Mushroom Cheddar Cheese Toasts

My best friend Basil came over for dinner last night and I always like to make special dinners for him and of course my sweetie too. This time we enjoyed a kidney bean salad with feta cheese, sun-dried tomatoes and olives along with these delightful cheese toasts that are easy to prepare and very addictive. Just perfect as an appetizer, but take care so you don't spoil your dinner with too much in your tummy - mind you, these toasts could be a delightful dinner all on their own. Vegetarians and carnivores alike will be sure to enjoy this treat.

Button mushrooms can be substituted instead if desired. Lots of mushroom goodness either way.

Mushroom Cheddar Cheese Toasts

1 loaf of ciabatta bread, cut into roughly 1 inch slices
5 cremini or 3 portobello mushrooms, cut into small pieces
14 grams of dried mushrooms, soaked in hot water for 20 minutes and cut into small pieces
2 jalapeno peppers, seeded and finely chopped
unsalted softened butter
2/3 cup of extra old cheddar cheese
sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste
red chili flakes

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange the bread slices on the sheet.

Spread some butter on each piece of sliced bread. Sprinkle the mushrooms and jalapeno peppers over the bread and top with cheddar cheese, sprinkle with some salt, black pepper and hot chili flakes.

Bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for roughly 10 minutes, or until golden brown.

More appetizers from Lisa's Kitchen you might like to try:
Olive Tapenade
Fiery Deviled Eggs
Stuffed Mushrooms with Sun-Dried Tomatoes, Goat Cheese and Olives
Hummus with Sun-dried Tomatoes, Goat Cheese and Olives

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