If you're looking for a delicious and easy appetizer that captures the flavors of Tuscany, you need to try these Tuscan Crostini with Sausage and Stracchino Cheese. This traditional Italian dish is perfect for any occasion and is sure to impress your guests.
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.
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๐งพ 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 ยฝ 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.
๐ณ 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.
๐ฅฃ Variations
- Vegetarian Crostini: Replace the sausage with sautรฉed 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.
๐ 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.
๐ฝ Serving Suggestions
Tuscan Crostini with Sausage and Stracchino Cheese is best served warm, right out of the oven. Arrange the crostini on a large platter and garnish with fresh herbs for a beautiful presentation. These crostini make an excellent appetizer for any Italian-themed meal and pair wonderfully with a glass of Chianti or any dry red wine.
โ๏ธ 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 350ยฐF (175ยฐC) 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 350ยฐF (175ยฐC) for 5-10 minutes or until the sausage is heated through.
๐ญ Recipe FAQs
Yes, Taleggio, Crescenza, or even goat cheese can be used as substitutes for Stracchino cheese.
You can use chorizo, chicken sausage, or any other sausage available to you. Tuscan sausage is already seasoned with salt, and pepper, so adjust the seasonings accordingly.
Yes, you can assemble the crostini and store them in the refrigerator or freeze them before baking. Reheat as needed.
๐ซถ Related recipes you might like
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If you tried this recipe, please take a moment to rate it and share your thoughts in the comments. Your feedback means a lot to me! โ โ โ โ โ
๐ RECIPE
Tuscan Crostini with Sausage and Stracchino Cheese
Ingredients
- 1 loaf Crusty Bread
- 2 Tuscan or Italian Sausages, seasoned only with salt and pepper
- 4.40 oz Stracchino Cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400ยฐF / 200ยฐC.
- Remove the sausage meat from the casings and add it into a medium bowl.
- Add the Stracchino cheese to the bowl and the ground black pepper.
- Mix the ingredients with a fork until fully incorporated.
- Slice the crusty bread in thick slices and arrange them on a baking sheet. Spread the sausage mixture on the slices.
- Bake the crostini in the oven for about 10 minutes or until the sausage is fully cooked through. Turn on the broiler for a couple of minutes to give them a golden top.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
Luke S.
I'm glad I could find the right ingredients at my local Italian deli because these crostini are de-li-cious!
Jessica Montanelli
Thank you Luke, I'm glad you like them! ๐