These Pesto Crostini are the perfect little bites for your holiday table. Crunchy toasted bread topped with creamy basil pesto and a touch of fresh toppings, they’re elegant, quick, and full of flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 French baguette, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 cup fresh basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, diced
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional: balsamic glaze, pine nuts, or fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the baguette slices on a baking sheet in a single layer.
- Brush each slice with olive oil on both sides. Bake for about 8 to 10 minutes, or until lightly golden and crisp.
- Once toasted, remove from the oven and let them cool slightly. You want them crunchy but not hard.
- Spread about one teaspoon of pesto on each crostini. The aroma of basil and garlic should fill your kitchen instantly.
- Top with a sprinkle of diced cherry tomatoes for freshness and a pop of color.
- Finish each piece with a touch of Parmesan, a crack of black pepper, and, if desired, a drizzle of balsamic glaze or a few pine nuts.
- Serve immediately, or keep covered at room temperature for up to 2 hours before serving.
Tips & Serving Ideas
These crostini pair beautifully with Pull Apart Christmas Tree Bread for a festive appetizer spread. If you’re looking for Creative Christmas Dinner Ideas or Unique Christmas Meals, this recipe fits right in. You can even make it part of your Boxing Day Dinner Ideas for something light after all the holiday feasting.
For a heartier touch, top your pesto crostini with thin slices of prosciutto, roasted red peppers, or a bit of mozzarella. The result is a crowd-pleasing starter that feels fancy but takes minutes to assemble. If you’re planning an elegant Dinner For Christmas or exploring Christmas Dinner Ideas, this is one of those recipes you’ll want to pin for later.
Pesto Crostini
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the baguette slices on a baking sheet in a single layer.
- Brush each slice with olive oil on both sides. Bake for about 8 to 10 minutes, or until lightly golden and crisp.
- Once toasted, remove from the oven and let them cool slightly.
- Spread about one teaspoon of pesto on each crostini.
- Top with a sprinkle of diced cherry tomatoes and Parmesan cheese. Add black pepper and optional garnishes if desired.
- Serve immediately, or keep covered at room temperature for up to 2 hours before serving.
Notes
- You can toast the baguette a day ahead and store in an airtight container.
- Add toppings just before serving for the best texture.
- Try adding prosciutto or mozzarella for variety.
Make Ahead & Storage
You can toast the baguette slices a day ahead. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Assemble with pesto and toppings just before serving for the best texture. The pesto can also be made up to three days ahead if you’re preparing an assortment of Italian Dishes For Christmas.
FAQs
1. Can I make pesto crostini ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the toasted bread a day before. Keep it in an airtight container. Add the pesto and toppings right before serving to keep the texture crisp and fresh. This trick works great when planning your Christmas Diner Ideas menu.
2. What kind of bread is best for crostini?
A French baguette works best. It gives a nice crunch and holds the toppings well. You can also try ciabatta for a slightly chewier texture, ideal for Italian Food For Christmas Dinner spreads.
3. How can I make this recipe more festive?
Use a mix of red and yellow cherry tomatoes and add a sprinkle of pomegranate seeds for color. It adds a holiday sparkle that’s perfect for Unique Christmas Meals or any festive appetizer platter.
Conclusion
These Pesto Crostini are a small but impressive way to add flavor and charm to your holiday menu. They’re quick to prepare, bursting with fresh Italian taste, and versatile enough to serve for Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, or Boxing Day gatherings. If you’re collecting Creative Christmas Dinner Ideas, this is a recipe worth saving and sharing. Pin it to your holiday board and make it part of your cozy celebrations this season!