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Start your meal with Brussels sprouts and burrata crostini for the best appetizer! This simple but amazing toast features caramelized Brussels sprouts, spiced pistachios, sweet dates, and lemon zest for one incredible bite.
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What makes this dish special
Nowadays all I want to do is bake bread. The first thing I wanted to do when I returned from vacation was make a batch of baguettes. So instead of making a half batch like I normally do, I made the full batch and am now fully stocked with 6 baguettes. Now begs the question, "What to do with all these baguettes?" The first answer was to make crostini.
I wanted to make these crostini the star of the meal so I pulled out all the showstoppers and created these magnificent Brussels sprouts and burrata crostini. Topped with caramelized Brussels sprouts, spiced pistachios, sweet dates, and lemon zest, these are without a doubt, my favorite crostini (alongside coppa focaccia toast, charred ricotta toast, and black bean hummus tartine, of course!)
Ingredients
- Pistachios: Add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor to the crostini. You can substitute pistachios with pecans, walnuts, pine nuts, or any nut.
- Smoked paprika: Contributes a warm, smoky flavor that elevates the roasted pistachios.
- Brussels sprouts: When roasted, they develop a sweet, caramelized flavor that pairs beautifully with the creamy burrata and adds a touch of bitterness.
- Crusty bread: Use any sturdy crusty bread such as sourdough, French loaf, or baguette.
- Burrata: Burrata cheese is crucial for its rich, creamy texture and mild flavor. It adds luxurious creaminess to each crostini.
- Dates: Introduce natural sweetness to the dish, balancing out the savory flavors from the Brussels sprouts and cheese.
- Flaky sea salt: Used as a finishing touch to enhance all the flavors in the crostini.
Substitutions and variations
- Gluten-free: Use your favorite gluten-free French loaf or baguette.
- Spicy: Add red chili flakes or chopped Calabrian chilies for a spicy kick.
- Toppings: You can include other toppings such as sliced prosciutto, chopped bacon bits, grated parmesan, or a sprinkle of sumac.
Recipe
Brussels Sprouts and Burrata Crostini
Ingredients
Spiced pistachios
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon honey
- ½ cup pistachios
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Brussels sprouts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound brussels sprouts halved
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- salt and pepper
Remaining ingredients
- 6-8 slices crusty bread about ½ inch thick
- 8 ounces burrata at room temperature
- ¼ cup chopped dates
- flaky sea salt
- extra virgin olive oil for finishing
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- Make pistachios. Melt butter with honey in the microwave. Add pistachios, smoked paprika, and salt to the honey butter, mixing well to coat. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spread the pistachios on the baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown, stirring once halfway through. Remove from the oven and transfer the pistachios onto clean parchment paper. Let cool completely then chop the pistachios.
- Increase oven to 425 degrees F.
- Toss the brussels sprouts with oil, salt, pepper, and minced garlic. Roast the sprouts for 10 minutes. Flip the sprouts over and cook another 5-10 minutes or until tender and lightly charred. Remove from heat and toss with the lemon zest and juice. Keep warm.
- Brush the slices of bread with olive oil and toast in the oven for 5-7 minutes or until golden brown. Top each slice with burrata, brussels sprouts, chopped dates, and spiced chopped pistachios. Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top and finish with a drizzle of olive oil. Serve warm.
Notes
Step-by-step instructions
Step 1: Prepare toppings
Although the crostini seems like a lot of work, you only need to prepare two items, the spiced pistachios, and the Brussels sprouts. That doesn't sound too bad, right?
To make the pistachios, toss them in melted butter, honey, smoked paprika, and salt. Bake them until golden brown, about 10-12 minutes.
Stir the nuts after about 5 minutes to get an even caramelization and immediately transfer them to a clean parchment paper when done.
While the nuts are cooling, cook the Brussels sprouts. You can cook the sprouts in the oven, the stovetop, or even the air fryer
When roasting the sprouts, make sure to flip them over to get even browning on both sides. Finish the vegetable with lemon juice and zest and keep warm.
Step 2: Assemble
Now it's time to assemble. Top lightly toasted baguette or crusty bread with room-temperature burrata, Brussels sprouts, chopped dates, and spiced pistachios.
It's best to serve the toast with room-temperature burrata to enjoy the full creamy effect of the cheese.
Finish the toast with flaky sea salt and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.
If you forgot to let the burrata come to room temperature, assemble the Brussels sprouts and burrata crostini and pop them in the oven at 350 degrees F for 3-4 minutes or until the cheese is warm. This appetizer is best served warm so don't be afraid to heat them in the oven for just a couple of minutes.
With his first bite, my husband said that these crostini were absolutely delicious. They reminded him of the tapas we enjoyed in Spain; I'll take that compliment! Make these for yourself or share them at your next gathering!
For another delicious appetizer, check out this savory baked brie with sun-dried tomato pesto!
Make-ahead and storage
- Make-ahead: You can assemble the crostini ahead of time and gently reheat them in the oven until warm before serving. Alternatively, you can make the spiced pistachios and roast the Brussels sprouts ahead of time. Store them separately in airtight containers until ready to assemble.
- Store: These are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, store the components separately in the refrigerator and reassemble them when ready to eat.
Frequently asked questions
If burrata is unavailable, you could use fresh mozzarella, ricotta, or even goat cheese as alternatives.
The Brussels sprouts should be tender and lightly charred when done. They typically take about 15-20 minutes total, with flipping halfway through.
I love to pair this dish with curry spiced roasted chicken, herby shrimp with tomato shallot sauce, or smoked salmon pasta.
More Brussels sprouts recipes
Looking for more dishes featuring Brussels sprouts? Try these:
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