Olive Crostini
A savory olive crostini featuring coarsely chopped black and green olives blended with garlic, Parmesan, Monterey Jack, and fresh parsley, perfect for appetizers or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Chop olives coarsely in a food processor.
- Transfer to a medium bowl.
- With the machine running, drop garlic through the feed tube and mince.
- Add Parmesan, butter, and olive oil.
- Process to a paste.
- Add the olive paste to the bowl with the chopped olives.
- Fold in Monterey Jack cheese and chopped parsley.
- Mix well.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier spread, consider adding a bit of cream cheese or Greek yogurt to the olive mixture. If you're short on time, you can use pre-pitted olives to simplify preparation. Feel free to experiment with different types of olives for varied flavors. If you don’t have Parmesan, a similar hard cheese can work as a substitute.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the olive crostini as an appetizer with a side of Mediterranean recipes, or enjoy them as a light snack. Pair with a refreshing Cucumber Yogurt Spread for a delightful contrast. They also make a great addition to a cheese board alongside sliced meats and fresh vegetables.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover olive crostini mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, spread the mixture on fresh bread slices and broil for a few minutes until warmed through and slightly golden. This helps maintain the flavors and texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Olive Crostini contains roughly 784 calories, with 22g protein, 56g carbohydrates, and 57g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (71% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (70% of the Daily Value), and calcium (62% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1044mg per serving (45% 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
Can I make the olive mixture ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the olive mixture a day in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator, covered. Bring it to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and spreadability.
What can I use if I don't have a food processor?
If you don’t have a food processor, you can finely chop the olives and garlic by hand. Then, mix the ingredients in a bowl using a fork or spatula until you achieve a paste-like consistency.
Are there any alternatives for the cheeses used?
Absolutely! If you prefer a stronger flavor, you can substitute feta cheese for the Monterey Jack. For a vegan option, try using nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy.
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).