Description
A delightful French-inspired appetizer featuring toasted baguette slices topped with savory sautéed mushrooms, aromatic thyme, and melted Gruyère cheese, finished with fresh parsley for a burst of flavor. Perfect for entertaining or a fancy snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Bread
- 1 baguette, sliced into ½-inch pieces
- 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
Mushroom Topping
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 pound mixed mushrooms (cremini, shiitake, or button), cleaned and sliced
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Finishing
- 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Toast the Baguette Slices: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lay the baguette slices evenly on a baking sheet. Brush each slice lightly with olive oil to help them crisp up during baking. Place the baking sheet in the oven and toast for about 7 to 8 minutes until the slices turn golden and slightly crisp. Remove from the oven and set aside.
- Sauté the Mushrooms: While the bread is toasting, heat the butter and the remaining olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Add the sliced mushrooms, thyme leaves, salt, and black pepper. Cook the mixture for 7 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms are tender, have released their moisture, and are lightly browned. Remove from heat.
- Assemble the Crostini: Spoon the warm mushroom mixture generously onto each toasted baguette slice. Sprinkle shredded Gruyère cheese over the mushrooms to create an even layer.
- Melt the Cheese: Return the assembled crostini to the oven for another 3 to 4 minutes, or until the Gruyère cheese has melted fully and is bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Take the crostini out of the oven and immediately sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a fresh, bright finish. Serve these warm and enjoy the perfect bite of savory mushrooms and gooey cheese atop crispy bread.
Notes
- You can prepare the mushroom mixture ahead of time and reheat slightly before assembling the crostini.
- For an indulgent touch, drizzle a small amount of truffle oil over the crostini before serving.
- Use a mixture of mushrooms (cremini, shiitake, button) for more depth of flavor and texture.
- Keep an eye on the bread while toasting to prevent burning.
