Crostini Appetizers
Crostini (also sometimes referred to as bruschetta, or canapés when made into small bite-size servings) is fabulous served as an appetizer, because it can be adorned with an endless variety of toppings, adding color, festive flavor and variety to your party, holiday gathering or other social event. Crostini and bruschetta always make easy finger food appetizers, because once the bread slices are toasted, preparing the crostini or bruschetta is just a matter of mixing a few ingredients and spooning small amounts on top of the little toasts (and in some cases, quick broiling might be needed to melt cheese toppings). Crostini and bruschetta are Italian in origin, traditionally featuring small slices of toasted bread that are rubbed with garlic and drizzled with olive oil, then topped with any variety of ingredients, such as chopped tomatoes or other
vegetables, beans, cured meats or cheese. Bruschetta and crostini recipes can become much more creative than that, however, simply by topping the toasted bread slices with any number of toppings that might spark your imagination. The possibilities are endless!
The first step in preparing crostini or bruschetta is choosing the right loaf of bread. Typically, when crostini and bruschetta are served as party appetizers, the goal is to make a large amount of small bite-size appetizers. For this purpose, choosing a long, narrow baguette loaf (about 2 to 3 inches in diameter) is the way to go. Baguettes can vary slightly in length and width, though all will produce excellent results. Baguettes are also usually very inexpensive, which will allow to you produce enough appetizers for a small crowd at a very reasonable cost. Ciabatta bread, also Italian in origin, can also be used, and is more commonly used with bruschetta recipes, though can also be used with crostini. Ciabatta has a great chewy, firm texture with attractive air pockets throughout, but will likely be thicker in diameter than baguettes, so will result in larger individual servings. Tip: Slicing the bread slices at a slight diagonal will not only allow you to control the size of the crostini and bruschetta servings (the larger the angle, the longer each slice of bread will be), it will give your crostini appetizers attractive eye appeal.
The first step in preparing crostini or bruschetta is choosing the right loaf of bread. Typically, when crostini and bruschetta are served as party appetizers, the goal is to make a large amount of small bite-size appetizers. For this purpose, choosing a long, narrow baguette loaf (about 2 to 3 inches in diameter) is the way to go. Baguettes can vary slightly in length and width, though all will produce excellent results. Baguettes are also usually very inexpensive, which will allow to you produce enough appetizers for a small crowd at a very reasonable cost. Ciabatta bread, also Italian in origin, can also be used, and is more commonly used with bruschetta recipes, though can also be used with crostini. Ciabatta has a great chewy, firm texture with attractive air pockets throughout, but will likely be thicker in diameter than baguettes, so will result in larger individual servings. Tip: Slicing the bread slices at a slight diagonal will not only allow you to control the size of the crostini and bruschetta servings (the larger the angle, the longer each slice of bread will be), it will give your crostini appetizers attractive eye appeal.
Crostini & Bruschetta Recipes ▼
If you're looking for party food ideas that include easy cold appetizers for a crowd, Artichoke Bruschetta will certainly deliver! These light and tasty artichoke appetizers, although called "Artichoke Bruschetta," can also be called Artichoke Crostini, because the two terms are so similar. The topping for this Artichoke Bruschetta is so simple, yet full of fabulous flavor and freshness, and takes just a few minutes to prepare!
Baked Crostini (also sometimes referred to as Bruschetta or Canapé when topped with savory foods) are miniature slices of toasted (or baked) bread, typically made from baguettes (long, thin loaves of French bread). Served as an appetizer, they can be used as a base for an endless variety of food toppings or as a cracker-style snack for dips. Crostini are wonderful for social events, holidays, parties or anytime snacking.
Broiled Crostini (small toasted slices of bread used for topping with various ingredients to be served as appetizers) produces a different result than Baked Crostini, though both can be used for the same purpose. With Broiled Crostini, the slices of bread are cooked more quickly under direct heat, and the crunchiness tends to be contained more on the surface of the bread, while the chewiness is still retained on the inside.
Caesar Bruschetta is one of those incredibly easy bruschetta recipes, featuring chopped tomatoes, chopped fresh basil leaves, diced red onion and minced fresh garlic. These fresh and colorful ingredients are tossed with a high quality Caesar dressing your choice, then a small amount of the tomato mixture is scooped onto small slices of toasted bread, creating beautiful and elegant finger food appetizers your guests will love!
Crab Crostini is a tasty and colorful appetizer that will add a touch of elegance to any party, holiday or social event. This crab appetizer recipe features mini slices of bread topped with a light and delicious flaky crab mixture made with red bell pepper, chives, parsley, Dijon, Parmesan cheese, mayonnaise, hot pepper sauce and some freshly squeezed lime juice. This recipe couldn't be easier - just slice, top and broil!
These Cranberry and Goat Cheese Canapés are as simple as can be, yet deliver delicious fresh flavor that both adults and kids will love. Also, as you can see by the red and green colors provided by the dried cranberries and fresh rosemary, these canapés are the perfect easy appetizer to serve during the holidays as Christmas appetizers (though they're delicious all-year-long!).
