Crostini Combinations

There's nothing more I love than crostinis aka fancy toasts... and don't worry, I'm not talking about avocado toasts. That trend was so 2010. I'm talking about mini toasts that elevate a dinner party.

From fresh, vibrant bruschettas to the fancy mini tea sandwiches served at an English tea, crostinis are fun to eat and make. But let's be real, my main reason for loving a crostini: it's a tasty vehicle for shoveling into my mouth more artichoke dip, whipped feta spread, or a fig-olive tapenade.

For my friends with little ones, this is also a great activity with your little ones to build a snack. Need a low-key, easy weeknight meal? These tapas can quickly turn into lunch/dinner when paired with a salad or if you amp up your protein toppings. 

Where to start?

First, you need a strong, sturdy, and crisp crostini base. I love using baguettes, but any artisan bread will do. 

• Sliced (1/2 inch slices) toasted baguettes
• Pre-baked crostini slices from the bakery (easier to buy when you don't have time)
• Turning this into a bigger snack/meal, serve up a big slice for an open-faced sammy
• If you're a garlic fan (and depending on your flavor combo), I sometimes rub garlic on the bread after toasting it for extra flavor.

Once your bread is toasted, the sky's the limit for the toppings and combinations. 

Whisk and Whim's Favorite Crostini Combinations 

a bit decadent 

• horseradish mayo + arugula + provolone cheese + thinly sliced roast beef + cracked black pepper
• cream cheese + lox + thinly sliced cucumber + dill
• herbed mayo + mortadella + pickled onions + sliced cornichons
• olive oil + sardines + pickled fennel + dill
• butter + thinly sliced radish + roe + chive
• olive oil + sauteed mushrooms (chanterelles or crimini) + truffle salt + parm
• chimichurri sauce + sauteed shrimp + sliced piquillo pepper

fan favorites

• olive oil + caramelized onions + bacon crumbles
• classic bruschetta (fresh tomatoes + basil + olive oil + minced garlic)
• a thin slice of brie + apricot jam 
• mayo + Dungeness crab + sliced avocado + lemon juice
• ricotta + prosciutto + sliced peaches + honey + balsamic drizzle + thyme
• mozzarella or burrata + prosciutto + cantaloupe + arugula

veggie-friendly

• whipped ricotta + honey + freshly sliced figs + cracked black pepper
• gorgonzola cheese + thinly sliced pears + honey drizzle
• cream cheese + thinly sliced cucumbers + thinly sliced radish + microgreens + black pepper
• ricotta + roasted butternut squash + fried sage
• goat cheese spread + olive tapenade
• labneh + toasted hazelnuts + honey drizzle (greek yogurt is a sub for labneh if you can't find it)
• pb + sriracha + scallions + cilantro (don't knock it until you try it, inspired by the bon appetit recipe I found)
• labneh + olive oil + za'atar
• olive oil + stewed, smashed white beans with garlic  + rosemary + black pepper

Got any favorite combinations? I'd love to hear and learn from you via comments!