Piquillo Pepper Cheese Crostini Recipes

PIQUILLO PEPPER CHEESE CROSTINI

Steps:

• Combine first 5 ingredients in processor. Blend until almost smooth. Add all cheeses and 1 tablespoon oil; process until blended. Transfer to small bowl; season with salt and generous amount of pepper. DO AHEAD: Can be made 2 days ahead. Cover and chill.
• Preheat oven to 375°F. Arrange baguette slices in single layer on large rimmed baking sheet; brush slices with oil. Bake until golden at edges, about 15 minutes. DO AHEAD: Can be made 6 hours ahead. Let stand at room temperature. Place bowl with cheese spread in center of platter. Surround with toasts.
• Sweet smoked Spanish paprika (sometimes labeled Pimentón Dulce or Pimentón de La Vera Dulce) and hot smoked Spanish paprika (sometimes labeled Pimentón Picante or Pimentón de La Vera Picante) are available at specialty foods stores and from tienda.com. Sweet smoked paprika (labeled "smoked paprika") can be found at some supermarkets.

MOZZARELLA BAR

Steps:

• For the piquillo pesto: Combine the peppers, Parmesan, walnuts, olive oil, salt, chile paste and garlic in a food processor. Puree until smooth and evenly combined. Set aside.
• For the roasted tomatoes: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
• Toss the tomatoes with the basil, garlic, olive oil and salt on a rimmed baking sheet. Spread evenly on the baking sheet and roast until softened and beginning to blister, 30 minutes.
• For the mushroom tapenade: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons olive oil and the shallots and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the mushrooms and season with the salt. Cook, stirring often, until the mushrooms have lost all their liquid and are turning golden brown, about 10 minutes. Remove from the heat and season with the basil, oregano, rosemary and lemon zest. Stir in the pine nuts and remaining tablespoon olive oil. Cool slightly. Serve warm or at room temperature.
• For the bar: Display all the different types of mozzarella and burrata on platters and plates. Set up a buffet around the cheese options with the 3 homemade toppings, along with the grilled bread and crostini, arugula, basil, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, flaky salt and red pepper flakes. Invite guests to assemble their own bruschetta or salads.

BAKED FETA-MARINARA DIP

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
• In a blender, process marinara and piquillo peppers until smooth; transfer to a small (about 8-by-6-inch) heatproof dish. Top with feta.
• Bake until bubbly around edges, about 20 minutes. Garnish with basil and red-pepper flakes, and serve with crostini.