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Rustic Italian Beef Crostini Recipe

Rustic Italian Beef Crostini Recipe


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4.6 from 30 reviews

  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 13 1x

Description

Succulent Italian beef crostini blends rich, tender meat with crisp bread for an irresistible appetizer. Garlic, herbs, and parmesan elevate this classic Italian-inspired small plate that you’ll savor with each delightful bite.


Ingredients

Scale
  • ½ lb (225 g) roast beef (deli-sliced or leftover cooked beef)
  • 1 baguette, sliced into 12 thin rounds
  • ½ cup (50 g) mozzarella or provolone cheese, shredded
  • 2 tbsps Parmesan cheese, grated
  • ½ cup (120 ml) beef broth
  • 2 tbsps olive oil
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • ¼ cup (30 g) roasted red peppers, finely diced
  • 2 tbsps fresh basil or parsley, chopped
  • Balsamic glaze (optional, for drizzling)

Instructions

  1. Crostini Preparation: Preheat oven to 375F (190C), arrange baguette slices on baking sheet, and generously coat both sides with olive oil for optimal crispiness.
  2. Toasting Process: Bake bread slices until transforming into golden-brown crostini, rotating midway to ensure uniform coloration and crisp texture.
  3. Broth Infusion: Craft a savory liquid blend in skillet by mixing Italian seasoning, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, and beef broth to create an aromatic foundation.
  4. Beef Warming: Gently immerse roast beef slices in herbal broth, allowing them to become tender and absorb rich flavors without compromising texture.
  5. Cheese Layering: Arrange warmed beef atop crisp baguette pieces, then lavishly cover with mozzarella, provolone, and Parmesan cheese for a decadent melted covering.
  6. Final Baking: Return assembled crostini to oven, monitoring until cheese melts into a bubbly, golden blanket that envelops the beef perfectly.
  7. Garnishing: Embellish with roasted red pepper strips and fresh basil or parsley, creating a vibrant visual and flavor profile.
  8. Serving: Optional balsamic glaze drizzle adds subtle sweetness, then serve immediately while crostini remain warm, crisp, and irresistibly aromatic.

Notes

  • Optimize Bread Selection: Choose a crusty baguette with firm texture to prevent sogginess and maintain crispness after toasting.
  • Prevent Meat Overcooking: Warm roast beef gently in broth, keeping slices tender by monitoring heat and removing immediately once heated through.
  • Cheese Melting Technique: Sprinkle cheeses in layers, starting with mozzarella as base, then provolone, finishing with Parmesan for complex flavor and ideal melting consistency.
  • Customize for Dietary Needs: Swap regular beef with turkey or plant-based alternatives, use gluten-free baguette for accommodating different dietary restrictions while maintaining recipe’s core essence.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 13
  • Calories: 138
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 295 mg
  • Fat: 7 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 12 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 8 g
  • Cholesterol: 20 mg