Imagine a bite-sized culinary masterpiece that combines the crunch of perfectly toasted baguette, the creamy richness of goat cheese, and the fresh, vibrant flavors of snap peas and arugula. This Snap Pea and Arugula Crostini is not just an appetizer – it's a flavor explosion that will elevate your entertaining game and leave your guests begging for the recipe. Whether you're hosting a sophisticated dinner party or looking for a quick and impressive snack, these crostini are about to become your new secret weapon in the kitchen.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 5 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 baguette, sliced
- 1 cup snap peas, blanched
- 2 cups arugula
- 4 oz goat cheese, softened
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Slice the baguette into 1/2-inch thick slices and set aside.
- In a small pot, bring water to a boil. Once boiling, add the snap peas and blanch them for about 1-2 minutes until they turn bright green and are tender-crisp. Immediately drain the peas and transfer them to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Once cooled, drain again and set aside.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the blanched snap peas and arugula. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and season with salt and pepper to taste. Toss gently to combine, ensuring the arugula and peas are evenly coated.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the baguette slices on a baking sheet in a single layer. Brush the tops of the slices with the remaining tablespoon of olive oil.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and toast the baguette slices for about 5 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crisp. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
- While the bread is toasting, take the softened goat cheese and spread a generous amount on each toasted baguette slice.
- Once the baguette slices are toasted, remove them from the oven. Top each slice with a spoonful of the snap pea and arugula mixture, ensuring an even distribution.
- Serve the crostini immediately as an appetizer or light snack, garnished with additional salt and pepper if desired.
Tips
- Blanching Perfection: When blanching snap peas, watch the timer carefully. The goal is bright green, tender-crisp peas that retain their crunch and vibrant color.
- Bread Matters: Choose a high-quality baguette with a good crust. Slice it evenly to ensure uniform toasting and a professional look.
- Goat Cheese Hack: Let the goat cheese sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before spreading. This makes it much easier to create a smooth, creamy layer.
- Olive Oil Tip: Use a pastry brush for even oil distribution when preparing the baguette slices. This ensures a golden, crispy texture.
- Serve Immediately: These crostini are best enjoyed right after preparation. The contrast between the warm, crispy bread and the cool, fresh topping is what makes this appetizer truly special.
- Variation Ideas: Feel free to experiment with different herbs or add a drizzle of honey for an extra flavor dimension.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 18g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 15mg
