mushroom crostini

Mushroom crostini are a simple, vegetarian appetizer that is perfect for entertaining. They are easy to make and full of bold, bright flavours. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make mushroom crostini:

Ingredients:

• Baguette
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Mushrooms (any variety, but cremini, shiitake, oyster, portobello and wild mushrooms are recommended)
• Butter
• Garlic
• Lemon
• Thyme
• Goat cheese (or cream cheese, whipped feta, mascarpone, or ricotta)
• Black pepper
• Chives

Method:

• Cut the baguette into 1/4-inch thick slices, preferably cut on an angle.
• Brush both sides of the bread slices with olive oil and sprinkle with salt.
• Bake the bread in the oven until it is crisp and lightly browned, but not dried out. This should only take about 10 minutes.
• While the bread is baking, prepare the mushrooms. Clean the mushrooms with a brush or damp paper towel and cut them into similar-sized pieces.
• Heat a skillet with olive oil and cook the mushrooms until they are golden brown and tender.
• Add butter, garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, and thyme to the mushrooms and stir well.
• Spread a thin layer of goat cheese onto the toasted bread slices. This creates a barrier so that the toast doesn't get soggy.
• Top the cheese with a couple of tablespoons of the mushroom mixture.
• Garnish with freshly cracked black pepper and chopped chives.
• Arrange the crostini on a platter and serve.

The crostini tastes best when enjoyed within an hour of topping the bread with the mushrooms. You can also prepare the toasts up to two days in advance and store them in an airtight container to stay crisp.

The best mushrooms for crostini

Crostini are thin, small slices of bread, typically baguette, that are brushed with olive oil and baked until crisp. They are served with various toppings, such as vegetables, cheeses, and mushrooms, among others.

Mushroom crostini are a simple yet elegant hors d'oeuvre that can be served warm or at room temperature. They are a great vegetarian option and pair well with a variety of wines, such as pinot noir, syrah, or zinfandel.

When making mushroom crostini, it is important to use mushrooms that hold their shape well during cooking. Some recommended mushroom varieties for crostini include:

• Cremini or baby bella mushrooms: These brown mushrooms hold their shape well and have an earthy, savory flavor.
• Wild mushrooms: Using a variety of wild mushrooms, such as shiitake, oyster, and button mushrooms, can add multiple layers of earthy flavors to your crostini.
• Button mushrooms: Basic button mushrooms are a good option and are readily available.

To prepare the mushrooms, clean them with a mushroom brush or a damp paper towel and slice them into pieces. Then, combine them with olive oil, salt, pepper, chopped garlic, and thyme before roasting in the oven.

In addition to the mushrooms, crostini also typically include other toppings such as cheese, onions, and herbs. Goat cheese, ricotta, and herbed goat cheese are popular choices to spread on the crostini before adding the mushrooms. Caramelized onions are also a common topping that adds a sweet and savory element to the dish.

How to make crostini

Crostini are "little toasts" in Italian and are the perfect appetizer for any get-together. They are easy to make and can be topped with a variety of ingredients. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make crostini:

Ingredients:

• Baguette
• Olive oil
• Salt (optional)
• Toppings of your choice (e.g. cured meats, cheeses, veggies, herbs, fruit, dips, etc.)

Instructions:

• Preheat your oven to 400-450°F. Line a large, rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. If you have a smaller baking sheet, you may need to bake the crostini in batches.
• Slice your baguette on a diagonal into bite-sized pieces, about 1/4-1/2 inch thick. The average slice of baguette is about 3 inches wide and 1 3/4 inches tall, so you can halve each slice for bite-sized crostini.
• Lightly brush both sides of each slice with olive oil. You can also drizzle the oil, using about 1 teaspoon of oil for every 8 crostini.
• Arrange the slices in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
• Bake the crostini for 4 to 12 minutes, or until they are crisp and golden. The ideal crostini should be uniformly crispy with a hint of softness in the center. Keep a close eye on them as they cook, as they can go from undercooked to overcooked quickly.
• Remove the crostini from the oven before they turn uniformly brown. Let them cool to room temperature.
• Top the crostini with your desired toppings. You can add cured meats, cheeses, veggies, herbs, fruit, dips, or spreads like hummus or garlic yogurt. Get creative and experiment with different combinations!
• Sprinkle with flaky sea salt, if desired.
• Serve and enjoy!

You can make crostini ahead of time and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-48 hours, depending on the recipe. They are a versatile appetizer that can be customized to your taste and are perfect for parties or a fun light meal.

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The difference between crostini and bruschetta

While crostini and bruschetta share similarities, they are distinct dishes. Both are Italian recipes that involve toasted bread with toppings served as appetizers. However, several differences set them apart.

The primary distinction lies in the type of bread used. Bruschetta is typically made with a thick slice of rustic sourdough bread, while crostini are smaller and made with thinner slices of bread. The bread used for bruschetta is also often described as having a larger diameter. Crostini bread, on the other hand, tends to be drier and harder, toasted all the way through to the core, resulting in a crisp texture.

The preparation methods for the bread also differ. Bruschetta bread is brushed with extra virgin olive oil and rubbed with fresh garlic before being toasted until slightly charred. In contrast, crostini bread is simply toasted or baked until crisp, sometimes with a pinch of salt added, and may be brushed with olive oil before or after toasting.

The toppings for bruschetta typically include fresh diced tomatoes and basil, creating a classic combination. However, bruschetta may also be served without this traditional mixture. Crostini, on the other hand, can be topped with a variety of ingredients, both savoury and sweet. Popular savoury toppings for crostini include mushrooms, onions, cheese, herbs, and arugula, while sweet options may include caramelized onions, fruits, or a drizzle of honey.

In terms of presentation, bruschetta is often served as a whole appetizer, with a single piece of bread and toppings. Crostini, due to their smaller size, are usually served as part of a collection on a tray or buffet-style, alongside other dishes.

What to serve with mushroom crostini

Mushroom crostini is a simple yet elegant hors d'oeuvre that can be served as a delicious vegetarian option at parties or get-togethers. It is typically made with a combination of mushrooms, veggies, and cheese served on crunchy mini toasts. Here are some ideas on what to serve with mushroom crostini:

Cheese

The type of cheese you choose can significantly enhance the flavour of your mushroom crostini. Here are some options to consider:

• Goat cheese: Spread a thin layer of goat cheese on the toast before adding the mushrooms. This adds a creamy texture and a tangy flavour.
• Cream cheese: For a milder flavour, cream cheese is a good alternative. It can be spread on the toast or mixed with the mushrooms to make a creamy topping.
• Whipped feta, mascarpone, or Boursin: These cheeses can be used in place of goat cheese for a different flavour profile.
• Brie or mild blue cheese: If you're looking for a stronger flavour, these cheeses can be spread on the crostini or served on the side.
• Ricotta: Roasted Wild Mushroom Crostini with a garlic basil ricotta spread is a tasty variation. The creamy ricotta pairs well with the earthy flavour of roasted mushrooms.

Herbs and Spices

Adding fresh herbs and spices to your mushroom crostini can elevate the dish and provide a burst of flavour. Here are some options:

• Thyme: Fresh thyme is a perfect complement to the lemon and garlic flavours in the crostini.
• Rosemary: This herb adds a fragrant, woody flavour to the mushrooms.
• Chives: Chopped chives can be sprinkled on top of the crostini for added flavour and a beautiful green colour.
• Parsley, basil, or oregano: These herbs can be added to the cheese spread or sprinkled on top of the mushrooms for a fresh flavour.
• Red pepper flakes: If you like your food with a kick, add some red pepper flakes along with the garlic.

Accompaniments

Serving mushroom crostini with the right accompaniments can make it a more substantial offering at your gathering. Here are some ideas:

• Wine: Mushroom crostini pairs well with a glass of wine. Try a fuller-bodied wine like Pinot Noir, Syrah, Zinfandel, or barrel-aged Chardonnay. For something lighter, a Malbec or Riesling would be a good choice.
• Charcuterie board: Offering a selection of meats, cheeses, and crackers alongside your mushroom crostini can elevate your appetiser spread.
• Salads or sandwiches: For a lighter meal, serve mushroom crostini with a caprese salad (fresh mozzarella, basil, and tomatoes) or mini cucumber sandwiches.
• Dips: Spinach artichoke dip or garlic jalapeno dip can be served alongside mushroom crostini for added flavour and texture.

Variations

You can also experiment with different variations of mushroom crostini to keep things interesting:

• Wild mushrooms: If you want to impress your guests, try using a mixture of wild mushrooms like shiitake, oyster, and cremini, or portobello mushrooms.
• Vegan option: For vegan guests, simply omit the cheese or use a vegan cheese alternative. You can also drizzle extra olive oil on top for added flavour.
• Gluten-free: Use a gluten-free baguette to make gluten-free crostini that everyone can enjoy.
• Sauces: Experiment with different sauces like pesto, pesto mayo, or romesco sauce. You can spread them on the bread or drizzle them over the finished crostini.

Frequently asked questions