Description
Classic Basil Pesto Crostini is a quick and delicious appetizer featuring toasted baguette slices topped with a vibrant homemade basil pesto and fresh diced tomatoes. This easy recipe combines fragrant basil, garlic, pine nuts, and Pecorino cheese to create a flavorful spread that pairs perfectly with crispy, toasted bread for a delightful starter or party snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Basil Pesto
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves, rinsed and tightly packed
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/3 cup Pecorino or Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp toasted pine nuts or pumpkin seeds
Crostini
- 1 baguette, sliced into ten 1/2 inch thick rounds (you will have extra)
- Oil spray
- 3/4 cup tomatoes, diced
Instructions
- Start the pesto: Have a food processor ready with the sharp blade in place. Add the garlic cloves and pulse until they are minced finely.
- Add basil: Add the fresh basil leaves to the food processor and pulse briefly to chop the basil slightly and clear space for the other ingredients.
- Finish the pesto: Add the olive oil, Pecorino or Parmesan cheese, and toasted pine nuts or pumpkin seeds to the food processor. Puree until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed, then pulse again for a final blend ensuring all ingredients are incorporated evenly.
- Toast the crostini: Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C). Arrange the baguette slices in a single layer on a baking sheet or a large piece of aluminum foil. Lightly coat one side of each bread slice with oil spray. Place the baking sheet in the oven and toast the bread slices for about 5 minutes or until they begin to turn golden brown and develop a slight crispiness.
- Finish the crostini: Remove the toasted bread from the oven. Spread a generous dollop of the prepared basil pesto on one side of each crostini. Top each with 2 to 3 pieces of diced tomato. Arrange on a serving platter and serve immediately to enjoy the fresh flavors and crispy texture.
Notes
- Use toasted pine nuts or pumpkin seeds depending on availability or preference.
- The pesto can be made in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- For a vegan version, substitute Pecorino/Parmesan cheese with a vegan cheese alternative or nutritional yeast.
- To enhance the flavor, consider rubbing the toasted bread with a cut clove of garlic before spreading the pesto.
- Serve the crostini fresh to maintain the crispy texture of the bread.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
