Crostini appetizers are a crowd-pleaser that’s as easy to make as they are to enjoy. Whether it’s creamy brie with honey or smoked salmon with herbed cream cheese, there’s a topping for everyone. You can prep everything ahead of time, so you’re not rushing on the day of your party. They’re always a hit, and guests love how simple they are to grab and snack on while chatting.
Preheat the oven to 390°F (200°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
Slice the baguette thinly on a diagonal and arrange the slices in a single layer on the baking sheets. Brush both sides of each slice with olive oil. Bake for 10–12 minutes, until golden and crispy. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt while warm.
1 baguette, Extra-virgin olive oil, Flaky sea salt
For the brie filling:
Top each crostini with a piece of brie. Return to the oven and bake for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese softens. Drizzle with honey and sprinkle with toasted nuts and fresh thyme before serving.
Mix cream cheese, fresh thyme, and garlic powder in a small bowl until smooth. Spread the mixture over the crostini. Top each one with a piece of smoked salmon and a few capers.
¼ cup cream cheese, 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 2 tablespoons capers, ½ cup smoked salmon
Notes
Pick the right bread: Go for a crusty baguette—it crisps up beautifully and holds the toppings without getting soggy.
Slice evenly: Uniform slices toast evenly, giving you consistent results every time.
Watch the oven closely: Crostini can go from golden to burnt quickly, so keep an eye on them while they bake.
Toast the nuts: A quick toast brings out the flavor and crunch in your nuts—don’t skip this step!
Use fresh ingredients: The quality of smoked salmon and fresh herbs makes a huge difference in flavor.
Honey timing matters: Drizzle the honey right before serving to keep the crostini from becoming sticky or soggy.
Serve fresh: These crostini are best served shortly after assembly to keep their crunch and vibrant flavors.
Customize the toppings: Feel free to mix and match toppings for a personalized twist!