These hearts of palm appetizers are a recipe for success. Roasted red bell peppers meld with the sweet and mellow warmth of roasted heads of garlic in this hot dip that is used as the topping for these vegetarian appetizers. The main ingredients are baby spinach, hearts of palm and invigorating Serrano peppers.
Spread the dip on grilled bread, sprinkle with a little cheese and pass through the broiler for a few minutes; you’ll have the most amazing crostini ever!
1. Info for Parmesan and Hearts of Palm Crostini
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Total Time: 45 mins
- Servings: 16
- Calories: 483 kcal
2. Ingredients for Parmesan and Hearts of Palm Crostini
- 4 Dutch Crunch bread rolls, sliced in 4 even thick slices
- 3 tablespoons puréed roasted garlic
- 1 pound baby spinach leaves
- 1 shallot
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon red chili powder
- 1 (28-ounce) can hearts of palm, drained
- 2 small roasted red bell peppers (see tips), seeded and finely chopped
- 1 cup fromage blanc
- ¼ cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 5 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk, warm
- 2½ teaspoons salt
- 1½ teaspoons black pepper, freshly ground
3. Directions:
- Cut 8 hearts of palm into thick slices lengthwise, then cut the pieces in half crosswise. Set aside for garnish later and cut the rest into rings and break them apart.
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a pan. Add the shallots and cook over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, for about 6-7 minutes, until the shallots are softened. Add the hearts of palm and spinach. Cook until all the leaves are wilted. Season with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, then turn off the heat. Season with salt and pepper. Set aside.
- For the grilled bread: Lightly drizzle the bread slices with olive oil. Place the pieces on a hot grill. Cook until you get grill marks (about 2-3 minutes on each side) over medium heat. Remove from the grill.
- Spread a spoonful of hearts of palm topping in the center of the bread slices. Top with the reserved hearts of palm and generously sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
- Place the crostini on a baking pan sprayed with oil (for easy clean up) and place under the broiler (low setting) in the oven for 10 minutes until golden.
- Serve warm.
- Bon appétit!
