Best Crostini Recipes

SIMPLE CROSTINI

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Arrange baguette slices on two large rimmed baking sheets; brush both sides with oil, and season with salt and pepper.
• Bake, rotating sheets halfway through, until golden, 15 to 20 minutes (if undersides are not browning, turn crostini over once during baking). Let cool on baking sheets. Top crostini with desired toppings, and serve.

TOMATO CROSTINI WITH WHIPPED FETA

Steps:

• For the whipped feta, place the feta and cream cheese in the bowl of a food processor fitted with the steel blade. Pulse until the cheeses are mixed. Add 1/3 cup of the olive oil, the lemon juice, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper and process until smooth.
• For the tomatoes, up to an hour before you're serving, combine the shallots, garlic, and vinegar in a medium bowl. Set aside for 5 minutes. Whisk in the remaining 1/3 cup olive oil, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Add the tomatoes, stir gently, and set aside for 10 minutes. Stir in the basil and taste for seasonings.
• To assemble the crostini, spread each slice of bread with a generous amount of whipped feta. With a slotted spoon, place the tomatoes on top. Put the crostini on plates and scatter with the pine nuts. Sprinkle with extra basil and serve.

CREAM CHEESE CRAB SPREAD WITH HOMEMADE CROSTINI

Steps:

• Combine the cream cheese and all but 1/2 cup of the crabmeat in a medium bowl. Mix until thoroughly combined. Roll into an 8-inch log and refrigerate until firmed up slightly, about 1 hour. Refrigerate the remaining 1/2 cup crabmeat until serving.
• Meanwhile, combine the ketchup, horseradish, lemon juice, salt and some pepper in a medium bowl. Taste and adjust to your liking.
• Place the log on a serving platter. Spoon some of the sauce over it, reserving the remaining sauce in a small bowl to serve on the side. Sprinkle the reserved 1/2 cup crabmeat on top and garnish with the chives. Rub the garlic onto one side of each slice of bread and arrange the bread on the serving platter.

CROSTINI OF CHICKEN LIVER PATE WITH BALSAMIC ONIONS

Steps:

• To make the onions: Coat a large saute pan with olive oil and add the onions. Season the onions with salt and bring the pan to a medium-high heat. Cover and sweat the onions for 15 to 20 minutes. Add the balsamic and cook for another 20 to 25 minutes or until the balsamic is syrupy. Use right away, or place in airtight jar and store in the refrigerator until ready to use.
• To make the chicken liver pate: Coat a large saute pan with olive oil and add the anchovies, capers and garlic. Bring to medium heat and saute until the anchovies have dissolved.
• Add the chicken livers, turn up the heat and saute for 3 to 5 minutes and cook until the livers are about 1/2 to 3/4 of the way done. Add the wine and cook for 3 to 4 minutes or until the wine has reduced by half, the mix should still be pretty soupy.
• Transfer everything to a food processor and puree until smooth. Season with a little salt, if needed, and loosen with a little olive oil if needed.
• Schmear each toast with the pate and top with balsamic onions.

CROSTINI D'EMILY

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
• Slice the baguette crosswise into 1/4 inch thick slices
• In a small bowl, stir together the butter, olive oil, and chopped garlic. Spread the butter mixture onto each slice of the bread. Place the slices onto a cookie sheet buttered side up.
• Bake at 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) for 8 to 10 minutes, or until lightly toasted, and hard.

PEPPER-CRUSTED STEAK WITH HORSERADISH CREAM ON GRILLED GARLIC CROSTINI

Steps:

• Combine the garlic, hot red pepper flakes, peppercorns, rosemary, and olive oil in a Zip-loc bag. Add the beef, coating it with the marinade. Squeeze all the air out of the bag so the beef is enveloped by the marinade, and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, or overnight.
• Preheat the grill or broiler for 15 to 20 minutes. Sprinkle the steak with the salt and grill or broil to rare or medium rare, depending on your preference.
• The cooking time will depend on the thickness and temperature of the beef, so push at the steak with your finger, and if it still feels totally raw in the middle, give it a little longer.
• This is one of the things that cooks just need to intuit and learn to read the silent signs. Better under than overcooked, so check often, and if your finger defeats you, cut the steak with a knife and have a look. Let the steak rest for at least an hour, to get the juices back into the meat, then cut into short, very thin slices. (The best knife for slicing is a bread knife with wavy rather than pointed teeth, which cuts through beef amazingly well.) Serve on Grilled Garlic Crostini.
• Arrange a few shaved slices of beef on each piece of bread, top with a pungent dot of Horseradish Cream, scatter with minced Italian parsley, and dust on a little kosher salt.

ROASTED TOMATO, RICOTTA AND BASIL CROSTINI

Steps:

• For the crostini: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.
• Cut the baguette into thin slices and put them on one of the prepared baking sheets. Brush the bread with olive oil, then sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste. Bake until they are golden brown and crunchy, about 15 minutes.
• For the roasted tomatoes: In a medium bowl, mix together the tomatoes, honey, olive oil and red wine vinegar and season with salt and pepper. Put the mixture on the other prepared baking sheet and bake until the tomatoes start to color and shrivel, about 25 minutes.
• For the ricotta: In a medium bowl, mix together the ricotta, olive oil and garlic powder until well combined. Season with salt and pepper.
• When the crostini are cooled slightly, spread the ricotta cheese mixture over the top of each piece, and then top with the roasted tomatoes, drizzling any extra juices over the top. Garnish with the chiffonade of basil.

BEEF TENDERLOIN CROSTINI

Steps:

• For the beef tenderloin: Preheat the oven to 500 degrees F.
• Place the beef tenderloin on a baking sheet, drizzle with the olive oil and season liberally with salt and pepper. Rub the oil and seasoning evenly over the meat.
• Roast the tenderloin until an internal thermometer reads 125 to 130 degrees F for rare to medium rare, about 20 minutes. Remove from the oven, tent with aluminum foil and let rest until it reaches room temperature, at least 20 minutes. Transfer to a cutting board and thinly slice.
• For the crostini: Turn down the oven temperature to 400 degrees F.
• Put the baguette slices on a baking sheet in 1 layer. Drizzle with the olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Bake until golden brown and toasted, about 5 minutes.
• For the horseradish sauce: Add the sour cream, applesauce, horseradish, mayonnaise, breadcrumbs and chives to a medium bowl and mix until combined. Season with salt and pepper.
• To assemble: Spread a dollop of horseradish sauce onto each toasted baguette piece, add a slice of beef tenderloin and then top with another dollop of horseradish sauce and a few watercress leaves.

CROSTINI WITH TUNA TAPENADE

Steps:

• Drain all but a tablespoon of olive oil from the tuna and then flake the fish into the bowl of a food processor fitted with the steel blade. Add the anchovy paste, thyme, parsley, lemon zest, and garlic and pulse a few times. Add the lemon juice, 3 tablespoons of olive oil, and the mascarpone and process until almost smooth. Add the olives, capers, salt, and pepper and pulse just to incorporate. Transfer the mixture to a bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
• Meanwhile, heat a gas or charcoal grill or preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Brush the bread lightly on one side with olive oil. Grill the crostini on both sides until lightly browned or arrange the bread on a sheet pan and bake for 6 to 8 minutes. Allow to cool slightly.
• Mound the tapenade on each toast, sprinkle with parsley, and serve.

ROASTED GARLIC CROSTINI WITH ASSORTED TOPPINGS

Steps:

• 1. Preheat the oven to 375°F. Put the garlic in a roasting pan and drizzle on the olive oil. Toss to coat thoroughly. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until the garlic bulbs are very tender but not overly brown. Test by carefully giving a bulb a gentle squeeze while protecting your hand with a folded kitchen towel or an oven glove. Remove from the oven and allow to cool.
• 2. Using a sharp serrated knife, cut each head of garlic crosswise in half, midway between its leaf and root ends, to expose all the cloves inside. Their pulp will be golden brown and as soft as butter. You can squeeze it out of each half by hand or scoop it out with a small spoon or knife. Transfer the roasted garlic to a small bowl, pour in any olive oil from the baking dish, and stir and mash with a fork to form a smooth purée. You'll have 1/3 to 1/2 cup of purée, depending on the size of the garlic heads.
• 3. To make the Roasted Garlic Crostini, preheat the oven to 375° F. Brush the bread slices with the olive oil and arrange them on a baking sheet. Bake them until golden, 12 to 15 minutes. Remove them from the oven and let them cool to room temperature. Spread the puréed roasted garlic evenly on the tops of the crostini. Top the crostini with any of the options listed above, or make an assortment. Spread some with 1 tablespoon each of goat cheese; then decorate the cheese with strips of roasted bell pepper or a mixture of sun-dried tomato strips and capers, or a smear of tapenade. In place of the goat cheese, top others with diced tomato tossed with some fresh basil, a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes, and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar; with prosciutto and Parmesan cheese; with anchovy fillets and freshly ground black pepper; or with slices of Roma tomato and fresh mozzarella, topped with fresh basil leaves.

PROSCIUTTO AND BRIE CROSTINI

Steps:

• Preheat the broiler. Line a baking sheet with foil.
• Arrange the baguette slices on the prepared baking sheet. Cut the Brie into 1/4-inch-thick slices and put 1 slice on each piece of baguette. Broil until the cheese is melted, 1 to 2 minutes.
• Drizzle the toasts with the honey and then top with some prosciutto and a sprinkle of thyme leaves if using.

FIG, GOAT CHEESE, AND PROSCIUTTO CROSTINI

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 375°F.
• Slice 12 ½-inch slices of bread from the baguette. Place on a baking sheet, and brush generously with the olive oil. Sprinkle a little salt if desired on each slice.
• Bake for about 10 mins, or until crisp and slightly golden. Remove from oven and cool slightly.
• Spread goat cheese on each crostini. Spread about a tablespoon of Bonne Maman Fig Preserves on top of the goat cheese.
• Fold the slices of prosciutto neatly and place on top of each crostini.
• Lay fresh arugula leaves on top of each crostini to taste.

BEEF AND BLUE CHEESE CROSTINI

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 400°. Cut baguette into 36 slices. Place on ungreased baking sheets. Spritz with cooking spray. Sprinkle with pepper. Bake until lightly browned, 4-6 minutes., Meanwhile, in a small bowl, combine sour cream, chives, horseradish and salt. Top toasts with beef; dollop with sour cream mixture. Sprinkle with cheese and additional chives.

PEA PESTO CROSTINI

Steps:

• For the pea pesto: Pulse together the peas, garlic, Parmesan, 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper in a food processor. With the machine running, slowly add the olive oil until well combined, about 1 to 2 minutes. Season with additional salt and pepper, if needed. Transfer to a small bowl and set aside.
• For the crostini: Preheat a stovetop griddle or grill pan on medium-high heat. Brush both sides of the sliced bread with olive oil and grill until golden, about 1 to 2 minutes. Transfer the bread to a clean surface and spread 1 to 2 tablespoons of the prepared pesto on each slice.
• Top with tomato halves and serve.
• *Cook's note: If you don't have day-old bread on hand, you can dry out fresh bread by putting the slices in a preheated 300 degree F oven until slightly crisp, about 5 minutes.

CHILLED AVOCADO-CUCUMBER SOUP WITH CROSTINI

Steps:

• In a blender, combine cucumbers, avocados, scallions, cilantro, jalapeño, lime juice, and 1 cup water; blend until smooth. Season with salt and stir in up to 1/4 cup more water until consistency is like that of heavy cream. Refrigerate until chilled, at least 1 hour and up to 6 hours.
• Meanwhile, preheat oven to 350°F. Arrange baguette slices on a rimmed baking sheet. Brush both sides with oil; season with salt and pepper. Bake until golden, 15 to 20 minutes.
• Prepare an ice-water bath. Bring a pot of generously salted water to a boil. Add asparagus; cook until bright green and tender, 2 to 3 minutes, depending on thickness. Transfer to a plate; let cool slightly.
• Return water to a boil; gently lower in eggs with a slotted spoon and cook 7 minutes. Transfer to ice bath and let stand 5 minutes. Peel and halve eggs; season to taste.
• Ladle soup into bowls and drizzle with oil. Serve with crostini, asparagus, eggs, and ham.

CARAMELIZED ONION AND GOAT CHEESE CROSTINI

Steps:

• In 12-inch nonstick skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Stir in onions; cook uncovered 10 minutes, stirring every 3 to 4 minutes.
• Reduce heat to medium-low. Stir in salt, brown sugar, and vinegar. Cook 30 to 35 minutes longer, stirring every 5 minutes, until onions are deep golden brown (onions will shrink during cooking). Cool slightly.
• Heat oven to 325°F. Place bread slices on ungreased cookie sheet; spray lightly with non-stick cooking spray. Bake 6 to 9 minutes or until crispy.
• Meanwhile, in small bowl, combine goat cheese and cream cheese; blending until smooth; set aside.
• Place 1 teaspoon caramelized onions onto each bread slice; top with 1 rounded teaspoon cheese mixture. Sprinkle with herbs.

ROASTED TOMATO, AVOCADO, AND FRESH MOZZARELLA CROSTINI

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Arrange tomato slices on the baking sheet and top with about 3 tablespoons olive oil, sea salt, and pepper.
• Roast in the preheated oven until tomatoes are wilted, wrinkly, and scorched in some places, 25 to 30 minutes. Set aside to cool.
• Heat butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Place bread slices in the skillet and cook until crisp and golden in parts, 2 to 3 minutes per side.
• Remove bread from skillet and rub garlic onto each slice; sprinkle sea salt over bread.
• Layer mozzarella cheese on the toasted bread and top with avocado slices. Sprinkle sea salt over avocado and squeeze lemon over it. Top with roasted tomatoes and dill. Drizzle remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil over crostini and sprinkle with flaked salt.

HOT CRAB CROSTINI

Steps:

• Heat oven to 400°. Place bread slices on large ungreased cookie sheet. Brush tops lightly with oil. Bake 3 to 5 minutes or until crisp and very light brown.
• Meanwhile, mix remaining ingredients except chives in medium bowl. Spread 1 rounded table-spoonful crabmeat mixture on each bread slice.
• Bake about 5 minutes or until filling is hot and cheese is melted. Sprinkle with chives.

ARTICHOKE AND BEAN CROSTINI

Steps:

• Put an oven rack in the center of the oven. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Spray a baking sheet with vegetable cooking spray
• Lay the prosciutto in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 10 to 12 minutes until crispy. Set aside to cool for 10 minutes.
• On another baking sheet, arrange the bread slices in a single layer. Using a pastry brush, brush the bread with 1/4 cup of the oil. Bake until golden, about 12 to 15 minutes.
• In a food processor, combine the artichoke hearts, beans, cheese, basil, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Pulse until the mixture is chunky. With the machine running, slowly add the remaining 1/4 cup of olive oil. Spoon the artichoke mixture onto the crostini. Crumble the prosciutto and sprinkle on top. Drizzle with oil and serve.

ARTICHOKE-PARMESAN CROSTINI

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Make crostini: Brush baguette slices on both sides with a total of 1 tablespoon oil; season with salt and pepper. Place on a baking sheet, and bake, turning over once, until golden, 10 to 12 minutes. Cool.
• Meanwhile, make topping: Finely chop artichokes, and combine in a bowl with Parmesan, parsley, and remaining tablespoon oil.
• Dividing evenly, spoon topping onto crostini, and garnish with additional Parmesan, if desired.