An easy-to-prepare, flavor-packed appetizer that is sure to be the star of any party or get together. Also, pairs perfectly with a good glass of red wine, such as Sutter Home’s Red Blend!
This post is sponsored by Sutter Home Wines but the opinions are all my own.
The end of summer is always bitter sweet. I’m sad that the longer days and patio weather are coming to an end.
But I’m also pumped for Fall and the fast approaching holiday season. This time of year means I can enjoy a nice glass of red wine again on a chilly Fall night and there are countless fun parties to attend with family and friends.
For me, this means two things: I need a great go-to appetizer recipe I can bring to any party. And I need a great, affordable wine that pairs well with my app that I can also bring to share with family and friends!
I got you covered on both!
I’m sharing my all time favorite appetizer recipe: crostini’s with herbed cream cheese, fig jam, roast beef, and arugula. This tiny crostini is packed with huge flavor. You can describe it with just about every tasty adjectives. I’m talking sweet, salty, savory, crunchy, creamy, tangy, earthy deliciousness. They are just really really good!
Plus, they are super simple to put together. You can get this flavor-packed appetizer done in under 15 minutes. What’s better than an app that’s took you no time at all to whip together but totally impress your family and friends?!?
Let’s make this app!
First step is to cut the baguette, white or whole wheat, into about 1/2 inch slices, and drizzle each slice with olive oil and garlic salt. I like to season the actual slices of bread to add an extra, unexpected pop of flavor.
To get the crostini’s to a perfect, crispy texture, bake the seasoned baguette slices for 5 minutes in a 400 degree oven, flipping half way through. After they are baked, let them cool slightly, about 5 minutes.
Time to assemble. For each crostini, spread on a generous amount of the herbed cream cheese and fig jam. After the crostini is covered in both the creamy and sweet goodness, add a few pieces of arugula and a slice of roast beef. Complete this process until all the crostini’s are made.
These crostini’s are packed with so much flavor. It’s got the sweet salty thang from the salty bread and cream cheese and sweet, earthy fig jam. The roast beef connects all the flavors and adds umami and savoriness. The arugula serves two purposes: it provides freshness and little spicy, peppery flavor that pairs well with the other ingredients. It also adds a beautiful pop of color that makes for a pretty app.
This delicious app also pairs well with a good glass of red wine, like Sutter Home’s Red Blend. It’s got juicy red-fruit flavors with notes of vanilla and spicy oak that is a match made in heaven with the sweet and savory flavors of the crostini.
Bring a good bottle of wine and this app to a party and you are sure to be the hero of your next get together!
Roast Beef, Herbed Cream Cheese, and Fig Jam Crostini's
An easy-to-prepare, flavor-packed appetizer that is sure to be the star of any party or get together.
Ingredients
- 1 French baguette white or whole wheat
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
- 1 cup herbed cream cheese I used Boursin, light kind
- 1 cup fig jam
- 1 cup fresh arugula
- 1 pound thinly sliced roast beef good quality
Instructions
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Pre-heat oven to 400 degrees.
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Meanwhile, cut the baguette into 1/2 inch thick slices. One whole baguette should yield about 20 pieces. Add olive oil and a little garlic salt to each slice of bread.
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Toast the bread slices for 5 minutes in the oven, or until crispy and slightly golden brown. Let cool slightly.
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To each crostini, spread about a tablespoon of garlic spread, a tablespoon of fig jam, a few pieces of arugula, and a slice of roasted beef (more or less of spread and jam depending on your own personal preference). Repeat until all the crostini's are assembled.
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Serve and enjoy!
