21 Best Easy Crostini Appetizer Recipes & Topping Ideas

Finger foods are one of my favorite types of foods, especially if it involves crostini. Some might call those delicious little creations, hors d’eouvres or appetizers. I prefer not to stick them into one specific meal category, as there have been numerous times where “appetizers” of sorts were turned into dinner or lunch entrees for me.

When I think of a light, stress free dish that will satisfy my appetite without it making my stomach feel full, more often than not, crostini appetizers come to mind. This could be lunch, afternoon snack, and yes, as a dinner option sometimes. If we happen to have a french baguette in the house, I am all too happy to find a way to use it.

A baguette is a versatile starting point with any type of meal, simply because you can do so much with that type of bread. All you really need is imagination to turn a simple loaf of bread, into a yummy treat that you will go back to time and again.

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That kind of day…

Yesterday was one of those days I didn’t really want to cook. It was hot and humid. I was thinking more along the lines of a dinner idea that would be filling, light, and refreshing all at the same time. Of course, a crostini appetizer was the first thing to come to mind…mostly because I had already passed by the baguette on the kitchen counter, one too many times. It was calling my name. I had no choice 😉

When preparing dinner, I chose 2 different topping ideas to go with. Half of the crostini slices would be topped with prosciutto, gouda, and mango chutney. Mmm…so good! For the other half of the crostini, I chose to go with a roast beef gouda crostini my husband made for my lunch a few months back. I haven’t had that particular topping ensemble since that first time, but I’ve been completely obsessed with it since. I finally got around to making it yesterday. Oh my crostini! I’m so in love with that little creation!

Future Ideas…

While I have not written out specific directions for the roast beef crostini, on a dedicated page, I did include a photo and basic directions at the end of this list. So worth trying! It ended up being more popular than the prosciutto and gouda version, which is the one I thought my family would love the most!

In any event, I decided to compile a crostini recipe list, so I can vary up the toppings in the future. We often have a baguette in the house, so we have tried a couple of different topping ideas. However, there are so many others out there! Why not experiment, right?

All of these recipes involve a baguette of some sort. They are super simple and easy to throw together for dinner on a busy weeknight. Or even breakfast or lunch. They are of course the perfect appetizer for any game day, party, or other gathering. Crostini appetizers can be made to feed any size group and the clean up is minimal. Take a peek at the list below…no doubt you will consider one of these gems for the next time you want something satisfying that doesn’t take a huge amount of effort!

Be sure to check out my article, How To Make An Easy Crostini Appetizer Board Or Toppings Bar – Ideas & Recipes!

Tomato Avocado Bruschetta Crostini

I make a very simple tomato and avocado salad, myself. I tend to pair it with eggs a lot for breakfast. but simply adding it to some crostini is always a delicious treat as well. Refreshing and light!

Garlic Shrimp and Avocado Crostini

My mouth is watering with this one…I must try it! Mmm…avocado and shrimp sounds like a winning combination to me!

Brie, Fig Jam, and Serrano Ham Crostini

I’ve had crostini with brie and fig jam before, and it was melt-in-your-mouth good. I can only imagine how delicious it is with the serrano ham added!

Feta and Tomato Bruschetta Crostini

This is sooo good! Feta is one of my favorite types of cheese anyway, especially when combined with simple diced tomato. This is a light, refreshing topping, accentuated by the melty goodness of the feta once baked. Yum!

Apple, Bacon, & Cheddar Crostini

I haven’t tried this recipe yet, but I am certain it will not disappoint. The bacon and apple by itself, sounds delicious. Add the cheddar, even better!

Goat Cheese and Fig Jam

Mmm…this is yet another recipe I must try in the near future. I love all of the ingredients involved and can only imagine how beautifully the caramelized onions, pair with the sweetness of the goat cheese!

Ideal boards for cutting and serving crostini!

Egg and Avocado Breakfast Crostini

This is a recipe you can never go wrong with. The avocado and tomato are a perfect accent to any egg dish, in my book. Add the parmesan, and your taste buds will thank you for it! Yum!

Brie Crostini with Prosciutto

It is my opinion that proscuitto was naturally made for brie, so it is no surprise I would love this crostini recipe. The honey added, takes it to a whole new level! Delicious!

Cucumbers, Tomato and Basil Bruschetta Crostini

If you are not in the mood for avocado like the above recipe calls for, change out the avocado for some refreshing cucumber. Mmm…just as delicious and easy to prepare.

Steak Crostini With Roasted Red Peppers

I’ve added thin sliced steak to crostini before, but combined with different ingredients. I never thought to add the red pepper or goat cheese, for that matter. This is yet another recipe I must try!

Caprese Crostini

While I’m not a huge fan of balsamic, many people do very much enjoy adding it to their caprese. Hey, who am I to judge? I’ll just stick to adding a bit of olive oil. Delicious and simple!

Brie, Apple, and Honey Crostini

I was done as soon as I saw brie and apple butter as two of the ingredients. The addition of the sliced apples and honey, is even better. I can’t wait to try this recipe! Mmm…good!

Chicken Caesar Bruschetta Crostini

All of the deliciousness of a Ceasar salad, in bite size form. Super easy to make and filling. Yum!

Classic Chicken Salad Crostini

While the photo shows a larger sandwich, this traditional chicken salad is the best recipe I have come across. It’s even better on crostini, and slightly easier to prepare! You can never go wrong with this topping!

Smoked Salmon and Cream Cheese

I can’t wait to try this recipe…looks so delicious! All of the best parts of your typical bagel with lox, only with less bread! Yum!

Seafood Ceviche On Crostini

I absolutely love ceviche! I can literally eat it three times a day! And it’s quite possible, given how light of an appetizer, it is! Some folks like to use ceviche as a topping on tortilla chips, as shown here. I much prefer it on toasted crostini.

There are many versions of ceviche. I decided to go with the above article, because it includes several different recipes to choose from. All of the recipes are super easy to make and the clean up, of course, is a breeze.

Sundried Tomato Ricotta Crostini

This is a recipe I have yet to try. I do love sundried tomatoes, as well as ricotta cheese. I am quite interested to see how the two pair, as a crostini topping. Sounds yummy!

Cucumber Cream Cheese Toasts

One of my all time favorite summer time sandwiches, is a simple cucumber and cream cheese sandwich. Those two ingredients were made for each other! Yum! This recipe is even better, because it can be served as finger food, for any occasion. Easy to make and refreshing!

Easy Lump Crab Dip Crostini

We have often ordered crab dip when out at a restaurant, and I’m always even happier when it is served with crostini. This recipe doesn’t call for any cheese, as a lot of crab dip recipes, do. I like that…it makes it lighter…not too heavy on the stomach. Delicious for any snack or meal! Yum!

Ham Gruyere Bites

While I have not tried this recipe yet, I have no doubt I will love it. Ham and melted gruyere…how can you go wrong?

Roast Beef and Gouda Crostini

And last, but not least...my favorite of all. A simple roast beef and gouda stack on crostini. Love this recipe! I do not have a dedicated recipe page for it, but it is a super easy appetizer to prepare.

The ingredients you will need, are as follows: Thin sliced deli roast beef, Gouda, Green bell pepper, Onion (white, yellow, or Vidalia. Doesn’t matter), Olive Oil, Sliced baguette, S & P.

Directions: Using your grater, shave off a small amount of gouda (enough for the number of crostini toasts you are making), green pepper, and onion. Set aside. Brush one side of the crostini, with olive oil. At this point, you can choose to toast it in the oven for 5 minutes, or leave the bread soft. Next, add a small pile of the roast beef. Add a bit of salt and pepper Directly to the roast beef. Then, stack the remaining ingredients on top, as follows (cheese, green pepper, and onion). Finish the stack with just another drop or 2 of olive oil. Enjoy! Super delicious!

Crostini Worthy Jams, Chutneys, & Spreads

Final thoughts…

I must say…it really is going to prove to be difficult deciding which recipe to try next. That’s part of the beauty of this type of food, though. Only a few ingredients are involved with each and you don’t have commit to a large amount of any of them. You can make a few different types and go with what you have on hand. Any kind of topping for this easy appetizer, will work beautifully!

Hmmm…decisions, decisions...

In the meantime, let us know in the comments, any of these recipes you try and what you think! Always looking for feedback on food. It is literally an addiction of mine 🙂

Other article you may enjoy…

– How To Make An Easy Crostini Appetizer Board Or Toppings Bar – Ideas & Recipes

– 23 Easy Snacks & Appetizer Recipes For Game Day and Parties!

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