These crostini topped with a creamy white bean spread are perfect for sharing! The crispy bread pairs wonderfully with the smooth and tasty dip that’s full of flavor.
Making this dish is super easy! I love to serve it as a snack for friends or at parties. Just toast the bread, mix the beans, and you’re ready for a delicious treat. Yum! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Baguette or French Bread: A good crusty bread makes the best base for these crostini. If you can’t find a baguette, use ciabatta or sourdough instead. They also toast up nicely!
White Beans: Cannellini or great northern beans create that creamy texture. If you’re looking for a twist, you could use chickpeas for a nuttier flavor or even black beans for a different color.
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives the spread its kick, but if you’re sensitive to raw garlic, roasted garlic is a milder option. You can also use garlic powder in a pinch—just use less!
Olive Oil: This ingredient adds richness. If you need a substitute, avocado oil or canola oil work well, though olive oil gives a lovely flavor.
Fresh Parsley: It adds brightness and a fresh note to the spread. If you’re out of parsley, try basil or chives for a different taste that still works beautifully.
What’s the Best Way to Toast the Bread for Crostini?
Toasting the bread perfectly ensures your crostini are crispy and delicious. Here’s how to do it right:
- Start with preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Slice the bread into 1/2-inch thick pieces to get nice, sturdy bites.
- Lay the slices on a baking sheet in a single layer, and brush each side with olive oil.
- Toast for about 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning!
- They should be golden and crisp. Let them cool for a minute before spreading the white bean mixture.
Toasting just right is key, as it will make sure your toppings don’t make the bread soggy. Enjoy your crunchy crostini!
Crostini With White Bean Spread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Crostini:
- 1 baguette or crusty French bread loaf, sliced into 1/2-inch pieces
- Olive oil, for brushing the bread
For the White Bean Spread:
- 1 (15-ounce) can white beans (cannellini or great northern), drained and rinsed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
Optional Toppings:
- Caramelized onions
- Olives
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 15 minutes to prepare and 10 minutes to toast the bread, making the total time around 25 minutes. It’s quick and super easy, perfect for when you want to whip up a tasty snack!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is the perfect temperature to get your bread crispy and golden.
2. Prepare the Bread:
Arrange the sliced bread on a baking sheet. Lightly brush both sides of each slice with olive oil—this helps them to crisp up nicely while toasting.
3. Toast the Bread:
Pop the baking sheet in the oven and toast the bread for about 8-10 minutes. Be sure to flip the slices halfway through so they toast evenly. Keep an eye on them to make sure they don’t burn!
4. Make the White Bean Spread:
While the bread is toasting, get ready to make your filling! In a food processor or blender, combine the white beans, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper.
5. Blend Until Smooth:
Process the mixture until it’s nice and smooth. You might need to scrape down the sides of the bowl a couple of times to ensure everything is mixed well.
6. Add Fresh Parsley:
Once the spread is creamy, stir in the chopped parsley. This gives it a wonderful fresh flavor!
7. Assemble the Crostini:
Take the toasted bread out of the oven and let it cool for a moment. Spread a generous layer of the white bean mixture onto each crostini, covering them well.
8. Garnish and Serve:
Top your crostini with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and add any optional toppings like caramelized onions or olives for extra yumminess. Serve these delicious bites right away and enjoy!
Can I Use Different Beans for the Spread?
Absolutely! While cannellini and great northern beans work great, you can also try using chickpeas for a different flavor or black beans for a colorful twist.
How Should I Store Leftover Crostini?
If you have any leftover crostini, you can store the assembled crostini in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. However, the bread may get a bit soggy. It’s best to store the bean spread in a separate container and assemble the crostini fresh when you’re ready to eat.
Can I Make the Bean Spread Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can make the white bean spread in advance! Prepare it up to 2 days ahead and store it in the fridge in an airtight container. Just give it a good stir before using to bring back the creamy texture.
What’s the Best Way to Add Flavor to the Bean Spread?
If you want to kick up the flavor in your white bean spread, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat or a dash of smoked paprika for a smoky flavor. You can also experiment with adding herbs like thyme or rosemary!
