Tapenade Crostini Recipe

This salty Tapenade Crostini is made with just a few simple ingredients: briny olives, tangy capers, fresh garlic, olive oil, and crusty baguette slices. The result is a bold and savory appetizer, with a perfect crunch from the toasted bread and a rich, complex flavor from the olive spread. This recipe is perfect for a light lunch, a party appetizer, or a simple snack and serves four to six people.

Tapenade Crostini Ingredients

For the Tapenade:

• 1 cup mixed olives, pitted (such as Kalamata and green olives)
• 2 tablespoons capers, rinsed and drained
• 2 cloves garlic, peeled
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
• Freshly ground black pepper to taste

For the Crostini:

• 1 baguette, sliced into 1/2-inch thick rounds
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• Pinch of salt

How To Make Tapenade Crostini

1. Prepare the crostini: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the baguette slices in a single layer on a baking sheet. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and a pinch of salt. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until golden brown and toasted. Let the crostini cool completely.
2. Make the tapenade: In a food processor, combine the pitted olives, rinsed capers, and garlic cloves. Pulse a few times to roughly chop the ingredients.
3. Blend the tapenade: With the food processor running, slowly drizzle in the 1/4 cup of olive oil and the lemon juice. Process until you have a coarse paste. Be careful not to over-process; a chunky texture is what you want.
4. Finish the tapenade: Transfer the tapenade to a bowl. Stir in the chopped fresh parsley and season with black pepper. Taste and add more salt if needed, but remember the olives and capers are already salty.
5. Assemble and serve: To assemble the Tapenade Crostini, simply spoon a generous amount of the prepared tapenade onto each toasted baguette slice. Serve immediately.

Recipe Tips

• Don’t over-process the tapenade: A good tapenade has some texture to it. Pulsing the ingredients instead of pureeing them will give you that rustic, chunky feel that’s perfect for spreading.
• Adjust the acidity: The amount of lemon juice you use can be adjusted based on your preference. Start with a small amount and add more for a brighter, tangier flavor.
• Use good quality olives: The flavor of your tapenade depends heavily on the quality of your olives. Use a mix of black and green olives for a more complex and balanced taste.
• Toast the crostini well: Make sure your bread slices are completely toasted and firm. This prevents them from getting soggy when you add the tapenade.

What To Serve Crostini

These savory Tapenade Crostini are perfect on their own as a party snack, but they also pair beautifully with other appetizers. Serve them alongside a simple cheese board with some fresh mozzarella or goat cheese. They also go great with a light salad or a glass of chilled white wine like a Sauvignon Blanc, which cuts through the richness of the olive spread.

How To Store Tapenade Crostini Leftovers

• Refrigerate: The tapenade can be stored on its own in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Add a thin layer of olive oil on top before sealing to keep it fresh. The toasted crostini should be stored separately in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain their crispiness.
• Freeze: Tapenade can be frozen in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before using.

Tapenade Crostini Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 150 kcal
• Total Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 250mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 10g
• Dietary Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 0.5g
• Protein: 2g

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I use a different type of bread? Yes, while a baguette is traditional, you can use other types of crusty bread. A ciabatta or even a slice of rustic whole grain bread will work well. Just make sure to slice it thinly and toast it until crispy.
• What if I don’t have a food processor? You can make tapenade without a food processor! Simply chop all the ingredients very finely with a sharp knife and then mash them together in a bowl with a fork or a mortar and pestle.
• Can I add other ingredients? Absolutely. You can customize your tapenade by adding ingredients like anchovy paste for an extra layer of salty flavor, sun-dried tomatoes for sweetness, or a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat.

Try More Recipes:

• Tater Tots Recipe
• Tex-Mex Sausage Balls Recipe
• Texas Baked Bean Dip Recipe