Crostini are basically little toasted slices of bread topped with whatever good things you have on hand.
They sound fancy but they’re honestly one of the easiest appetizers you can make!
All you really need is a baguette, some olive oil, and a few toppings.
You can go fresh, creamy, salty, or a mix of all three depending on your mood and your fridge.
They’re great for last minute guests because you can throw a bunch together without a plan.
Once you start making them, it’s hard not to keep coming up with new combinations.
1. Tomato, Basil and Balsamic Drizzle Crostini
Toast sliced baguette in the oven with a little olive oil until lightly golden, not rock hard.
Chop fresh tomatoes and basil and don’t stress about perfect pieces because this is a last minute snack.
Spoon the mixture over the warm bread so the juices soak in and actually taste like something.
Drizzle balsamic glaze on top and add a pinch of salt to wake it up.
If your tomatoes feel bland, add a tiny splash of olive oil and another pinch of salt.
2. Cream Cheese and Smoked Salmon Crostini
Spread softened cream cheese onto the crostini while they’re still warm so it melts in just a bit.
Tear the smoked salmon into smaller pieces so each bite gets some without sliding off.
Add cracked black pepper and a squeeze of lemon to keep it from feeling heavy.
Capers are great if you have them but totally optional.
Keep these chilled until serving if your kitchen is warm.
3. Brie and Sliced Pear Crostini
Slice the brie while it’s cold so it doesn’t turn into a mess on your cutting board.
Let the cheese sit on the crostini for a few minutes so it softens naturally.
Thinly slice a ripe pear and layer it on top so every bite gets sweet and creamy.
A drizzle of honey adds a little something without doing too much.
Serve these at room temperature so the flavors actually come through.
4. Mashed Avocado With Chili Flakes Crostini
Mash ripe avocado with salt and lemon using a fork and keep it chunky.
Spread it generously on toasted bread because skimpy avocado is just sad.
Sprinkle chili flakes on top for heat that sneaks up on you.
Taste one and see if it needs more salt before finishing the rest.
Add a little extra lemon juice if it feels flat.
5. Pesto and Fresh Mozza Crostini
Spread pesto onto the crostini first so it acts like glue.
Tear fresh mozzarella into small pieces instead of slicing so it stays put.
Press the cheese gently into the pesto so it doesn’t tumble off when someone grabs one.
Add a pinch of salt because fresh mozzarella always needs it.
Pop them under the broiler for one minute if you want them warm and slightly melty.
6. Ricotta and Roasted Red Peppers Crostini
Spread ricotta onto toasted crostini and don’t worry about smoothing it perfectly.
Slice jarred roasted red peppers into strips and layer them on top so they don’t overwhelm the bread.
Add a pinch of salt and cracked pepper because ricotta needs help.
A drizzle of olive oil makes it feel a little richer without extra work.
If you want more flavor, add a small spoon of the pepper jar oil.
7. Hummus, Cucumbers and Olive Oil Crostini
Spread hummus thick enough that you can see it from the side.
Slice cucumber thin so it stays crisp and doesn’t slide off when you bite.
Lay the cucumber on top and drizzle with olive oil right before serving.
Add salt even if your hummus already has some because cucumbers mute flavor.
Finish with a little black pepper or paprika if it’s sitting on the counter.
8. Blue Cheese and Honey Crostini
Let the blue cheese sit out for a bit so it spreads without fighting you.
Smear it onto the crostini and keep the layer thin because it’s strong.
Drizzle honey over the top in a zigzag so each bite gets some sweetness.
Add cracked pepper to balance the sweet and salty.
Serve these toward the end so they don’t sit too long.
9. Prosciutto and Ricotta Crostini
Spread ricotta onto the crostini and season it lightly with salt and pepper first.
Tear prosciutto into loose pieces instead of laying it flat so it feels lighter.
Layer it gently on top and don’t press it down.
A drizzle of olive oil adds richness without making it greasy.
Add lemon zest if you want it brighter.
10. Sauteed Mushrooms With Garlic and Thyme Crostini
Cook sliced mushrooms in olive oil until they release their liquid and start to brown.
Add minced garlic and thyme near the end so it doesn’t burn.
Spoon the mushrooms onto toasted crostini while they’re still warm.
Sprinkle with salt and pepper and taste one before plating the rest.
Use whatever mushrooms you have because they all work here.
11. Egg Salad With Chives Crostini
Make a simple egg salad with chopped hard boiled eggs, mayo, salt, and pepper.
Keep it chunky so it doesn’t feel like cafeteria food.
Spoon it onto toasted crostini and spread it gently to the edges.
Sprinkle chopped chives on top for freshness.
Add a little extra salt if it tastes dull.
12. Cream Cheese and Pepper Jelly Crostini
Spread cream cheese onto crostini while the bread is still slightly warm.
Spoon pepper jelly on top and let it settle instead of spreading it around.
Start with less jelly than you think because it’s sweet.
Add cracked black pepper if you want a little contrast.
Serve these at room temperature so the cream cheese stays soft.
13. Chicken Salad With Lemon Crostini
Use leftover chicken and chop it fairly small so it stays put on the bread.
Mix with mayo, salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon to keep it light.
Spoon onto crostini and don’t overload them or they’ll tip.
Taste one and adjust the lemon if it needs brightness.
Add chopped celery if you want crunch.
14. Goat Cheese and Caramelized Onions Crostini
Spread softened goat cheese onto toasted crostini and don’t worry about perfect coverage.
Add a spoon of caramelized onions and spread them gently so they don’t slide off.
The sweetness balances the tangy cheese without much effort.
Add cracked pepper on top to cut through the richness.
Warm the onions slightly before adding if they’re cold.
15. Mashed White Beans With Garlic and Oil Crostini
Mash canned white beans with olive oil, salt, and grated garlic until mostly smooth.
Spoon the mixture onto crostini and spread it thick so it feels substantial.
Drizzle with more olive oil right before serving.
Add black pepper or chili flakes for a little heat.
Taste and adjust the salt before finishing the tray.
Simple Crostinis That Save the Day
When you need something fast, toast some bread and pick one topping instead of overthinking it.
Mix and match what you already have in the fridge and let it look a little imperfect.
Put a few different options on a platter so people can grab what sounds good.
Keep the bread coming if they disappear faster than expected.
Jot down which ones go first so you remember them next time.
