Fry

Walnut Gorgonzola Crostini (Bruschetta) with Crumble Fried Sage

by:
January  4, 2012
4.7
3 Ratings
Walnut Gorgonzola Crostini (Bruschetta) with Crumble Fried Sage
Photo by James Ransom
  • Serves 6-8
Author Notes

I have to admit the combination of walnuts and sage was foreign to me until my trip to Italy last summer. Fresh sage, sauteed or fried and gnocchi or fresh pasta drowned in walnut and cheese sauces seemed to be everywhere. This crostini marries the two perfectly. A crunchy crostini with a creamy walnut cheese sauce topped with fried sage crumbles is a new found love. Whether you pair these as an appetizer with a crisp white wine or serve them along side a great salad, you will be hooked.

A note about Gorgonzola: There were two gorgonzola options at my grocery store... Gorgonzola Dolce and Mountain Gorgonzola. Gorgonzola Dolce is creamy and a tad more mild than Mountain Gorgonzola. While any variety will work great, I found this to be the best option. —LittleKitchen

Test Kitchen Notes

Walnuts and sage round out the richness of this gorgonzola based crostini. A little salty, a little creamy and a lot delicious. Feel free to add a dollop of honey or maple syrup for a kiss of sweetness. And don't be surprised if you find yourself filling up on these and skipping dinner. —favabean

What You'll Need
Ingredients
  • 4 ounces gorgonzola, room temperature
  • 1/4 cup cream
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped walnuts
  • 4 tablespoons freshly grated parmesan
  • 20 fresh sage leaves, washed and patted dry
  • olive oil
  • 1 ciabatta loaf, cut into 1/2 inch slices
  • kosher salt or fine sea salt
  • 1 clove of garlic, peeled
Directions
  1. Combine gorgonzola, cream, walnuts and parmesan in a medium sized bowl. Mix thoroughly with a wooden spoon until a creamy spread forms.
  2. Pour olive oil into a heavy saute pan, about a 1/4 inch full. Heat over medium high heat, but not smoking. Place sage leaves in oil and fry on each side about two to three minutes. Transfer to a paper towel to drain. Sprinkle with salt. Repeat until all sage leaves have been fried. Once cooled, crumble fried sage leaves.
  3. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place ciabatta slices in a single layer on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil. Bake until golden brown and crisp, 5 to 10 minutes.
  4. Slice garlic in half. Rub each slice of crostini with garlic. Spread a layer of gorgonzola walnut mixture on to each crostini. Sprinkle the top of each crostini with fried sage leaves and serve. Gorgonzola walnut mixture can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week.
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6 Reviews

Ceege
Ceege June 28, 2014
I have a family christening in less than 2 weeks. Was asked if I would bring a
hor dourve. Giving serious consideration to this recipe. I need to know how much I can prepare ahead of time. First of all, I have over an hours travel time to church. Then baptism service, then to relatives home. As you can see this will not be eaten immediately. Can I put them completely together or will ciabatta get soggy? If I toast bread day before will it stay crisp? All in all I just need to know how much I can do the day before or the morning of the event. Thanks.....
 
Linda R.
Linda R. April 21, 2014
Very easy to make and loved by everyone. Would maybe add some more sage next time to provide a stronger contrast with the cheese and walnuts. But these were great as part of a platter of different crostini.
 
ejm
ejm January 29, 2012
really nice - I used the Gorgonzola Piccante and might try the Dolce next time just to see the difference - really really good. thanks!
 
LittleKitchen
LittleKitchen January 23, 2012
Oh this is so fun!! I am thrilled to be a community pick and SO glad that you mentioned honey! What a perfect topping.
 
sexyLAMBCHOPx
sexyLAMBCHOPx January 5, 2012
Looks great and full of flavor. I bet a drizzle of honey would be bring it over the top!
 
Dessert's O.
Dessert's O. January 5, 2012
sounds and looks amazing!