Crostini

recipes

Killer App: Hummus, Sun-Dried Tomato, and Pea Shoot Crostini

A recent food fixation in the form of a simple tartine, composed of hearty whole-wheat toast slathered with creamy hummus, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh pea shoots, inspired today's creation.

A recent food fixation in the form of a simple tartine, composed of hearty whole-wheat toast slathered with creamy hummus, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh pea shoots, inspired today's creation. This fast and easy option saw me through breakfasts, snack hours, and lunches aplenty but wasn't exactly the sort of food one would serve to company. How, I mused, could I transform this satisfying snack into an elegant appetizer?

A simple swap of a seeded baguette for sandwich bread makes these diminutive bites visually enticing, bite-size, and party-friendly. Chances are, I won't abandon this perfect storm of creamy, crisp, and candy-sweet sun-dried tomatoes in its large-scale iteration any time soon, but I will embrace its entertaining-friendly turn in addition. Get the easy recipe, and follow suit.

Appetizers

Southern Stunners: Pimento Cheese and Prosciutto Biscuits

I'm rarely inclined to re-create a restaurant dish at home, as they often involve multiple components best executed in a setting where a coterie of chefs and prep cooks can pitch in to their prep.

I'm rarely inclined to re-create a restaurant dish at home, as they often involve multiple components best executed in a setting where a coterie of chefs and prep cooks can pitch in to their prep. That said, I knew I'd have to break my rule after obsessing over a biscuit topped with pimento cheese, prosciutto, and microgreens at California's Artisan Cheese Festival.

Thankfully, none of the components involved are particularly trying to produce. Pimento cheese involves little more than a few swipes of a grater; drop biscuits are a dump-and-stir operation; the other ingredients are a mere matter of sourcing. Combine these all into a rustic finger food, and the result is a hearty appetizer far greater than the sum of their already dangerously enticing parts. Make them yourself, and I'm sure you'll agree.

POPSUGAR Food

Learn How to Make Basic Crostini

Many party dips and spreads are served alongside crostini, little crunchy toasts.

Many party dips and spreads are served alongside crostini, little crunchy toasts. They're incredibly easy to make and can be topped with everything from vegetables to cheese to seafood. Once you know the basic technique, you can get creative with the crostini toppers. Watch the video and learn how to make crostini now.

POPSUGAR Food

Impress Your Guests With Bite-Sized Filet Mignon Crostini

On the hunt for an elegant passed appetizer?

On the hunt for an elegant passed appetizer? Chef Meg Hall shares how to make decadent bite-sized crostini with filet mignon, topped with crème fraîche. These hors d'oeuvres look luxurious, but don't be fooled by their sophistication: these bites are deceptively easy to make. Watch the video, then follow Meg's simple crostini recipe to impress your guests without spending all of your time in the kitchen.

Crostini

The Difference Between Bruschetta and Crostini

Both bruschetta and crostini are Italian terms that relate to crispy bread.

Both bruschetta and crostini are Italian terms that relate to crispy bread. But what's the difference between the two of them?

Crostini translates to "little toasts" and generally refers to small pieces of bread that are baked. These toasts are then topped with a variety of ingredients like cheese, vegetables, meat, or seafood.

Bruschetta, on the other hand, is a larger piece of bread that is cooked over coals or a grill. Bruschetta can be rubbed with garlic and is traditionally served freshly charred. Like crostini, bruschetta can be topped with a wide range of items. What do you like to top yours with?

Photo by flickr user Jeffrey Beall

Spring

Perfectly Seasonal: Onion Jam and Goat Cheese Crostini

In my attempt to cook with more peak-season produce, I left the farmers market this week with a giant canvas tote full of Spring onions, young alliums with a tender texture and a milder flavor.

In my attempt to cook with more peak-season produce, I left the farmers market this week with a giant canvas tote full of Spring onions, young alliums with a tender texture and a milder flavor. And in my search to find something to make with them, I managed to discover the holy grail of appetizers.

Onions, fresh goat cheese, and baguette don't sound like much, but trust me, the sum is greater than its parts. The key is to slow-simmer the Spring onions in a zesty agrodolce sauce, until they've developed a deep caramel flavor and reduced to a thick jam. Spread it on top of crunchy crostini with creamy chèvre, and the rest is guaranteed to be history. For a crowd-pleasing vegetarian appetizer, you'll want to read more.

Appetizers

Asparagus Crostini Is Easy and Delicious Easter App

Still wondering what to serve on Easter?

Still wondering what to serve on Easter? I've got the perfect seasonal appetizer for you: asparagus crostini with smoked salmon and cheese. It's crispy, creamy, salty, and delicious. It's also an incredibly versatile hors d'oeuvre that can be offered morning, noon, or night and paired with lemonade, sparkling wine, or cocktails. The different components (crostini, cheese mixture, and sautéed asparagus) can be prepared in advance; assemble the layers just before serving. Keep reading for the recipe.

Appetizers

Killer App: Creamy Shrimp Crostini

There are certain dishes that I'm obsessed with.

There are certain dishes that I'm obsessed with. Among them are shrimp appetizers and crostini, so imagine my delight when I came across Giada de Laurentiis's recipe for a shrimp crostini appetizer! The most important part of this dish is the bread; select a loaf that's sturdy and can hold the gooey thick topping. It's a mixture of plump pink shrimp, vibrant peppery arugula, and juicy fresh tomatoes. There's a slight creaminess thanks to the addition of mascarpone cheese that also provides a great richness. These finger-licking good hors d'oeuvres are excellent with a glass of crisp white wine. Ready for the recipe? Read more.

Valentine's Day

Come Party With Me: Valentine's Day — Menu

Instead of going out for a pricey meal on Valentine's Day, I suggest that you host a romantic dinner for two in the comforts of your own home.

Instead of going out for a pricey meal on Valentine's Day, I suggest that you host a romantic dinner for two in the comforts of your own home. Make it special by setting the table, lighting some candles, and serving a meal that is decadent and delicious. I've searched through our recipes and selected a menu that's sure to please the meat-and-potato lover in your life. It's a four-course meal, so you might want to get started with the planning on Sunday.

Thanksgiving

Killer App: Crostini with Cranberry, Pear, and Orange Mostarda

Cranberries are a staple for this time of year, but I always like to try something different from the traditional cranberry sauce.

Cranberries are a staple for this time of year, but I always like to try something different from the traditional cranberry sauce. My suggestion? Skip serving them in a bowl and use them in a stellar mostarda-topped crostini appetizer. Mostarda is a traditional Italian condiment that combines sweet cooked fruit with a savory mustard sauce; it's often served with meat, which would make it perfect for topping pork or turkey. I was ready to try something new, so I baked up some crostini and topped them with a triple-creme goat brie, finishing with a spoonful of flavorful mostarda. Trust me: you won't miss cranberry sauce once you start popping these tasty apps. Keep reading for the recipe.