Cheese Crostini with Stuffed Dates and Gruyère Recipe
Introduction
Cheese crostini are a delightful and easy appetizer that combines sweet dates with savory Gruyère cheese on toasted baguette slices. This simple dish is perfect for entertaining or a quick snack that feels indulgent.
Ingredients
- 9 large dates (such as rhutab)
- 9 thick chunks of Gruyère cheese
- 9 slices of baguette
- Olive oil (to taste)
- Chives (to taste, for topping)
Instructions
- Step 1: Pit the dates carefully, removing the seeds without damaging the fruit.
- Step 2: Stuff each date with a thick chunk of Gruyère cheese.
- Step 3: Drizzle olive oil generously over the baguette slices.
- Step 4: Place a stuffed date on each slice of bread and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-18 minutes, until the cheese melts and the bread is toasted.
- Step 5: Remove from the oven and sprinkle chopped chives on top before serving.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, toast the baguette slices lightly before assembling the crostini.
- If Gruyère is unavailable, fontina or mozzarella can be good substitutes.
- Try adding a small drizzle of honey over the dates for added sweetness.
Storage
Cheese crostini are best enjoyed fresh, but leftover pieces can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in an oven or toaster oven at 350°F briefly to restore crispness before serving.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I prepare cheese crostini ahead of time?
You can assemble the crostini a few hours before baking, but it’s best to bake them just before serving to keep the bread crisp and the cheese warm.
What if I don’t have chives?
If you don’t have chives, you can top the crostini with finely chopped parsley, basil, or even a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper for a similar fresh finish.
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Cheese Crostini with Stuffed Dates and Gruyère Recipe
- Total Time: 25-28 minutes
- Yield: 9 crostini 1x
Description
Cheese Crostini is a delightful appetizer featuring sweet, stuffed dates paired with nutty Gruyère cheese atop toasted baguette slices. Drizzled with olive oil and finished with fresh chives, this easy-to-make recipe offers a perfect balance of savory and sweet, ideal for entertaining or a sophisticated snack.
Ingredients
For the Crostini
- 9 slices of baguette
- Olive oil (to taste)
For the Filling
- 9 large dates (pitted; preferably rhutab)
- 9 thick chunks of Gruyère cheese
For Garnish
- Chives (to taste, finely chopped)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dates: Begin by carefully pitting the dates to remove the seeds while keeping the dates intact for stuffing.
- Stuff the Dates: Insert a thick chunk of Gruyère cheese into each pitted date, ensuring the cheese is well nestled inside.
- Prepare the Baguette: Drizzle the baguette slices generously with olive oil on both sides to ensure they toast crisp and flavorful.
- Bake: Place the olive oil-drizzled baguette slices on a baking tray, top each slice with a stuffed date, and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-18 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the bread is golden and crispy.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and immediately sprinkle with finely chopped fresh chives to add a herby freshness. Serve warm for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- Use ripe but firm dates like rhutab for the best texture and sweetness balance.
- If Gruyère is unavailable, you can substitute with a similarly nutty meltable cheese like fontina or Comté.
- Drizzling olive oil generously on the bread before baking helps achieve a crisp and flavorful crostini base.
- Serve the crostini warm to enjoy the melted cheese and soft dates.
- For a variation, add a sprinkle of cracked black pepper or a light honey drizzle after baking for a contrast of flavors.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-18 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Keywords: Cheese Crostini, stuffed dates, appetizer, Gruyère cheese, baked crostini, savory snack, French appetizer
