Entrées, Side Dishes and Appetizer Recipes Using Caruso’s Italian Cheese Torta

ENTRÉES

These extraordinary entrees will make your guests feel
like they are out for an evening of fine dining.

SIDE DISHES

Jazz up your entrée with these tasty side dishes.

APPETIZERS

Host the best party in the neighborhood with these delicious appetizers.
Grilled Itialian Torta Chicken

Grilled Italian Torta Chicken

Ingredients / Makes 4 Servings

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, 4 slices of Caruso’s Italian Torta, Olive oil, salt and pepper

Preparation

  1. Preheat grill
  2. Brush both sides of chicken with oil
  3. Season with salt and pepper
  4. Grill chicken until cooked
  5. Lay a slice of torta on top of cooked chicken and close grill lid
  6. Heat until torta is soft but not melted
  7. Remove from grill and serve
 Grilled Stuffed Italian Pork Chops

Grilled Stuffed Italian Pork Chops

Ingredients / Makes 4 Servings

4 1-inch thick pork chops 4 slices of Caruso’s Italian Torta Olive oil, salt and pepper

Preparation

  1. Cut a deep pocket in the side of the pork chop (be careful not to go all the way through)
  2. Stuff a piece of torta into pork chop and use a toothpick to secure the pocket closed
  3. Brush both sides with olive oil and season with salt and pepper
  4. Grill over medium heat to desired temperature
  5. Remove from grill and serve
 Herbed Pesto Mashed Potatoes

Herbed Pesto Mashed Potatoes

Ingredients / Makes 4 Servings

22 oz. bag of frozen mashed potatoes ¼ to ½ of a Caruso’s Italian Torta cut into pieces Salt and pepper, Olive oil Fresh basil leaves sliced into shreds

Preparation

  1. Prepare potatoes as directed
  2. Stir in torta pieces
  3. Season with salt and pepper
  4. Return to oven or microwave for additional 1½ minutes or until torta has completely melted
  5. Transfer to a serving bowl, drizzle with olive oil, and garnish with basil strips
 Torta Crostini

Torta Crostini

Ingredients / Makes 8 - 10 Servings

1 French baguette sliced in ½ inch diagonal slices ½ of a Caruso’s Italian Torta cut into ½ inch thin slices, Olive oil

Preparation

  1. Preheat broiler
  2. Arrange bread on cooking tray and drizzle with olive oil
  3. Broil until bread is toasted and golden
  4. Top bread with slices of torta
  5. Broil until torta is melted; serve while hot
Italian Burgers

Italian Burgers

Ingredients / Makes 3 Italian Burgers

1 lb. ground beef divided into 6 equal balls
3 slices of Caruso’s Italian Torta

Preparation

  1. Shape ground beef into 6 thin patties
  2. Place a slice of torta on a patty and top with another
  3. Press edges together to seal completely
  4. Grill over medium heat to desired temperature
  5. Optional serving suggestion-top with sautéed onions and a basil mayonnaise
 Caruso Chicken

Caruso Chicken

Ingredients / Makes 4 Servings

4 boneless chicken breasts,
4 slices of Caruso’s Italian Torta,
4 slices of prosciutto, Olive oil

Preparation

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees
  2. Cut a deep pocket in the thickest part of the chicken breast
  3. Stuff a slice of torta in the pocket
  4. Use a toothpick to close the pocket securely
  5. Wrap a piece of prosciutto around the chicken, covering the slit
  6. Heat 2 tablespoons oil in non-stick saute pan
  7. Add chicken and brown on both sides
  8. Finish baking in oven 12-15 minutes
 Tuscan Potato Casserole

Tuscan Potato Casserole

Ingredients / Makes 6 – 8 Servings

8 medium-large red-skinned potatoes, sliced into ½ inch slices
½ of a Caruso’s Italian Torta cut in 1 inch chunks
1 cup heavy cream, Salt and pepper

Preparation

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees
  2. Grease an 8x8 baking pan
  3. Layer half of potato slices in pan
  4. Top with half of torta pieces
  5. Sprinkle with salt and pepper
  6. Repeat steps 3, 4, and 5
  7. Pour cream evenly over potatoes
  8. Cover and bake for 60-70 minutes
 Italian Nachos

Italian Nachos

Ingredients / Makes 6 – 8 Servings

1 bunch of fresh basil leaves 1 bag of kettle-cooked potato chips ½ of a Caruso’s Italian Torta cut into 1 inch chunks 4 or 5 Basil strands

Preparation

  1. Preheat broiler
  2. Spread chips on a metal platter or tray
  3. Scatter the chunks of torta over the chips
  4. Broil until torta is melted
  5. Snip fresh basil strands over chips as a garnish
  6. Serve and enjoy
Italian Torta Hot Sub Sandwich

Italian Torta Hot Sub Sandwich

Ingredients / Makes 4 Subs

1 large French bread split in half Your favorite Italian cold cuts such as salami, prosciutto, or capicola 4 slices of Caruso’s Italian Torta

Preparation

  1. Layer the meats on the bottom of the French bread
  2. Top with slices of torta
  3. Place under broiler until torta has melted
  4. Garnish with tomato, onion, and lettuce
  5. Serve warm
 Baked Portobello Mushroom Caps

Baked Portobello Mushroom Caps

Ingredients / Makes 4 Servings

4 large portobello mushroom caps
8 thin slices of a Caruso’s Italian Torta
Olive oil

Preparation

  1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees
  2. Clean and destem mushrooms
  3. Brush both sides of mushroom caps with olive oil
  4. Lay mushrooms bottom side up on a baking sheet
  5. Place slices of torta on mushroom cap
  6. Bake for 10-12 minutes until cheese is melted and mushroom is tender (can also be grilled)

SAUCES AND DIPS

Italian Sauce

Italian Cream Sauce

Ingredients

1 cup heavy cream One quarter of a Caruso's Italian Cheese Torta cut into chunks Sauce Pan

Preparation

  1. Combine in sauce pan
  2. Heat and stir until sauce is hot and Torta is melted
  3. Serve with grilled vegetables and/or meats