Hello, I’m Elaina, the Food Blogger At Food And Meal. Today, I’m thrilled to share with you a recipe that’s a delightful blend of Italian flavors – Crostini de Mozzarella aux Baies Roses. This dish combines the creamy mozzarella on crispy crostini, topped with the unique flavor of pink peppercorns, creating an appetizer that’s both elegant and delicious. It’s a perfect way to start a meal or to enjoy as a special treat. So, let’s embark on this culinary journey and explore the wonderful world of Crostini de Mozzarella aux Baies Roses together.

Crostini de mozzarella aux baies roses

crostini de mozzarella aux baies roses

"Baies Roses” – In English you can call them “Pink Peppercorns”. I discovered these gorgeous dried berries in one of my favourite French recipe books, Apéros et petits plats d’été…a tiny little book which I purchased from a crowded Parisian bookshop in Montmartre about a year ago. This recipe called for pepperoncino OR baies roses…and since I had never used these cute little pink berries before, I definitely opted for them!

They do differ greatly in taste from their dark counterpart, the black peppercorn, as they have a milder, sweeter taste to them which I found very palate-pleasing. These pink peppercorns are actually the dried berries [hence the name] from the baie rose plant and originate from Madagascar then are exported worldwide [more importantly France]. Luckily I had no problems locating them and was very pleased to finally make this recipe that so caught my eye!

Truly, the recipe couldn’t be simpler…fresh baguette, fresh mozzarella, olive oil, baies roses, oh and little crushed chilies for some proper heat! Bring it all together and you have a fresh & bright crostini appetiser that I feel can be served just as well on a hot summer’s day picnic or on a cool wintery evening of food and drinks. Either way, you won’t be disappointed in the amount of flavour punch packed on this crostini.

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Prep Time 5

Cook Time 10

Total Time 15

Course Side Dish

Cuisine Italian

Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

1 oven

Ingredients

Fresh baguette sliced diagonally
Fresh ball of mozzarella di Bufala Campana thickly sliced
Baies roses lightly crushed [keeping some whole]
Extra-virgin olive oil
Coarse Sea Salt
Red chilies crushed

Instructions

Drizzle olive oil on top of baguette slices, sprinkle with sea salt.
Set in preheated oven of 350° and toast for 10 minutes.
Remove from oven and let cool slightly. Place a piece of mozzarella on each slice of bread. Sprinkle the baies roses over the soft and fresh mozzarella.
Add a little bit of crushed red chilies for heat and drizzle lightly with olive (if desired).
Plate and enjoy!

Video

Keyword Baies roses, Fresh baguette, mozzarella

About Crostini de mozzarella aux baies roses

Crostini de Mozzarella aux Baies Roses is a delightful blend of Italian flavors. This recipe combines the creamy mozzarella on crispy crostini, topped with the unique flavor of pink peppercorns, creating an appetizer that’s both elegant and delicious. Originating from Italy where crostini, mozzarella, and pink peppercorns are popular ingredients, this dish offers a unique gastronomic experience that’s both satisfying and flavorful.

Cooking Tips

Choose a good quality baguette for the crostini. It should be crusty on the outside and soft on the inside.
Slice the baguette thinly and toast it until it’s golden brown for the best texture.
Use fresh mozzarella for its creamy and mild flavor.
Crush the pink peppercorns slightly to release their flavor before sprinkling them on the mozzarella.
Assemble the crostini just before serving to prevent them from becoming soggy.

Serving Suggestions

Crostini de mozzarella aux baies roses goes well with many dishes. I would suggest pairing it with a light salad or vegetable side to balance the richness of the mozzarella and complement the sweetness of the pink peppercorns.

Some serving suggestions:

Serve on a bed of mixed greens or arugula with balsamic vinaigrette and toasted pine nuts or almonds
Pair with roasted beets and goat cheese
Serve alongside grilled zucchini, eggplant, or asparagus
Top with prosciutto and fresh figs
Garnish with microgreens and drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice
Accompany with oven-roasted tomatoes seasoned with garlic and herbs

The possibilities are endless! Play around with different flavor combinations and textures to find what you enjoy most with the crostini. The sweet and salty mozzarella makes a nice base for both savory and slightly sweet toppings.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use other types of bread instead of baguette? Yes, you can use other types of crusty bread like ciabatta or sourdough.
Can I make the crostini in advance? The bread slices can be toasted in advance, but it’s best to assemble the crostini just before serving to keep them crisp.
What can I use if I don’t have pink peppercorns? If you don’t have pink peppercorns, you can substitute them with black peppercorns or a sprinkle of chili flakes for a bit of heat.
Can I add other toppings to these crostini? Absolutely! Feel free to add other toppings like fresh basil, cherry tomatoes, or even a slice of prosciutto.
Can I make this dish gluten-free? Yes, you can replace the baguette with a gluten-free bread alternative. Just be sure to check the labels of your other ingredients to ensure they are also gluten-free.

Crostini de Mozzarella aux Baies Roses is an appetizer that truly celebrates the flavors of Italy. Its combination of crispy bread, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant pink peppercorns creates a satisfying and flavorful bite. By following the provided cooking tips and serving suggestions, you can create a restaurant-quality appetizer right in your own kitchen. Remember, cooking is about creativity and personalization, so feel free to experiment with different types of bread, cheese, and toppings. Enjoy the process and the delicious result!

How to make crostini de mozzarella aux baies roses

Crostini de mozzarella aux baies roses