Ingredients
Vegetables and Sauce
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large zucchini (or 2 small), cut into thin strips approximately 1 1/2 inches long x 1/4 inch thick
- 2 red bell peppers, cut into very thin strips
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1 tbsp honey
For Assembly
- 1 baguette (or gluten free baguette), sliced
- 1 container Garlic & Herb Boursin cheese or dairy free Boursin cheese
- Basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for toasting the crostini.
- Prepare the vegetables: Cut the zucchini into thin strips about 1 1/2 inches long and 1/4 inch thick, and slice the red bell peppers into very thin strips for even cooking.
- Sauté the peppers: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over high heat. Add the pepper strips and cook for 3 minutes, allowing them to soften and start to brown.
- Add zucchini and season: Add the zucchini strips to the skillet with the peppers. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Cook for an additional 4-5 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning until the vegetables are tender and browned in spots.
- Add flavorings and reduce: Stir in the minced garlic, Dijon mustard, balsamic vinegar, and honey. Cook the mixture until the liquid evaporates and the vegetables are fully coated in the thickened balsamic glaze, becoming soft and flavorful.
- Prepare the crostini: Slice the baguette into thin rounds. Spread a generous layer of the Garlic & Herb Boursin cheese on each slice.
- Toast the crostini: Arrange the cheese-spread baguette slices on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes until the cheese softens and the bread is slightly toasted.
- Assemble and garnish: Remove the crostini from the oven, spoon the balsamic zucchini and pepper mixture onto each slice, and garnish with fresh basil leaves. Serve immediately.
Notes
- You can prepare the vegetable mixture in advance and reheat before assembling the crostini to save time.
- For a dairy-free option, use a dairy-free Boursin cheese alternative.
- Using a gluten-free baguette makes this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets.
- Ensure to slice the vegetables thinly for quicker cooking and better texture.
- Adjust the honey to taste if you prefer a less sweet balsamic glaze.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
