Crispy Provolone and Anchovy Crostini

Ingredients

• 1 baguette or Italian bread, sliced 1 baguette or Italian bread, sliced
• 200g (7oz) provolone cheese, sliced 200g (7oz) provolone cheese, sliced
• 12 anchovy fillets 12 anchovy fillets
• Olive oil, for drizzling Olive oil, for drizzling
• Fresh parsley, for garnish Fresh parsley, for garnish
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 15g, 8g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 18g, 1g
• Protein: 12g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. 2.
   Place the bread slices on a baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil. Season with salt and pepper.
3. 3.
   Bake the bread slices for about 10 minutes, or until they are golden and crispy.
4. 4.
   Remove the baking sheet from the oven and place a slice of provolone cheese on each bread slice.
5. 5.
   Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. 6.
   Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the crostini cool slightly.
7. 7.
   Top each crostini with 1 or 2 anchovy fillets.
8. 8.
   Garnish with fresh parsley and serve.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Provolone cheese — To achieve a crispy texture, make sure to slice the provolone cheese thinly. Thicker slices may not melt and crisp up properly.
• Anchovy fillets — If you prefer a milder flavor, you can soak the anchovy fillets in milk for a few minutes before using them. This will help reduce their saltiness.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra kick of flavor, you can add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes on top of the melted cheese.
• If you're not a fan of anchovies, you can substitute them with sliced olives or roasted red peppers for a different twist.
• Make sure to keep an eye on the crostini while they are in the oven to prevent them from burning.
• Serve the crostini warm for the best taste and texture.
• Experiment with different types of bread, such as sourdough or ciabatta, to add variety to the dish.

Serving advice

Serve the Crispy Provolone and Anchovy Crostini as an appetizer or snack. They can be enjoyed on their own or paired with a fresh green salad.

Presentation advice

Arrange the crostini on a platter, garnish with fresh parsley, and drizzle with a little extra olive oil for an elegant presentation.