Recipe: Roasted Red Pepper and Goat Cheese Crostini with Caramelized Onions and Fennel
Introduction
Ingredients
For the crostini:
- 1 baguette, sliced into ½-inch thick rounds
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the roasted red pepper spread:
- 2 large red bell peppers
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the caramelized onions and fennel:
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- 1 fennel bulb, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the goat cheese topping:
- 8 ounces goat cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
- Zest of 1 lemon
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the crostini
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the baguette slices on a baking sheet. Brush both sides with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Bake for about 10 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
Step 2: Roast the red peppers
Place the red bell peppers on a baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil. Season with salt and pepper. Roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the skin is charred and blistered. Remove from the oven and let cool. Once cooled, peel off the skin, remove the seeds, and chop the peppers into small pieces.
Step 3: Caramelize the onions and fennel
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and fennel, and cook for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are golden brown and caramelized. Sprinkle with brown sugar, salt, and pepper, and continue cooking for another 5 minutes.
Step 4: Prepare the goat cheese topping
In a small bowl, combine the goat cheese, chopped basil, and lemon zest. Mix until well combined.
Step 5: Assemble the crostini
Spread a layer of the roasted red pepper mixture onto each crostini. Top with a spoonful of the caramelized onions and fennel. Finally, add a dollop of the goat cheese mixture on top.
Conclusion
This recipe for Roasted Red Pepper and Goat Cheese Crostini with Caramelized Onions and Fennel is a delicious and elegant appetizer that will impress your guests. The combination of flavors from the roasted red peppers, sweet caramelized onions and fennel, and creamy goat cheese creates a perfect balance. Serve these crostini at your next gathering or enjoy them as a tasty snack!