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
Scale
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
