Ingredients
- 1 baguette, sliced diagonally into 1/2-inch thick pieces
- 1 lb Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1 large red bell pepper, diced
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chiffonade
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil, plus more for brushing
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup balsamic glaze for drizzling
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Arrange baguette slices on a baking sheet. Brush both sides with olive oil.
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Bake for 5-7 minutes, flip, and bake for another 3-5 minutes until golden and crispy. Set aside.
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In a large skillet, heat 2 tbsp olive oil over medium heat.
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Add sausage and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned (about 5-7 minutes).
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Add onion and bell pepper to the skillet.
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Cook until vegetables are softened (about 5 minutes).
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Stir in minced garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Cook for another 2 minutes.
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Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
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Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil.
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Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Top each crostini with a generous spoonful of the sausage mixture.
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Arrange crostini on a serving platter.
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Drizzle with balsamic glaze just before serving.
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Garnish with additional fresh basil leaves if desired.
Bite into these Sausage Crostini and let your taste buds dance with joy! These savory little bites pack a punch of Italian-inspired flavors that will transport you straight to a cozy trattoria. The crispy baguette, topped with a hearty mixture of seasoned sausage, colorful bell peppers, and sun-dried tomatoes, creates a perfect balance of textures and tastes. Whether you’re hosting a cocktail party, looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer, or just treating yourself to a gourmet snack, these crostini are sure to impress. The drizzle of balsamic glaze adds a touch of sweetness that perfectly complements the savory toppings. So preheat that oven, brown that sausage, and get ready to serve up a platter of pure deliciousness – it’s like capturing the essence of Italy in one perfect, bite-sized morsel!