What do you put on top of crostini?

Crostini can be topped with almost anything, from cheeses and spreads to meats and vegetables. Popular options include tomato bruschetta, goat cheese or ricotta, roasted vegetables, cured meats, or smoked salmon. In this recipe, the goat cheese creates a creamy base for the fresh tomato bruschetta and balsamic glaze.

Are crostini and bruschetta the same?

They’re similar but not the same. Crostini are small slices of bread that are toasted or baked until crispy. Bruschetta traditionally refers to grilled bread rubbed with garlic and topped with olive oil and tomatoes. Today, the terms are often used together, as bruschetta served on crostini.

Can I put bruschetta on crackers?

Yes. Bruschetta can be served on crackers if you want a no-bake or quick option. Choose sturdy crackers that can hold the topping without breaking. While crackers won’t have the same texture as crostini, they work well in a pinch.

What kind of bread does bruschetta go on?

Bruschetta is traditionally served on crusty bread like a baguette or rustic Italian loaf. A French baguette is ideal because it crisps evenly and holds toppings well. Sourdough is another great option for added flavor.

Can I make bruschetta on crostini ahead of time?

You can prepare the components ahead, but it’s best to assemble right before serving. The balsamic glaze can be made up to a week ahead, the crostini earlier in the day, and the tomato mixture a few hours before serving.

How do I keep bruschetta from getting soggy?

Spreading goat cheese on the crostini first creates a barrier that helps prevent sogginess. Using Roma tomatoes and assembling just before serving also makes a big difference.

Can I use a store-bought balsamic glaze?

Yes, but homemade balsamic glaze has a fresher flavor and better balance of sweetness and acidity. Since it only uses balsamic vinegar and honey, it’s quick and worth making from scratch.

What can I use instead of goat cheese?

Ricotta, whipped cream cheese, fresh mozzarella, or burrata all work well. Each option slightly changes the texture and flavor but pairs nicely with the bruschetta topping.

Is this bruschetta good for holidays and parties?

Absolutely. This recipe works perfectly as a Christmas appetizer , a fall potluck dish , or an easy holiday party appetizer. It’s simple to scale up and always looks impressive.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes. Use a gluten-free baguette or gluten-free crostini. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

How should I store leftovers?

Assembled bruschetta is best eaten the same day. If stored separately, keep the tomato mixture and goat cheese in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to two days. Store crostini at room temperature to keep them crisp.

Can I add extra toppings?

Yes. A drizzle of honey, flaky sea salt, shaved Parmesan, or pomegranate arils are great additions, especially for festive fall and holiday versions.

Bruschetta on Crostini

Name: Bruschetta on Crostini
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 baguette; 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar; 1 tablespoon honey; 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided; 4 Roma tomatoes; 8-12 basil leaves, chiffonade; 2 tablespoons red onion, finely minced; 1 garlic clove, finely minced; 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 4 ounces of plain goat cheese

Bruschetta on Crostini

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

5 from 2 reviews

Author: Jenna
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: approximately 36 crostinis 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This bruschetta on crostini features crispy baguette slices topped with creamy goat cheese, a fresh tomato basil mixture, and a homemade balsamic glaze. It’s an easy yet elegant appetizer that’s perfect for Christmas appetizers, fall potluck dishes, holiday gatherings, and casual entertaining year-round.

Ingredients

Units Scale

1 baguette
1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon honey
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
4 Roma tomatoes
8-12 basil leaves, chiffonade
2 tablespoons red onion, finely minced
1 garlic clove, finely minced
1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
4 ounces of plain goat cheese

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Make the balsamic glaze first. In a small saucepan over medium-high heat, whisk together the balsamic vinegar and honey until combined. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and set aside to cool; it will thicken more as it cools.
Preheat the oven to 400°F. Slice the baguette and arrange the slices in a single layer on a sheet pan. Drizzle with about 2 tablespoons of olive oil and sprinkle lightly with salt and black pepper. Bake for 7–10 minutes, or until golden-brown and crispy. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.
While the crostini bake, prepare the bruschetta topping. Dice the Roma tomatoes and add them to a medium bowl. Stir in the basil, red onion, garlic, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, fine sea salt, and black pepper until evenly combined. Let it sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld and refrigerate until you’re ready to serve.
To assemble, spread a layer of goat cheese onto each crostini. Spoon the tomato mixture over the goat cheese, then drizzle with the cooled balsamic glaze just before serving. You can also serve it all separately and allow people to build their own pieces!

Equipment

AVACRAFT Mixing Bowls

Buy Now →

Extra Large Walnut Wood End Grain Butcher Block Cutting Board

Buy Now →

Buy Now →

Buy Now →

Buy Now →

Buy Now →

Notes

Make ahead: The balsamic glaze can be made up to 1 week in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Rewarm slightly if needed to make it easier to drizzle.
Prevent soggy crostini: Spreading goat cheese on the crostini first helps create a barrier so the tomato mixture doesn’t soak into the bread. Assemble just before serving for the best texture.
Tomatoes: Roma tomatoes work best because they are less watery. If using other varieties, remove excess seeds and juice before mixing.
Cheese options: Ricotta, whipped cream cheese, fresh mozzarella, or burrata can be used instead of goat cheese.
Olive oil: A good-quality extra-virgin olive oil makes a difference here. Heraclea extra-virgin olive oil is smooth and rich without bitterness, which pairs well with the tomatoes and goat cheese.
Serving ideas: This recipe is perfect for Christmas appetizers, fall potluck dishes, Thanksgiving appetizers, appetizers for pizza, summer appetizers, and holiday entertaining!
Gluten-free option: Use a gluten-free baguette or gluten-free crostini; the remaining ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Storage: Assembled bruschetta is best enjoyed the same day. If storing separately, refrigerate the tomato mixture and goat cheese for up to 2 days and keep crostini at room temperature.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: 30 Minutes or Less, Appetizers, Christmas Recipes, Easter Recipes, Fall Recipes, Spring/Summer Recipes, Vegetarian
Method: Oven
Cuisine: Italian

Find it online: https://heavenlyspiced.com/bruschetta-on-crostini/

Recipe Card powered by