Tuscan Crostini with Sausage and Stracchino Cheese

These Crostini with Sausage and Stracchino, are typical in Tuscany, Italy. They're especially popular in my hometown of Siena where you're sure to find them on the table at most family gatherings.

These rustic crostini are topped with savory Italian sausage and creamy Stracchino cheese, baked in the oven until golden and delicious. Real Tuscan sausage (sweet, with black pepper) and Stracchino cheese may be difficult to find. I found them at an Italian specialty grocery store but they're also available online.

Whether you're hosting a dinner party or just looking for a quick snack, this recipe is a fantastic choice.

For more Tuscan appetizers, check out also "Pappa al Pomodoro" Tuscan Bread & Tomatoes and this Classic Tomato Bruschetta.

🧾 Ingredients

• Crusty Bread: A key component of any crostini, the bread should be fresh and crusty. Opt for a baguette, ciabatta, or any rustic Italian bread that can hold up to the toppings. Look for a bread that has a firm crust and soft interior. Slice it into ½ inch thick pieces for the perfect base.
• Italian Sausages: Italian sausages add a rich and savory flavor to the crostini. For this crostini you should use Tuscan sausage, which has a coarse texture and flavored only with black pepper. But if you can't find it, I recommend using a plain sweet Italian sausage.
• Stracchino Cheese: Stracchino is a soft, creamy cheese from Italy with a mild and slightly tangy flavor. It melts beautifully, making it an ideal topping for crostini. If you can't find Stracchino cheese, look for Taleggio or Crescenza as good substitutes.
• Black Pepper: Use freshly ground black pepper for the best flavor. Adjust the amount according to your taste.

See the recipe card for quantities.

🍳 Substitutions

• Bread: If you don't have crusty bread, you can use any firm bread like sourdough or even toasted whole wheat bread.
• Sausages: For a different flavor, you can use chorizo, chicken sausage, or even vegetarian sausage.
• Cheese: As mentioned, Taleggio or Crescenza are excellent substitutes for Stracchino cheese. You can also use a soft goat cheese for a different twist.

🥣 Variations

• Vegetarian Crostini: Replace the sausage with sautéed mushrooms or a mix of roasted vegetables for a vegetarian option.
• Herb-Infused Crostini: Add fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or basil to the sausage mixture for added aroma and flavor.
• Sweet and Spicy Crostini: Drizzle a bit of honey over the finished crostini for a sweet contrast to the savory sausage and cheese.
• Garlic Crostini: Rub a cut garlic clove over the toasted bread slices before adding the toppings for an extra layer of flavor.

📋 Instructions with Photos

Step 1. Remove the sausage meat from the casings and mix it in a bowl with the Stracchino cheese and season with black pepper.

Step 2. Slice the crusty bread and spread the topping evenly on each slice. Bake until golden brown on top and serve immediately.

❄️ Storage & Reheating

If you have any leftover crostini, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the crostini on a baking sheet. Bake for about 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the bread is heated through. Avoid using the microwave as it can make the bread soggy.

For longer storage, you can freeze the prepared crostini before baking. Place the assembled crostini on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. To reheat, bake the frozen crostini in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes or until the sausage is heated through.

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