Crostini
The perfect appetizer for any occasion, Crostini combines crispy toast with creamy toppings and a touch of elegance. Easy to prepare and endlessly customizable, these delightful bites are sure to impress your guests. Make them for your next gathering!
Equipment
- Wooden Spoon
- Mixing Bowl
- Chef's Knife
- Baking Sheet
- Oven
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 pinch salt
- ground black pepper
- 1 loaf crusty Italian bread or French baguette sliced into 30 pieces, 3/4-inch thick
- 8 oz sour cream
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 pinch salt
- 4 – 6 oz smoked salmon sliced into 30 pieces
- 1 oz American paddlefish caviar
- dill for garnishing
Instructions
- Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C). This initial step is crucial to get the right texture for your Crostini. The oven should be hot enough to toast your bread to a perfect crisp.
- In a small bowl, mix together 4 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil, 1 pinch of salt, and some ground black pepper. This mixture will help to flavor and crisp your bread beautifully.
- Brush the olive oil mixture generously on one side of each toast slice. Making sure to cover the bread well will result in a lovely golden crust during baking.
- Arrange your sliced crusty Italian bread or French baguette on two large rimmed baking sheets, making sure they’re spaced out evenly. Proper spacing ensures that they bake evenly, without steaming.
- Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for about 10 minutes. You’ll want to rotate the sheets halfway through for even toasting. Keep an eye on them until they’re lightly golden and crisp.
- Once toasted to perfection, take the sheets out of the oven and let the Crostini cool on the baking sheets. This cooling time allows them to firm up even more, making them perfect for topping.
- If you want to prepare ahead, you can make the Crostini bread one day in advance. Store the cooled slices in a plastic bag to keep them fresh.
- Now, let’s prepare the toppings! In a mixing bowl, combine 8 oz of sour cream, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, and another pinch of salt. Stir well to ensure everything is mixed and creamy.
- Spread the sour cream mixture on each toasted piece of bread. Be generous; this will add a lovely creaminess to each bite of your Crostini.
- Top each piece with a slice of smoked salmon, adding that luxurious touch. Follow with a small dollop of American paddlefish caviar for extra elegance.
- Finish off with a sprinkle of fresh dill on top for a pop of color and flavor. Your beautiful Crostini are now ready to serve!
Notes
Leftover Crostini should be kept in an airtight container to maintain their crispiness. However, they’re best enjoyed fresh. You can freeze the toasted bread, but it’s advisable to wait to add toppings until you’re ready to serve. These Crostini pair beautifully with a light salad or a chilled soup for a complete meal. Experiment with different spreads, like pesto or hummus, for a unique twist on your Crostini. Consider adding microgreens or edible flowers for an elegant touch when serving.