Italian Crostini
Italian crostini featuring fresh basil, tomato, garlic, olives, and Asiago cheese, toasted on French bread; a flavorful, easy appetizer perfect for gatherings or as a savory snack.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients except bread.
- Spread each bread slice with 1/2 tablespoon of the olive mixture.
- Heat the broiler and toast until golden brown and the cheese bubbles, about 3 minutes.
- Serve immediately.
Tips & Substitutions
For a fresher flavor, use ripe heirloom tomatoes in place of standard tomatoes. If you prefer a milder taste, consider substituting the garlic with roasted garlic. Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes can give a nice kick. To enhance the dish, try drizzling some balsamic reduction over the crostini before serving. This recipe is also adaptable to various seasonal toppings found in Italian recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these crostini as an appetizer or a light lunch, pairing them with a side of Insalata (Italian Tomato Salad) for a refreshing contrast. They also work well alongside a charcuterie board or as part of a Mediterranean feast. A glass of light red wine or sparkling water pairs excellently with this dish.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover crostini in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes to restore their crispness. Avoid microwaving, as that can make the bread chewy. The topping can be stored separately and used on fresh bread later.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Italian Crostini contains roughly 208 calories, with 7g protein, 25g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (29% of the Daily Value) and vitamin A (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 615mg per serving (27% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I adjust the recipe for a larger crowd?
To serve more people, simply scale up the ingredient quantities proportionally. For a party, you can prepare the toppings in a large batch and toast the bread in multiple batches to ensure they stay fresh and crispy. This makes it easy to serve a crowd without sacrificing quality.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).