21 Best Easy Crostini Appetizer Recipes & Topping Ideas (2024)

Finger foods are one of my favorite types of foods, especially if it involves crostini. Some might call those delicious little creations, hors d’eouvres or appetizers. I prefer not to stick them into one specific meal category, as there have been numerous times where “appetizers” of sorts were turned into dinner or lunch entrees for me.

When I think of a light, stress free dish that will satisfy my appetite without it making my stomach feel full, more often than not, crostini appetizers come to mind. This could be lunch, afternoon snack, and yes, as a dinner option sometimes. If we happen to have a french baguette in the house, I am all too happy to find a way to use it.

A baguette is a versatile starting point with any type of meal, simply because you can do so much with that type of bread. All you really need is imagination to turn a simple loaf of bread, into a yummy treat that you will go back to time and again.

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That kind of day…

Yesterday was one of those days I didn’t really want to cook. It was hot and humid. I was thinking more along the lines of a dinner idea that would be filling, light, and refreshing all at the same time. Of course, a crostini appetizer was the first thing to come to mind…mostly because I had already passed by the baguette on the kitchen counter, one too many times. It was calling my name. I had no choice 😉

When preparing dinner, I chose 2 different topping ideas to go with. Half of the crostini slices would be topped with prosciutto, gouda, and mango chutney. Mmm…so good! For the other half of the crostini, I chose to go with a roast beef gouda crostini my husband made for my lunch a few months back. I haven’t had that particular topping ensemble since that first time, but I’ve been completely obsessed with it since. I finally got around to making it yesterday. Oh my crostini! I’m so in love with that little creation!

21 Best Easy Crostini Appetizer Recipes & Topping Ideas (1)

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Future Ideas…

While I have not written out specific directions for the roast beef crostini, on a dedicated page, I did include a photo and basic directions at the end of this list. So worth trying! It ended up being more popular than the prosciutto and gouda version, which is the one I thought my family would love the most!

In any event, I decided to compile a crostini recipe list, so I can vary up the toppings in the future. We often have a baguette in the house, so we have tried a couple of different topping ideas. However, there are so many others out there! Why not experiment, right?

All of these recipes involve a baguette of some sort. They are super simple and easy to throw together for dinner on a busy weeknight. Or even breakfast or lunch. They are of course the perfect appetizer for any game day, party, or other gathering. Crostini appetizers can be made to feed any size group and the clean up is minimal. Take a peek at the list below…no doubt you will consider one of these gems for the next time you want something satisfying that doesn’t take a huge amount of effort!

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Tomato Avocado Bruschetta Crostini

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I make a very simple tomato and avocado salad, myself. I tend to pair it with eggs a lot for breakfast. but simply adding it to some crostini is always a delicious treat as well. Refreshing and light!

Garlic Shrimp and Avocado Crostini

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My mouth is watering with this one…I must try it! Mmm…avocado and shrimp sounds like a winning combination to me!

Brie, Fig Jam, and Serrano Ham Crostini

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I’ve had crostini with brie and fig jam before, and it was melt-in-your-mouth good. I can only imagine how delicious it is with the serrano ham added!

Feta and Tomato Bruschetta Crostini

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This is sooo good! Feta is one of my favorite types of cheese anyway, especially when combined with simple diced tomato. This is a light, refreshing topping, accentuated by the melty goodness of the feta once baked. Yum!

Apple, Bacon, & Cheddar Crostini

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I haven’t tried this recipe yet, but I am certain it will not disappoint. The bacon and apple by itself, sounds delicious. Add the cheddar, even better!

Goat Cheese and Fig Jam

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Mmm…this is yet another recipe I must try in the near future. I love all of the ingredients involved and can only imagine how beautifully the caramelized onions, pair with the sweetness of the goat cheese!

Crostini Worthy Jams, Chutneys, & Spreads

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  • Solid Acacia Wood Construction.
  • Non-slip handle.
  • Rope hole for hanging.
  • Dimensions: 16.5" x 12".
  • Multipurpose for cutting and serving.

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  • Extra long and wide.
  • Solid acacia wood.
  • Durable and food safe.
  • Dimensions: 31.5” L x 8.75” W x 1” H.
  • Rope hole for hanging.

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  • Dimensions: (L)14" x 9.5"
  • Dimensions: (S) 12" x 7.5".
  • Solid Acacia wood.
  • Versatile for cutting and serving.
  • Decorative edge, prevents sliding.

Egg and Avocado Breakfast Crostini

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This is a recipe you can never go wrong with. The avocado and tomato are a perfect accent to any egg dish, in my book. Add the parmesan, and your taste buds will thank you for it! Yum!

Brie Crostini with Prosciutto

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It is my opinion that proscuitto was naturally made for brie, so it is no surprise I would love this crostini recipe. The honey added, takes it to a whole new level! Delicious!

Cucumbers, Tomato and Basil Bruschetta Crostini

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If you are not in the mood for avocado like the above recipe calls for, change out the avocado for some refreshing cucumber. Mmm…just as delicious and easy to prepare.

Steak Crostini With Roasted Red Peppers

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I’ve added thin sliced steak to crostini before, but combined with different ingredients. I never thought to add the red pepper or goat cheese, for that matter. This is yet another recipe I must try!

Caprese Crostini

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While I’m not a huge fan of balsamic, many people do very much enjoy adding it to their caprese. Hey, who am I to judge? I’ll just stick to adding a bit of olive oil. Delicious and simple!

Brie, Apple, and Honey Crostini

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I was done as soon as I saw brie and apple butter as two of the ingredients. The addition of the sliced apples and honey, is even better. I can’t wait to try this recipe! Mmm…good!

Chicken Caesar Bruschetta Crostini

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All of the deliciousness of a Ceasar salad, in bite size form. Super easy to make and filling. Yum!

Classic Chicken Salad Crostini

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While the photo shows a larger sandwich, this traditional chicken salad is the best recipe I have come across. It’s even better on crostini, and slightly easier to prepare! You can never go wrong with this topping!

Smoked Salmon and Cream Cheese

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I can’t wait to try this recipe…looks so delicious! All of the best parts of your typical bagel with lox, only with less bread! Yum!

Seafood Ceviche On Crostini

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I absolutely love ceviche! I can literally eat it three times a day! And it’s quite possible, given how light of an appetizer, it is! Some folks like to use ceviche as a topping on tortilla chips, as shown here. I much prefer it on toasted crostini.

There are many versions of ceviche. I decided to go with the above article, because it includes several different recipes to choose from. All of the recipes are super easy to make and the clean up, of course, is a breeze.

Sundried Tomato Ricotta Crostini

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This is a recipe I have yet to try. I do love sundried tomatoes, as well as ricotta cheese. I am quite interested to see how the two pair, as a crostini topping. Sounds yummy!

Cucumber Cream Cheese Toasts

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One of my all time favorite summer time sandwiches, is a simple cucumber and cream cheese sandwich. Those two ingredients were made for each other! Yum! This recipe is even better, because it can be served as finger food, for any occasion. Easy to make and refreshing!

Easy Lump Crab Dip Crostini

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We have often ordered crab dip when out at a restaurant, and I’m always even happier when it is served with crostini. This recipe doesn’t call for any cheese, as a lot of crab dip recipes, do. I like that…it makes it lighter…not too heavy on the stomach. Delicious for any snack or meal! Yum!

Ham Gruyere Bites

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While I have not tried this recipe yet, I have no doubt I will love it. Ham and melted gruyere…how can you go wrong?

Roast Beef and Gouda Crostini

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And last, but not least...my favorite of all. A simple roast beef and gouda stack on crostini. Love this recipe! I do not have a dedicated recipe page for it, but it is a super easy appetizer to prepare.

The ingredients you will need, are as follows: Thin sliced deli roast beef, Gouda, Green bell pepper, Onion (white, yellow, or Vidalia. Doesn’t matter), Olive Oil, Sliced baguette, S & P.

Directions: Using your grater, shave off a small amount of gouda (enough for the number of crostini toasts you are making), green pepper, and onion. Set aside. Brush one side of the crostini, with olive oil. At this point, you can choose to toast it in the oven for 5 minutes, or leave the bread soft. Next, add a small pile of the roast beef. Add a bit of salt and pepper Directly to the roast beef. Then, stack the remaining ingredients on top, as follows (cheese, green pepper, and onion). Finish the stack with just another drop or 2 of olive oil. Enjoy! Super delicious!

Ideal boards for cutting and serving crostini!

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  • Sweet and savory.
  • 8.5 oz.
  • Blend of mangos, red peppers, complimentary spices.
  • Perfect with smoked meats, cheeses, dips, grilled chicken.

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  • 8 oz.
  • Complementary spices.
  • Blend of feta and sweet roasted red peppers.
  • Perfect condiment for sandwiches, pasta and more.

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  • Distinctive honey like flavor.
  • Crunchy seeds.
  • 8.5 oz.
  • Sweet flavors of apple and slightly tart lemon.
  • Perfect on breakfast breads, desserts, crostini appetizers.

Final thoughts…

I must say…it really is going to prove to be difficult deciding which recipe to try next. That’s part of the beauty of this type of food, though. Only a few ingredients are involved with each and you don’t have commit to a large amount of any of them. You can make a few different types and go with what you have on hand. Any kind of topping for this easy appetizer, will work beautifully!

Hmmm…decisions, decisions...

In the meantime, let us know in the comments, any of these recipes you try and what you think! Always looking for feedback on food. It is literally an addiction of mine 🙂

Other article you may enjoy…

21 Best Easy Crostini Appetizer Recipes & Topping Ideas (2024)

FAQs

What is bruschetta crostini? ›

The main difference between these two toasts is that crostini is often thinly sliced, while bruschetta is usually served in thicker slices and drizzled with olive oil before it's toasted. The standard topping is diced tomato mixed with olive oil, garlic and Italian herbs—delicious, but a little boring.

Is A crostini a cracker? ›

Authentic Italian crostini, crisp and light, are made from traditional Italian bread dough, rolled thin and baked in a slow oven until golden. Seasoned with extra virgin olive oil and sea salt, these simple all-natural crackers can be enjoyed with cheeses, spreads, dips, soups, and salads - or straight out of the bag!

What is the difference between crostini and canape? ›

Canape: A canape is a type of hors d'oeuvre, or small, single-bite food, that is traditionally made with a base of a small piece of bread with some sort of topping. Crostini: The Italian word means little toasts. The thin slices of bread are toasted, drizzles with olive oil, and served warm.

What is the topping on bruschetta called? ›

food blogger Author has 2.8K answers and 47M. · 10mo. Though the whole thing is usually called bruschetta, the topping is called the condiment.

What does crostini mean in Italian? ›

Crostini: Meaning "little toasts" in Italian, crostini are small, thin slices of toasted bread, which are usually brushed with olive oil. The word also describes canapés consisting of small slices of toast with a savory topping such as cheese, shrimp, pâté or anchovies.

What part of the meal is crostini typically served? ›

Crostini use suggestions: canapés with toppings, for dips (especially excellent with Baked Brie), side dish for meals such as Acqua Pazza (Italian Fish in Tomato Sauce), dunking into Soups and stews! “Crostini” means “l*ttle crusts” (ie.

What country is crostini from? ›

Crostini
Cheese and spinach crostini
CourseAntipasto
Place of originItaly
Main ingredientsBread, topping
Media: Crostini

What bread is crostini made from? ›

The Best Bread for Crostini

A baguette is ideal for crostini, its small surface area is just the right size for these appetizer toasts. Or use a long Italian loaf. The bread doesn't have to be fresh—you're going to dry it out in the oven—so if you have a day-old baguette use it!

What are the most popular finger foods for parties? ›

Some of my favorites: Deviled eggs, bruschetta, crackers with cheese and dried salami, artichoke & spinach dip with tortilla chips, stuffed mushrooms, mini-spanakopita, Chinese dumplings. What are some tasty but easy to make snacks or appetizers that don't involve any cooking? Salami cheese wraps.

What is another name for crostini? ›

Toast By Any Other Name is Crostini or Bruschetta...

What do French call appetizers? ›

An hors d'oeuvre (/ɔːr ˈdɜːrv(rə)/ or DURV(-rə); French: hors-d'œuvre [ɔʁ dœvʁ]), appetiser or starter is a small dish served before a meal in European cuisine.

What is bruschetta made of? ›

Bruschetta is a classic Italian appetizer that is easy to make at home. Toasted bread is topped with tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, garlic, and fresh basil. Use a high-quality balsamic vinegar for best results.

What is bruschetta bread made of? ›

“A bruschetta is a kind of open sandwich and it's probably where the idea for cheese on toast originally came from. It's normally made from a large loaf of sourdough natural yeast bread, which is a dark grey colour and has a higher water content than usual in the dough.

What is crostini bread made of? ›

Crostini is Italian for toasts. These simple toasts are generally made with sliced white bread, brushed with olive oil, and lightly toasted until crisp.

How would you describe bruschetta? ›

Bruschetta (pronounced broo-sket-ta) is a slice of bread toasted in the oven or grilled, often rubbed with garlic and topped with extra-virgin olive oil, tomatoes and salt.

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