This Pesto Tomato Mozzarella Crostini is a colorful bite of goodness! With fresh tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and zesty pesto on crispy bread, it’s perfect for sharing.
These little treats disappear quickly at my gatherings! I love how simple they are to make—just toast the bread, layer the toppings, and enjoy the smiles!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Baguette: A classic choice for crostini! French baguette offers the best crunch. If you need a gluten-free option, consider gluten-free bread or using pita chips as a base.
Pesto: Basil pesto shines here, but you can swap it for sun-dried tomato pesto or arugula pesto if you like. Homemade pesto is always a treat if you have the time!
Cherry Tomatoes: Sweet and juicy, cherry tomatoes are perfect for this dish. Grape tomatoes or even diced larger tomatoes can be used if cherry tomatoes aren’t available.
Fresh Mozzarella: I recommend using fresh mozzarella for its creamy texture. If it’s hard to find, try regular mozzarella or burrata for a treat!
How Can You Toast the Bread Perfectly for Crostini?
The key to a great crostini is properly toasted bread. You want it crispy to hold the topping without getting soggy. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Slice the baguette about 1/2-inch thick—thicker slices work too, but they need more time.
- Brush both sides with olive oil—this prevents burning and adds flavor!
- Toast in a preheated oven at 375°F for about 8-10 minutes or until golden. Keep an eye on them!
Let them cool a bit before topping; this helps keep them crisp! Enjoy preparing this easy appetizer! They always impress guests.
How to Make Pesto Tomato Mozzarella Crostini
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Crostini:
- 1 baguette, sliced into 1/2-inch thick slices
- 2 tbsp olive oil
For the Toppings:
- 1/2 cup prepared basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella, sliced
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful appetizer takes about 15 minutes of prep time and around 15-20 minutes for cooking and toasting, making it ready in just about 30-35 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your crostini will toast nicely—golden and crunchy for the perfect base!
2. Prepare the Baguette:
Slice your baguette into 1/2-inch thick pieces and lay them out on a baking sheet. Use a brush or spoon to spread a little olive oil over each slice. This not only adds flavor but also helps them become crispy in the oven.
3. Toast the Bread:
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and toast the bread for about 8-10 minutes. Keep an eye on them—you’re aiming for a golden and crispy texture!
4. Spread the Pesto:
Once the baguette slices are toasted, remove them from the oven. Get your prepared pesto and spread about a teaspoon of it evenly over each toasted slice—this adds that delicious basil flavor!
5. Add Cheese:
Top each slice of pesto-covered bread with a slice of fresh mozzarella. This will melt nicely when you return the crostini to the oven.
6. Top with Tomatoes:
Now, add the halved cherry tomatoes on top of the mozzarella. Press them down gently so they stick. They’ll add a burst of flavor and color!
7. Bake Again:
Put the crostini back in the oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes. You want the cheese to melt and become bubbly—yum!
8. Season and Garnish:
Once baked, take them out and sprinkle with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. If you like, you can add some grated Parmesan cheese on top for extra flavor.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Finally, arrange your gorgeous crostini on a wooden board or a platter. Serve them warm and watch them disappear! They’re perfect for parties, gatherings, or even an afternoon snack.
With fresh ingredients and easy steps, these Pesto Tomato Mozzarella Crostini are a crowd-pleasers. Enjoy every bite!
Can I Use Store-Bought Pesto for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Store-bought basil pesto works perfectly and saves you time. Just make sure to choose a good quality brand for the best flavor.
How Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
This recipe is already vegetarian, but you can easily make it vegan by using a dairy-free mozzarella substitute and checking that your pesto is vegan-friendly (some contain cheese).
Can I Prepare Crostini in Advance?
Yes! You can toast the baguette slices and make the pesto ahead of time. Just assemble the crostini just before serving to keep the bread crisp. You can store any assembled crostini in the fridge for a short while, but it’s best made fresh!
How to Store Leftover Crostini?
Leftover crostini are best stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, but they may lose some crispiness. To refresh them, pop them back in the oven for a few minutes before serving!
