Beef and Cheese Touchdown Toasts

Beef and Cheese Touchdown Toasts Recipe - American Cuisine

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 16

Introduction

Beef and Cheese Touchdown Toasts are the perfect appetizer for any gathering, especially during game days or casual get-togethers. This recipe combines the rich flavors of sirloin steak, melted garlic cheese, and the tangy crunch of giardiniera on toasted Italian bread slices. It's a crowd-pleaser that's not only delicious but also easy to prepare, making it ideal for both novice cooks and seasoned chefs looking to score big with their guests.

History

The concept of topping bread with meat and cheese dates back centuries and spans many cultures, but this particular recipe takes inspiration from Italian-American cuisine. It combines elements of traditional Italian bruschetta with the hearty, meaty flavors beloved in American cooking. The addition of giardiniera, a pickled vegetable mix, adds a unique twist, infusing the dish with a burst of flavor that sets it apart from other meat and cheese appetizers.

Ingredients

2 boneless beef top sirloin steaks, cut 0.75 inch thick (about 1 lb or 454 g each)
32 slices italian bread (0.5 inch thick)
6 tbsp melted butter
1.25 cup drained giardiniera
3.5 cup shredded Sargento Bistro blends mozzarella and asiago with roasted garlic (two 7 oz or 198 g packages)

How to prepare

Place bread slices on two 15- by 10- by 1-inch jelly roll pans. Brush tops with butter.
Toast bread slices in a 425°F (218°C) oven for 6 to 8 minutes or until golden brown. Set aside.
Place beef steaks on a rack in a broiler pan so the surface of the beef is 2 to 3 inches from the heat. Broil for 9 to 12 minutes for medium rare to medium doneness, turning once.
Carve each steak into 32 thin slices.
Season with salt and pepper as desired.
Top toast slices evenly using 1 package of cheese.
Top each toast slice with 2 steak slices and 1 tsp of giardiniera.
Sprinkle the remaining package of cheese evenly over the toasts.
Place 1 jelly roll pan on the rack so the cheese is 2 to 3 inches from the heat.
Broil for 1.5 to 2 minutes or until the cheese is melted.
Repeat with the remaining pan.
Serve immediately.

Variations

For a spicier version, add a dash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes on top of the cheese before broiling. Vegetarians can substitute the beef with grilled portobello mushrooms thinly sliced for a meat-free alternative.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To ensure the best results, let the steaks rest for a few minutes after broiling before slicing them thinly against the grain. This makes the meat more tender and easier to eat on the toasts. Using a serrated knife to slice the bread helps prevent squashing, ensuring each piece maintains its shape. For an even melt, shred your cheese rather than slicing it, as this allows for quicker and more uniform melting under the broiler.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these toasts warm, immediately after broiling, to ensure the cheese is perfectly melted and the bread is still crispy. They're best enjoyed as an appetizer or a snack, ideally paired with a refreshing beverage like iced tea, beer, or a crisp white wine.

Cooking Techniques

Broiling the beef and toasts separately before combining them ensures that each component reaches its ideal texture. The final broil with the cheese on top melds the flavors together and gives the cheese a slightly golden, bubbly finish.

Ingredient Substitutions

If giardiniera is not available, you can substitute it with any pickled vegetables or even a relish of your choice. For a different cheese flavor, try mozzarella or provolone instead of the garlic cheese blend.

Make Ahead Tips

The beef can be broiled and sliced ahead of time, and the bread can be toasted in advance. Assemble the toasts just before the final broil to save time and streamline preparation for parties or gatherings.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the toasts on a large platter garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or basil for a pop of color. Serving them on a wooden cutting board can add a rustic touch suitable for casual events.

Pairing Recommendations

These toasts pair wonderfully with light, crisp beers or a dry white wine. For a non-alcoholic option, a sparkling water with lemon or a robust iced tea complements the flavors well.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Reheat under the broiler for 1-2 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the bread is crispy again.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of this appetizer contains approximately 300 calories. The combination of protein, fats, and carbohydrates makes it a filling option that can easily fit into a balanced diet.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Beef and Cheese Touchdown Toasts contains approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates. The primary source of carbs in this recipe comes from the Italian bread, providing the energy needed to keep you going through any game day activities.

Fats

This appetizer is rich in fats, with each serving containing about 18 grams. The fats primarily come from the sirloin steak and the melted butter used on the bread. While fats are essential for a balanced diet, consuming them in moderation is key.

Proteins

Protein is abundant in this dish, with each serving offering around 22 grams. The sirloin steak is the primary source of protein, making these toasts a satisfying, muscle-building option for your meal.

Vitamins and minerals

Beef and Cheese Touchdown Toasts provide a variety of vitamins and minerals. The beef is a good source of iron, zinc, and B vitamins, particularly B12, which is crucial for brain health. The cheese adds calcium for bone strength, while the vegetables in the giardiniera offer vitamin C and other antioxidants.

Alergens

This recipe contains common allergens such as dairy (cheese) and gluten (bread). Individuals with sensitivities to these ingredients should consider alternative options or modifications to the recipe.

Summary

Overall, Beef and Cheese Touchdown Toasts offer a balanced mix of macronutrients, making them a hearty and satisfying choice. While they are relatively high in fats, they also provide a good amount of protein and essential vitamins and minerals, making them a worthwhile indulgence for special occasions.

Summary

Beef and Cheese Touchdown Toasts are a versatile and delicious option for any occasion that calls for hearty appetizers. With their combination of savory beef, melted cheese, and the tangy crunch of giardiniera, they're sure to be a hit. By following the tips and variations provided, you can customize the recipe to suit your taste and dietary needs, making it a go-to choice for entertaining.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the joy I felt when I first discovered this recipe for Beef and Cheese Touchdown Toasts. It was many years ago, back when I was just a young girl learning how to cook from my own grandmother. She was a wonderful cook, and she had a way of making even the simplest dishes taste like heaven.

One day, I was helping her in the kitchen when she decided to make a batch of Beef and Cheese Touchdown Toasts for a family gathering. I watched intently as she cooked the ground beef with onions and spices, then spread it onto slices of bread before topping them with a generous amount of melted cheddar cheese. The aroma that filled the kitchen was intoxicating, and I couldn't wait to taste the finished product.

When the toasts were finally ready, I took a bite and was immediately blown away by the delicious combination of savory beef, gooey cheese, and crispy toast. It was like nothing I had ever tasted before, and I knew I had to learn how to make it myself.

I begged my grandmother to teach me the recipe, and she was more than happy to pass it down to me. She showed me how to brown the beef just right, how to season it to perfection, and how to assemble the toasts so that every bite was a symphony of flavors. I practiced making them over and over again, until I had mastered the recipe and could make them just as well as my grandmother.

Over the years, I have continued to make Beef and Cheese Touchdown Toasts for my own family and friends. They have become a staple at our gatherings, and everyone always looks forward to enjoying them. I have even shared the recipe with neighbors and co-workers, who have all raved about how delicious they are.

What I love most about this recipe is that it reminds me of my grandmother and the special bond we shared in the kitchen. Cooking has always been a way for me to connect with my loved ones, and every time I make these toasts, I feel like my grandmother is right there with me, guiding my hands and watching over me.

I have added my own twist to the recipe over the years, experimenting with different types of cheese, adding in extra vegetables, and even serving them with a side of homemade salsa. But no matter how I change it up, the basic flavors of the Beef and Cheese Touchdown Toasts always remain the same - comforting, satisfying, and full of love.

As I grow older, I cherish the memories of learning this recipe from my grandmother, and I am grateful for the joy it has brought to my life and the lives of those around me. Cooking will always be a passion of mine, and I will continue to share my love for food with anyone willing to taste my Beef and Cheese Touchdown Toasts.