Peppered Crostini Recipes

PEPPER-CRUSTED TENDERLOIN CROSTINI

Steps:

• In a large skillet over medium-low heat, cook onions in 3 tablespoons butter for 5 minutes or until tender. Add sugar; cook over low heat for 30-40 minutes longer or until onions are golden brown, stirring frequently. , Meanwhile, rub oil over tenderloin. Combine the pepper, garlic and salt; rub over beef. In a large skillet, brown beef on all sides. Transfer to a baking sheet. , Bake at 425° for 20-25 minutes or until meat reaches desired doneness (for medium-rare, a thermometer should read 135°; medium, 140°; medium-well, 145°). Let stand for 10 minutes., In a small bowl, beat horseradish and remaining butter until blended. Spread over bread slices. Place on a baking sheet. Broil 3-4 in. from heat for 2-3 minutes or until lightly golden brown. , Thinly slice the beef; place on toasted bread. Top with caramelized onions. Garnish with parsley.

SWEET PEPPER CROSTINI

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
• Arrange the bread slices on a baking sheet. Brush the oil over the bread slices. Bake until pale golden and crisp, about 15 minutes. Arrange the bell pepper strips atop the bread. Sprinkle with the cheese. Broil until the cheese melts, about 2 minutes.

BEEF CROSTINI WITH RED PEPPER MAYONNAISE

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
• Arrange the bread slices on 2 heavy large baking sheets. Drizzle 3 tablespoons oil over the bread slices. Bake until the crostini are pale golden and crisp, about 15 minutes.
• Blend the bell peppers and mayonnaise in a food processor until smooth and creamy. Season the bell pepper mayonnaise, to taste, with salt and pepper. Cover and refrigerate.
• Tie the beef with kitchen string to help maintain its shape. Season the beef with salt and pepper. Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon oil in a heavy small skillet over medium heat. Add the beef to the skillet and cook until brown and cooked to desired doneness, about 8 minutes for rare. Freeze the beef until it is just frozen (this will make it easier to slice), about 3 hours. Using a large sharp carving knife, cut the beef into thin slices.
• Spread the bell pepper mayonnaise over the crostini and top with the sliced beef. Arrange the crostini on a platter. Scatter over the capers, sprinkle with the coarse sea salt, and serve.
• Do-Ahead Tip: The bell pepper mayonnaise and sliced beef can be made 1 day ahead. Cover separately and refrigerate.
• Alternative: If desired, the beef tenderloin can be substituted with 1 pound freshly sliced roast beef. Since the roast beef is already cooked and can be used as is, it makes a great time-saving alternative.

ROASTED PEPPER TOMATO CROSTINI

Steps:

• Heat coals or gas grill for direct heat. Grill bread uncovered 4 to 6 inches from medium heat 4 to 6 minutes, turning once, until golden brown.
• Mix tomatoes, basil, vinegar, salt and bell peppers. Spread tomato mixture on bread. Top each slice with about 1 teaspoon cheese.
• Cover and grill 4 to 6 inches from medium heat about 5 minutes or until cheese is melted. Serve hot.

BELL PEPPER AND ONION CROSTINI WITH PESTO

Steps:

• Make toasts:
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Put baguette slices on 2 large baking sheets, then brush tops with oil and season with salt and pepper. Bake in batches in middle of oven until pale golden, about 10 minutes. Cool on a rack.
• Cook peppers and onions:
• Cook bell peppers, onions, and garlic with salt in oil in a wide 4- to 6-quart heavy pot over moderately low heat, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until softened, 20 to 25 minutes. Cover pot and continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are very tender and just starting to brown, 20 to 25 minutes more. Stir in vinegar and remove from heat.
• Make pesto while peppers cook:
• Pulse all pesto ingredients except oil in a food processor until finely chopped. With motor running, add oil in a slow stream and blend until combined well.
• Assemble crostini:
• Put about 1 tablespoon pepper mixture on each toast and top with about 1/4 teaspoon pesto.

PEPPERED CROSTINI

Steps:

• Place bread slices in a single layer on a shallow baking pan.
• Lightly brush with olive oil and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
• Generously grind black pepper over the bread and add a few grinds of sea salt to taste. Enjoy!
• Bake at 350ºF for 12-15 minutes until crisp and lightly browned.