Imagine transporting your taste buds to the sun-drenched coastlines of the Mediterranean with just one crispy, flavor-packed bite! These Olive and Almond Crostini are not just an appetizer; they're a gourmet experience that transforms simple ingredients into a culinary masterpiece. Whether you're hosting a sophisticated dinner party or craving a quick, elegant snack, this recipe promises to elevate your cooking game and impress even the most discerning food lovers.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 5 mins
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 French baguette, sliced
- 1/2 cup pitted olives, chopped
- 1/4 cup almonds, toasted and chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure the perfect toasting temperature for the baguette slices.
- Slice the French baguette diagonally into 1/2-inch thick pieces, creating uniform crostini bases that will provide a crisp foundation for the toppings.
- Arrange the baguette slices on a large baking sheet in a single layer. Brush each slice lightly with olive oil, ensuring even coverage for golden, crisp edges.
- Toast the baguette slices in the preheated oven for 3-4 minutes, or until they turn light golden and become crisp. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
- While the bread is toasting, prepare the olive mixture. Finely chop the pitted olives and toast the almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat until fragrant and lightly golden.
- Mince the garlic clove finely, which will add a robust flavor to the olive and almond mixture.
- In a small bowl, combine the chopped olives, toasted almonds, minced garlic, and remaining olive oil. Mix thoroughly to create a cohesive topping.
- Remove the toasted baguette slices from the oven and let cool for 1-2 minutes to prevent burning when handling.
- Generously top each crostini with the olive and almond mixture, ensuring even distribution.
- Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a bright, herbal finish that adds color and freshness.
- Serve immediately while the crostini are still warm and crisp, allowing guests to enjoy the perfect blend of textures and Mediterranean flavors.
Tips
- Choose a high-quality French baguette for the best texture and flavor. Day-old bread works wonderfully for crostini.
- Toast almonds carefully - they can burn quickly. Stir constantly and remove from heat when they become fragrant and golden.
- For extra flavor, try adding a small amount of lemon zest to the olive mixture to brighten the overall taste.
- Use a good quality extra virgin olive oil to enhance the Mediterranean character of the dish.
- Prepare the olive mixture just before toasting the bread to keep the ingredients fresh and vibrant.
- If you prefer a softer garlic flavor, you can lightly rub the toasted bread with a whole garlic clove instead of mixing minced garlic into the topping.
- Experiment with different olive varieties like Kalamata or green olives to create unique flavor profiles.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 220kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
