If you love the idea of bite-sized, flavorful snacks that always steal the show, then the Crostini – 8 Delicious Ways! Recipe is about to become your new best friend. This versatile recipe transforms simple slices of toasted baguette into a stunning array of toppings bursting with fresh ingredients, vibrant colors, and incredible textures. Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together or want to impress at a dinner party, these crostini variations promise a crowd-pleasing experience that’s as fun to make as it is to eat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe is in its straightforward but thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each item plays a crucial role, from the crunchy base to the creamy, tangy, or savory toppings, creating a perfect balance on every piece of crostini.
- Artisan baguette slices: The toasted bread is the crispy foundation that holds all the flavors together.
- Extra virgin olive oil: Adds a rich, fruity undertone and helps crisp the bread beautifully.
- Baby bocconcini: These small mozzarella balls bring a soft, milky texture ideal for fresh, summery bites.
- Cherry tomatoes: Bursting with juiciness and sweetness, they add vibrant color and freshness.
- Basil leaves: Finely sliced for a fragrant herbaceous lift on your palate.
- Balsamic glaze: Provides a tangy, sweet drizzle that ties the ingredients together.
- Spreadable cream cheese: Or creme fraiche, for a smooth and creamy base layer.
- Lemon zest and juice: Brighten flavors with their clean, citrusy punch.
- Dill and dill sprigs: Fresh and slightly tangy, perfect with seafood toppings.
- Smoked salmon: Adds a luxurious, smoky depth to your crostini.
- Baby capers: Little bursts of salty tang that balance richer ingredients.
- Ricotta cheese: Soft and mild, ideal for pairing with antipasto or sweet toppers.
- Antipasto mix: A colorful medley of olives, peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, and artichokes for a Mediterranean kick.
- Prawns/shrimp: Adds succulent seafood flavor and lovely texture.
- Garlic cloves: Minced or halved to infuse subtle garlicky aroma.
- Eschallots/French onions: Finely chopped for a mild onion sweetness.
- Coriander/cilantro leaves: Provides a fresh, zesty note.
- Lime juice: Perfect for a citrusy zing in seafood toppings.
- Avocados: Creamy and buttery, they are a great base or topping to add richness.
- Goats cheese: Soft and tangy cheese that complements sweet or savory flavors.
- Strawberries, honey, thyme: A surprising combination for a sweet, herbal twist.
- Hot English Mustard: Adds a bit of heat and sharpness to your crostini.
- Roast beef and baby rocket/arugula: Perfect for hearty, meaty options.
- Parsley, dried cranberries, olives, almonds: For crunchy, savory-sweet mix-ins.
- Frozen peas, parmesan, mint: Great for fresh, bright pea purée toppings.
- Red chili (cayenne peppers): Adds heat and vibrant color when finely chopped.
How to Make Crostini – 8 Delicious Ways! Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Base
Start by slicing your artisan baguette into 0.5cm thick diagonal slices to create more surface area for toppings. Lightly brush both sides with extra virgin olive oil and toast them in the oven until golden and crisp. This simple step ensures a crunchy, sturdy base that won’t get soggy quickly.
Step 2: Infuse Garlic Flavor
Once the toasts are warm, gently rub each slice with the cut side of a garlic clove. This adds a subtle, fragrant garlic aroma that elevates the overall taste without overpowering the toppings.
Step 3: Classic Mozzarella and Tomato
Top some crostini with baby bocconcini cut into eighths, cherry tomatoes, finely sliced basil, a drizzle of olive oil, a pinch of salt and pepper, and a final flourish of balsamic glaze. This refreshing and colorful version is a tribute to the classic Caprese salad.
Step 4: Cream Cheese and Lemon-Dill Salmon
Mix spreadable cream cheese with lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and finely chopped dill. Spread this luscious mixture onto crostini and layer with strips of smoked salmon and baby capers. Garnish with dill sprigs for an elegant, flavorful bite.
Step 5: Antipasto Medley
Spread ricotta cheese on toasted slices then pile on a vibrant antipasto mix of pitted olives, roasted peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, and artichokes. This Mediterranean-inspired crostini poises sweet, salty, and tangy notes together beautifully.
Step 6: Garlic Prawn Delight
Sauté peeled shrimp with minced garlic, half a teaspoon each of salt and pepper, and olive oil until just cooked. Toss with finely chopped eschallots, coriander, and lime juice. Spoon this fresh seafood mixture over the crostini and enjoy a zesty, garlicky treat.
Step 7: Sweet and Savory Strawberry-Goat Cheese
Spread softened goat cheese on the base, arrange thinly sliced strawberries, then drizzle with honey and sprinkle with fresh thyme. This unique crostini flavor combo offers a delightful balance of sweetness, creaminess, and herbaceous aroma.
Step 8: Roast Beef with Mustard and Rocket
Spread a thin layer of hot English mustard on crostini, top with shaved rare roast beef and a single baby rocket leaf. This offers a slightly spicy, peppery flavor that meat lovers will adore. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or a light drizzle of olive oil for an extra pop.
How to Serve Crostini – 8 Delicious Ways! Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs such as dill, basil, cilantro, or parsley bring an extra layer of freshness and aroma to the crostini. Delicate sprigs or finely chopped leaves also brighten the presentation, making each piece irresistible even before tasting.
Side Dishes
Pair these crostini with crisp salads, chilled soups, or charcuterie boards. The variety of toppings means you can customize your meal to be light, refreshing, or filling depending on your guests’ preferences.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange crostini on a large wooden board or tiered serving trays to showcase all eight versions in a colorful, mouthwatering display. Labeling each tartine adds a fun interactive element for guests to try and guess the ingredients.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover crostini toppings separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator up to two days for best freshness. Store toasted baguette slices in a sealed bag at room temperature to maintain crispness.
Freezing
The bread base can be frozen before toasting, but assembled crostini are best enjoyed fresh to preserve texture. Freeze only individual toppings like cooked prawns or spreads if needed, and thaw before assembling.
Reheating
Re-crisp your baguette slices in a warm oven for a few minutes before assembling toppings. Avoid reheating assembled crostini to prevent sogginess and maintain vibrant flavors.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of bread for crostini?
Absolutely! While artisan baguette gives a perfect crisp and texture, you can experiment with ciabatta, sourdough, or even sturdy sandwich bread toasted to your liking.
What if I don’t have balsamic glaze?
No worries! You can make a quick balsamic reduction by simmering balsamic vinegar until it thickens or simply drizzle high-quality balsamic vinegar for a similar tangy effect.
Can I prepare these crostini for a large party?
Yes, this recipe yields 16 to 30 pieces depending on slice size and topping portions, making it ideal for gatherings where guests can sample a variety of flavors.
Are these crostini recipes suitable for vegetarians?
Most of the variations like tomato-bocconcini, antipasto ricotta, or strawberry-goat cheese are vegetarian-friendly. Just skip the smoked salmon, prawns, and roast beef options.
How far in advance can I prepare the toppings?
You can prepare most toppings a day ahead and refrigerate them, but it’s best to assemble crostini shortly before serving for maximum freshness and crunch.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly satisfying about creating these delightful bite-sized crostini, where every topping tells its own delicious story. The Crostini – 8 Delicious Ways! Recipe offers endless flavor combinations to suit everyone’s taste buds, making it the perfect appetizer or snack for any occasion. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and get ready to impress your friends with this colorful, tasty, and oh-so-fun recipe that’s bound to become a cherished classic in your kitchen!
Print
Crostini – 8 Delicious Ways! Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 16 – 30 pieces
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
Discover eight delicious and creative ways to prepare Crostini, a versatile Italian appetizer featuring toasted artisan baguette slices topped with a variety of flavorful ingredients such as baby bocconcini, cherry tomatoes, smoked salmon, creamy cheeses, prawns, roasted vegetables, and more. Perfect for entertaining or a delightful snack, these crostini recipes combine fresh herbs, vibrant produce, and gourmet touches to elevate your appetizer game.
Ingredients
Base
- 30 slices artisan baguette or French stick, cut 0.5cm (1/4-inch) thick on the diagonal
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- salt
- 1 garlic clove, cut in half
Crostini 1: Bocconcini & Cherry Tomato
- 350g (12 oz) baby bocconcini, cut into 8 pieces
- 400g (14 oz) cherry tomatoes, cut into 8 pieces
- 1/2 cup basil leaves, finely sliced
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 3/4 tsp salt and pepper each
- 4 tbsp balsamic glaze (store bought or homemade)
Crostini 2: Lemon Dill Cream Cheese & Smoked Salmon
- 250g (8 oz) spreadable cream cheese or creme fraiche
- 2 tsp lemon zest
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp salt and pepper each
- 1/3 cup dill, finely chopped
- 500g (1 lb) smoked salmon, cut into 2cm by 7.5cm strips
- 75g (2.5 oz) baby capers
- 30 dill sprigs for garnish
Crostini 3: Ricotta & Antipasto Mix
- 250g (8 oz) ricotta or similar smooth cheese
- 500g (1 lb) antipasto mix (pitted olives, peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, artichokes)
Crostini 4: Garlic Prawns
- 500g (1 lb) prawns/shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 tsp each salt and pepper
- 3 tbsp olive oil, separated
- 2 eschallots (French onions), finely chopped
- 1/4 cup coriander/cilantro leaves, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp lime juice
Crostini 5: Avocado & Goat Cheese
- 2 avocados, halved and seed removed
- 160g (5.5 oz) goat cheese, softened (or cream cheese, Danish feta, or smooth ricotta)
Crostini 6: Strawberry Honey & Goat Cheese
- 14–16 ripe strawberries, sliced 3mm (1/8 inch) thick
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 tsp fresh thyme leaves
- 2 tsp Hot English Mustard (or more for extra heat)
- 160g (5.5 oz) goat cheese, softened
Crostini 7: Roast Beef & Rocket
- 180g (6 oz) rare roast beef, shaved or finely sliced
- 16 baby rocket/arugula leaves for garnish
- 1/2 cup parsley, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries, separated
- 1/4 cup pitted black olives, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup pitted green olives, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup blanched almonds, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
Crostini 8: Pea & Prawn Spread
- 150g (5 oz) frozen peas
- 1/2 small garlic clove, minced
- 2 tbsp parmesan, finely grated
- 1/4 tsp each salt and pepper
- 250g (8 oz) cooked peeled prawns/shrimp (from 500g/1lb cooked whole)
- 2 tbsp mint leaves, finely chopped
- 2 tsp lemon juice
- Extra virgin olive oil for drizzling
- 1 tbsp parsley, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp large red chilli (cayenne peppers), deseeded and finely chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Crostini Base: Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F). Arrange the baguette slices on a baking tray and brush both sides lightly with 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil. Toast in the oven for about 5 minutes per side, or until golden and crisp. Once toasted, gently rub one side of each slice with the cut garlic clove for a mild garlic flavor and set aside to cool.
- Make Bocconcini & Cherry Tomato Topping: In a bowl, combine the baby bocconcini pieces, quartered cherry tomatoes, and finely sliced basil. Drizzle with 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil and season with 3/4 teaspoon each of salt and pepper. Toss gently to combine. Spoon the mixture onto the toasted bread slices and drizzle with 4 tablespoons of balsamic glaze before serving.
- Prepare Lemon Dill Cream Cheese & Smoked Salmon: In a small bowl, mix the spreadable cream cheese with lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and finely chopped dill until smooth. Spread this lemony cream cheese mixture onto the crostini slices. Top with strips of smoked salmon and scattered baby capers. Garnish each with a dill sprig.
- Assemble Ricotta & Antipasto Crostini: Spread a generous layer of ricotta over the toasted bread. Top each slice with a mix of antipasto ingredients like pitted olives, peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, and artichokes. These contrasting flavors and textures create a rich, savory topping that’s visually appealing.
- Cook and Prepare Garlic Prawns: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Add the peeled and deveined prawns along with salt and pepper, cooking for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and are cooked through. Remove from heat and toss the prawns with finely chopped eschallots, coriander, lime juice, and the remaining olive oil. Spoon the mixture onto the toasted crostini slices.
- Prepare Avocado & Goat Cheese Topping: Mash the avocado halves gently with a fork until creamy but still a bit chunky. Spread softened goat cheese on the crostini, then top with the mashed avocado. Season with a little salt and pepper if desired. This simple yet luxurious topping is creamy and satisfying.
- Make Strawberry Honey & Goat Cheese Crostini: Spread softened goat cheese over the crostini slices. Arrange thin strawberry slices over the cheese. Drizzle with honey and sprinkle with fresh thyme leaves. Add a tiny dab of Hot English Mustard if you like a spicy kick to complement the sweet strawberries and creamy cheese.
- Assemble Roast Beef & Rocket Crostini: Mix the finely chopped parsley, dried cranberries, chopped black and green olives, and chopped almonds in a bowl with extra virgin olive oil to create a textured, flavorful topping mixture. Spread this onto the toasted bread, then layer with shaved rare roast beef. Garnish each crostini with a baby rocket leaf for freshness and slight peppery bite.
- Prepare Pea & Prawn Spread: In a food processor, blend the frozen peas (thawed), minced garlic, parmesan, salt, and pepper until mostly smooth but still slightly textured. Transfer to a bowl and gently fold in cooked peeled prawns, chopped mint leaves, and lemon juice. Spread the pea and prawn mixture over the crostini and drizzle lightly with extra virgin olive oil. Garnish with chopped parsley and finely chopped red chili for a fresh, mildly spicy finish.
Notes
- Note 1: Use a sharp serrated knife to slice the baguette on the diagonal for larger, elegant crostini pieces that hold the toppings well.
- Note 2: Baby bocconcini are mini mozzarella balls; cutting them into smaller pieces helps balance portion per crostini.
- Note 3: Quartering cherry tomatoes ensures they are bite-sized and juicy for topping.
- Note 4: Spreadable cream cheese can be substituted with creme fraiche for richness.
- Note 5: For the pea and prawn spread, start with cooked whole prawns and remove shells before chopping for ease.
