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Sun-dried Tomato Crostini

Sun-dried Tomato Crostini Recipe

Sun-Dried Tomato Crostini are crispy toasted baguette slices topped with a flavorful mixture of tangy sun-dried tomatoes, creamy cheese, and fresh herbs. This elegant appetizer takes just 15 minutes to prepare and delivers restaurant-quality taste with minimal effort. Perfect for entertaining, these bite-sized treats combine golden, crunchy bread with rich Mediterranean flavors that guests absolutely love.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 7 minutes
Servings: 20
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: British
Calories: 85

Ingredients
  

  • 1 baguette
  • 2 garlic cloves crushed
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 sun-dried tomatoes in oil
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 12 pitted black olives chopped
  • ¼ teaspoon fresh rosemary chopped

Method
 

  1. Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C) and preparing the bread base. Slice 1 baguette into 24 thin slices and arrange them across 2 baking sheets in a single layer.
  2. Combine 2 crushed garlic cloves with about 3 tablespoons of olive oil, then brush approximately half of this garlic-infused oil onto each bread slice. Place the baking sheets in the oven and bake for 10 minutes.
  3. Once the time is up, remove the sheets, flip each slice over, brush with the remaining garlic oil, and return to the oven for another 10 minutes until the crostini are crisp and golden brown. Allow the toasted bread to cool completely before adding toppings.
  4. While the bread toasts, prepare the sun-dried tomato spread. Pat 4 sun-dried tomatoes in oil dry with a paper towel and cut them into small pieces.
  5. Transfer the tomato pieces to a food processor along with 2 tablespoons of butter and process until finely chopped. Alternatively, you can use a mortar and pestle to pound the mixture to your desired consistency.
  6. Season the paste with salt and black pepper to taste, adjusting until the flavors are balanced and satisfy your palate.
  7. To finish the crostini, spread the sun-dried tomato and butter mixture generously over each cooled slice of bread. Top with the chopped 12 pitted black olives, distributing them evenly across each piece.
  8. Finally, sprinkle ¼ teaspoon of fresh chopped rosemary over the olives as a fragrant finishing touch. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.

Notes

What's the Difference Between a Bruschetta and a Crostini?

While bruschetta and crostini may look similar, they have distinct differences. Bruschetta traditionally uses larger, thicker slices of rustic Italian bread that are grilled or toasted, then rubbed with raw garlic and drizzled with olive oil. The toppings are typically fresh, with the classic version featuring diced tomatoes, basil, and garlic. Crostini, meaning "little toasts" in Italian, are smaller, thinner slices cut from a baguette or narrow loaf, toasted until crispy throughout. They serve as a base for various toppings, from spreads to cured meats. Think of bruschetta as a heartier appetizer and crostini as delicate, bite-sized party fare perfect for elegant entertaining.