Looking for a refreshing appetizer that’s as delightful to eat as it is to look at? Dive into the world of flavors with our Quick Pickled Cucumber Crostini with Cream Cheese and Dill! This vibrant dish combines the crunch of fresh cucumbers, the creaminess of cheese, and the tang of pickling, all atop perfectly toasted baguette slices. In just 15 minutes, you can whip up a stunning treat that’s sure to impress your guests at any gathering or elevate your next snack time. Don't miss out on this simple yet sophisticated recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 5 mins
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cucumber, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup vinegar
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 6 slices of baguette
- 4 oz cream cheese
- 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the quick pickled cucumbers. In a medium bowl, combine the vinegar, sugar, and salt. Stir until the sugar and salt are completely dissolved.
- Thinly slice the cucumber using a sharp knife or a mandoline for even slices. Add the cucumber slices to the vinegar mixture, ensuring they are fully submerged. Let them marinate for about 10 minutes while you prepare the rest of the ingredients.
- While the cucumbers are pickling, preheat a skillet over medium heat. Lightly toast the baguette slices in the skillet for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Remove from heat and set aside.
- In a small bowl, soften the cream cheese by letting it sit at room temperature for a few minutes. If desired, you can also use a microwave to soften it for about 10-15 seconds. Once softened, stir in the chopped fresh dill until well combined.
- After the cucumbers have marinated for 10 minutes, remove them from the vinegar mixture and let them drain on a paper towel to remove excess liquid.
- To assemble the crostini, spread a generous layer of the dill-infused cream cheese onto each toasted baguette slice.
- Top each slice with a few of the quick-pickled cucumber slices. You can arrange them neatly for presentation.
- Optionally, garnish with additional dill or a sprinkle of salt for added flavor. Serve immediately and enjoy your Quick Pickled Cucumber Crostini with Cream Cheese and Dill!
Tips
- Slice with Precision: For the best texture and presentation, use a mandoline to achieve perfectly thin cucumber slices. This ensures they pickle evenly and fit nicely on the crostini.
- Marinate for Maximum Flavor: While 10 minutes is sufficient for quick pickling, if you have extra time, let the cucumbers marinate longer for an even bolder flavor.
- Toast to Perfection: Keep an eye on the baguette slices as they toast; they can go from golden brown to burnt quickly. Aim for a crispy texture that holds up well against the cream cheese.
- Cream Cheese Variations: For a twist, try adding other herbs like chives or parsley to the cream cheese, or even a splash of lemon juice for extra zing.
- Presentation is Key: Arrange the pickled cucumbers artfully on top of the cream cheese for a visually appealing dish. A sprinkle of extra dill or a dash of paprika can add a pop of color.
- Serve Fresh: These crostini are best enjoyed immediately after assembling. If you need to prepare them in advance, keep the components separate and assemble just before serving to maintain crispness.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 95kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 4g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 15mg
