Crustinis Recipe
Freshly baked bread topped with a variety of spreads.
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Ingredients
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Bread Base
Spreads
Method
Bread Preparation
- 1
Mixing the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water and active dry yeast. Allow it to sit for about 5 minutes until frothy.
- 2
Adding Ingredients
Add the all-purpose flour, salt, and olive oil to the yeast mixture. Stir until a shaggy dough forms.
- 3
Kneading the Dough
Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- 4
First Rise
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- 5
Shaping the Bread
After the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into small pieces. Shape each piece into a small oval or rectangle.
- 6
Second Rise
Place the shaped dough on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and let it rise for another 30 minutes.
- 7
Baking
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the crustinis for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
Spread Preparation
- 8
Cream Cheese Base
In a small bowl, soften the cream cheese at room temperature for about 15 minutes. Stir until creamy.
- 9
Roasted Red Pepper Spread
Blend roasted red peppers in a food processor until smooth. You can mix it with cream cheese for a richer spread.
- 10
- 11
Olive Spread
Chop sliced olives and mix them with cream cheese or serve them on their own as a topping.
- 12
Assembly
Once the crustinis are baked and slightly cooled, spread each with your choice of cream cheese, roasted red pepper, pesto, or olives. Top with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan.
