Baked Provoleta with Pesto and Grape Tomatoes Recipe

Introduction

Provoleta is a delicious Argentine appetizer featuring melted provolone cheese seasoned with herbs and topped with fresh pesto and juicy tomatoes. It’s perfect for sharing and pairs wonderfully with crispy crostini.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 inch thick slice provolone cheese
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/4 cup pesto
• 1/4 cup grape tomatoes
• Crostini for serving

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Step 2: Place the slice of provolone cheese in a 6-inch oven-safe skillet and sprinkle evenly with Italian seasoning.
3. Step 3: Top the cheese with the pesto and grape tomatoes.
4. Step 4: Bake for 15 minutes, or until the cheese has melted completely and the tomatoes have blistered.
5. Step 5: Switch the oven to broil and cook for 1-2 minutes until the top is brown and bubbly. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
6. Step 6: Remove from the oven and serve immediately with crostini.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, sprinkle a pinch of red pepper flakes before baking.
• Try adding sliced olives or caramelized onions as additional toppings.
• If you don’t have pesto, a drizzle of good olive oil and fresh basil leaves works well.

Storage

Provoleta is best served fresh but can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a low oven or microwave until warm and melty again. Avoid overheating to prevent the cheese from becoming rubbery.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Provolone is traditional because it melts well and has a mild flavor, but you can try mozzarella or fontina for a similar effect.

What if I don’t have an oven-safe skillet?

Use a small baking dish or line a regular oven-safe dish with parchment paper to keep the cheese from sticking and make clean-up easier.

Baked Provoleta with Pesto and Grape Tomatoes Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 98 reviews

• Author: Isabella
• Total Time: 22 minutes
• Yield: 2 servings 1x

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Description

Provoleta is a delicious Argentine appetizer featuring a thick slice of provolone cheese seasoned with Italian herbs, topped with pesto and blistered grape tomatoes, then baked and broiled to perfection. Served with crispy crostini, it makes a perfect warm and savory starter.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cheese and Seasoning

• 1 1/2 inch thick slice provolone cheese
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Toppings

• 1/4 cup pesto
• 1/4 cup grape tomatoes

For Serving

• Crostini

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Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it is hot enough for melting the cheese evenly and blistering the tomatoes perfectly.
2. Prepare Cheese: Place the thick slice of provolone cheese into a 6-inch oven-safe skillet. Sprinkle the cheese evenly with the Italian seasoning to infuse it with herbal flavor.
3. Add Toppings: Spoon the pesto over the top of the cheese, spreading it gently. Next, scatter the grape tomatoes on the cheese for sweetness and color.
4. Bake: Place the skillet in the oven and bake for approximately 15 minutes or until the cheese has fully melted and the grape tomatoes begin to blister, releasing their juices.
5. Broil: Switch your oven to broil and broil the skillet for 1 to 2 minutes to brown and bubble the top layer of the cheese, creating a delightful crust.
6. Serve: Remove the skillet from the oven and serve the provoleta immediately with crunchy crostini for dipping into the warm, melted cheese and pesto mixture.

Notes

• Use a thick slice of provolone cheese to ensure it melts nicely without running too much.
• If you don’t have pesto, a drizzle of good quality olive oil or chimichurri sauce makes a good substitute.
• This dish is best served hot right out of the oven to enjoy the melted cheese texture.
• You can use cherry tomatoes in place of grape tomatoes if preferred.
• Be cautious under the broiler to prevent burning the cheese.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 17 minutes
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Argentine

Keywords: Provoleta, Argentine appetizer, provolone cheese, baked cheese, pesto, grape tomatoes, crostini, melted cheese dish