Ah, white bean crostini—just the sound of it makes my taste buds do a little happy dance. It’s one of those appetizers that feels like a hug in food form.
You know, the kind where you take a bite and just close your eyes for a second to savor it. I stumbled upon this gem at a friend’s potluck last summer, and since then, it’s been my go-to for gatherings.
The creamy white beans paired with a hint of garlic and lemon, all perched on a perfectly toasted slice of baguette—it’s like a little slice of heaven. Oh, and don’t get me started on the drizzle of olive oil on top, which just makes everything feel like a luxurious treat.
Whether you’re throwing a casual get-together or just want something fancy to nibble on while binge-watching your favorite series, this recipe has got you covered. And hey, with the holiday season fast approaching, why not add this to your culinary repertoire?
Trust me, your guests will thank you.
Steps
- Preheat the oven to 400°F. Slice the baguette into 1/4-inch pieces, spray them with olive oil, and toast in the oven until golden, flipping once halfway through. Alternatively, grill the slices until they are crisp and lightly browned. Rub each toasted slice gently with a halved garlic clove.
- In a blender, combine drained cannellini or Great Northern beans, olive oil, water, fresh thyme, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Blend the mixture until smooth and creamy, adding more water if needed to achieve a spreadable consistency.
- Spread the bean mixture over each toasted bread slice, topping with a few fresh thyme leaves for garnish. Just before serving, drizzle each crostini with balsamic vinegar for a finishing touch.
Ingredients
- 2 cups canned cannellini or Great Northern beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 4 tablespoons water
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme
- 1 clove garlic for the bean spread
- 1 garlic clove for rubbing on bread
- Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
- 8 1/2-inch piece of baguette (total 4 oz), sliced into 1/4-inch thin slices
- Olive oil spray
- Additional fresh thyme for garnish
- Balsamic vinegar for drizzling
Nutritional Values
Calories: 569 kcal | Carbohydrates: 85 g | Protein: 26 g | Fat: 19 g | Saturated Fat: 4.5 g | Sodium: 1224 mg | Fiber: 12.8 g | Sugar: 4.25 g
FAQ
- What distinguishes crostini from bruschetta?
- The primary distinction lies in the bread used. Crostini are made from thin slices of baguette, whereas bruschetta uses thicker cuts of sourdough that are typically grilled and rubbed with garlic.
- Can I prepare crostini in advance?
- Yes, you can prepare crostini ahead of time. You can slice and toast the bread a few days prior and store it in an airtight container. The white bean spread can also be made up to two days in advance and kept in the refrigerator.
- How should I store leftover crostini?
- While crostini are best consumed on the day they are assembled, any leftovers can be reheated in the oven, air fryer, or on the stove to restore some of their original texture.
- What are some variations I can try with this recipe?
- You might try drizzling a balsamic glaze instead of vinegar, swapping thyme for rosemary, or adding red pepper flakes to the white bean mixture for a bit of heat.
- How can I adjust this recipe for a larger gathering?
- If you’re hosting a bigger event, consider doubling or tripling the recipe to ensure you have enough for all your guests.
Tips
- Prep in Advance: Toast the baguette slices and prepare the white bean spread a few days ahead of time. This allows you to simply assemble the crostini on the day of your event, making for a stress-free appetizer.
- Achieve Smooth Spread: When blending the white bean spread, ensure it is smooth and spreadable. If the mixture appears too thick, gradually add more water until the desired consistency is achieved.
- Garlic Infusion: For an added depth of flavor, gently rub the toasted bread slices with a cut garlic clove before topping them with the white bean spread.
- Balsamic Drizzle Timing: Drizzle the balsamic vinegar over the crostini just before serving to maintain the crispness of the bread while providing a burst of tangy flavor.
Equipment
- Blender or Magic Bullet – For pureeing the white bean spread.
- Olive Oil Spray Bottle – For spraying olive oil on the bread slices.
- Balsamic Vinegar Drizzler – For drizzling balsamic vinegar over the crostini.
