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 ▼
This Double Tomato and Cheese Bruschetta recipe features chopped fresh tomatoes and sun-dried tomatoes, with chopped red onion, fresh basil and minced garlic. These fresh ingredients are tossed together with a marinade of balsamic vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, Kosher or sea salt and freshly ground pepper. The tomato mixture is then topped with Asiago and Parmesan cheese, then broiled until melted and bubbly.
Feta and Goat Cheese Bruschetta with Marmalade has a mildly sweet and savory flavor, and is great served for parties and holidays. This tasty bruschetta is made with a combination of goat cheese and feta cheese, combined with a marmalade made with honey, apricot preserves, balsamic vinegar and fresh thyme. This bruschetta recipe can be made with toasted or untoasted baguette or other bread slices.
This delicious Hot Spinach Artichoke Dip Bruschetta features little slices of toasted bread topped (or served on the side for dipping) with a delicious dip made with thawed frozen spinach leaves, canned artichoke hearts, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, roasted garlic, and is combined with sour cream and mayonnaise for the perfect creamy consistency. May also be garnished with chopped tomatoes and grated Parmesan cheese.
Hummus Chicken Salad is wonderful on crispy Baked Crostini or soft mini slices of bread, and a wonderful twist to the traditional chicken salad. This chicken salad recipe is made with hummus rather than mayonnaise, giving it light and refreshing taste as well as healthful benefits. Diced celery, green onions and red bell pepper are also added into the mix, providing a fresh and tasty crunch!
Italian Bruschetta with Feta and Capers is colorful and elegant, and has distinct and delicious tangy flavor that will leave your guests craving more! The tasty topping consists of diced tomatoes, crumbled feta, capers, fresh chopped parsley and basil, salt and freshly ground pepper, along with a dash of some red pepper flakes for a little "kick." This mixture is tossed with some balsamic vinegar and olive oil for the perfect final touch!
If you're looking for fun and easy kid-friendly appetizer recipes, these Mini Pizza Bruschetta (also sometimes referred to as crostini) are really the perfect snack food, because with just one thin baguette (a long, thin loaf of French bread), you can easily prepare enough kid appetizers to feed a small crowd. These easy mini pizza appetizers can be adjusted to suit anyone's personal taste, simply by adjusting a few ingredients!
