Imagine biting into a perfectly crisp crostini, topped with a luxurious garlic cream and bursting with fresh cherry tomatoes that dance with flavor in every single bite. This Italian-inspired appetizer is not just a recipe; it's a culinary experience that transforms simple ingredients into a gourmet sensation that will elevate any gathering from ordinary to extraordinary. Whether you're hosting a sophisticated dinner party or looking for a quick and impressive snack, these Garlic Cream and Tomato Crostini are about to become your new secret weapon in the kitchen.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 French baguette, sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup cream cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Slice the French baguette diagonally into 1/2-inch thick pieces, creating uniform crostini slices.
- Arrange baguette slices on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer and lightly brush each slice with olive oil.
- Toast the baguette slices in the preheated oven for 5-7 minutes until edges are golden and crisp, then remove and let cool slightly.
- In a medium bowl, mix cream cheese with minced garlic, stirring until smooth and well combined.
- Wash and halve the cherry tomatoes, patting them dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
- Spread a generous layer of the garlic cream cheese onto each toasted crostini slice.
- Top each crostini with 2-3 halved cherry tomatoes, arranging them neatly.
- Finely chop fresh basil leaves and sprinkle over the prepared crostini for added flavor and garnish.
- Serve immediately at room temperature to enjoy the best texture and flavor.
Tips
- Choose a high-quality French baguette for the best texture and crunch.
- Ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature for smoother mixing with garlic.
- Pat cherry tomatoes dry to prevent soggy crostini.
- For extra flavor, roast the garlic briefly before mixing into the cream cheese.
- Use fresh basil and slice it just before serving to maintain maximum flavor and aroma.
- Serve immediately after assembling to keep the crostini crisp and prevent sogginess.
- Experiment with different herb variations like thyme or oregano for unique flavor profiles.
- For a lighter version, you can use Greek yogurt instead of cream cheese.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
