Description
Mushroom and Gruyère Crostini is an elegant and simple appetizer that pairs the earthy richness of sautéed mushrooms with the creamy, nutty flavor of Gruyère cheese. Crispy toasted bread serves as a perfect base, topped with warm mushrooms and melted cheese for a delightful bite-sized treat ideal for entertaining or cozy nights in. Quick to prepare yet impressive and versatile, this appetizer is a favorite for any occasion.
Ingredients
Bread
- Baguette or rustic bread, sliced 1/2-inch thick
Mushrooms & Aromatics
- Fresh cremini or button mushrooms, sliced
- Garlic, finely chopped
- Fresh thyme or parsley, chopped
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Cheese
- Gruyère cheese, grated or thinly sliced
Fats
- Butter
- Olive oil
Instructions
- Prepare the Bread: Slice your baguette or rustic bread into 1/2-inch thick pieces. Brush each slice lightly with olive oil or melted butter on both sides. Toast under a broiler or in a hot pan until golden and crisp, about 2-3 minutes per side. Set aside.
- Sauté the Mushrooms: Heat a mixture of butter and olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add finely chopped garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add sliced mushrooms, salt, and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until mushrooms release moisture and become tender and golden, around 7-8 minutes. Finish by stirring in fresh thyme or parsley.
- Assemble the Crostini: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spoon the warm mushroom mixture generously over each toasted bread slice. Top with grated or thinly sliced Gruyère cheese.
- Melt the Cheese: Arrange the prepared crostini on a baking sheet and bake for 5-7 minutes until the Gruyère is melted and bubbly. Watch closely to avoid burning the bread.
- Serve and Enjoy: Remove the crostini from the oven and let sit for a minute to cool slightly. Garnish with additional fresh herbs if desired, then serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Use day-old bread: Slightly stale bread toasts up crispier with less sogginess under the toppings.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: Sauté mushrooms in batches if needed to get a nice golden brown without steaming.
- Grate cheese finely: It melts faster and distributes more evenly on each crostini.
- Season at multiple stages: Season mushrooms and finished crostini lightly to layer flavor complexity.
- Serve promptly: For the ideal balance of crunchy bread and gooey cheese, serve the crostini right after baking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 crostini
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg