15 Crostini Creations to Serve at Every Summer Party
If you're on the hunt for a crowd-pleasing appetizer to serve at your 4th of July barbecue, look no further than crostini. Topped with some of our favorite fruits and veggies, these scrumptious snacks are sure to satisfy guests' cravings for fresh watermelon, corn, peaches and so much more. Pick a fave to serve at your next soiree, or let these 15 recipes (+1 bonus link!) inspire your own customized creations. Either way, they're sure to be gone long before the summer sun dips beneath the horizon.
1. Watermelon Crostini
Who can resist snacking on juicy, refreshing watermelon during the hottest days of summer? Impress friends with watermelon-, basil- and whipped-feta-topping, then carry the theme even further by dishing up our guest-approved watermelon grilled cheese bites. (via Host the Toast)
2. Grilled Corn + Tomato
While corn on the cob will always hold a special place in our summer-loving hearts, we can't wait to sink our teeth into these vibrant bites that showcase our fave grilled veggie, plus grape tomatoes, basil and roasted garlic goat cheese. (via How Sweet It Is)
3. Strawberry + Goat Cheese
Start your party off right with a heaping helping of strawberry and goat cheese crostini. Drizzled with homemade balsamic reduction, then garnished with basil or mint, these snacks are so spectacular that guests are guaranteed to come running back for seconds. (via Foodess)
4. Peach + Ricotta
Pretty as a peach, these crostini are topped with tomatoes, basil, balsamic glaze and – you guessed it – fresh peaches. Serve them in place of salad as a just-filling-enough starter dish. (via Reluctant Entertainer)
5. Pineapple Bruschetta
Bring a taste of the tropics right to your own backyard with pineapple-topped crostini. These sweet and savory morsels also feature bell pepper, jalapeño and mozzarella for an added flavor and kick. (via Little Broken)
6. Summer Squash
Sautéed summer squash might make for a delicious side dish all on its own, but when it comes to outdoor entertaining, we prefer this tasty take. Olive oil, lemon and rosemary help flavor the squash, while the baguette slices pack a powerful punch of their own thanks to garlic rub and ricotta cheese. (via Kitchen Konfidence)
7. Apricot Crostini
As much as we dig a delectable combination of apricot and goat cheese, it's the addition of pistachio pieces and mint that makes these bites truly drool-worthy. (via Stuck on Sweet)
8. Goat Cheese + Roasted Pepper
As much a feast for the eyes as they are your mouth, these colorful crostini take 15 minutes to make and the mere blink of an eye to devour. (via Cook Like a Champion)
9. Fig, Blue Cheese + Honey
Sweeten up your next summer picnic with a bite-sized infusion of fig, honey and bold blue cheese. Ready in only six quick minutes, this easy app will have you out the door and on your way with plenty of time to spare. (via Two Purple Figs)
10. Summer Berries + Ricotta
Get everyone in a patriotic mood by serving these red, white and blue beauties at any summer soiree. Featuring cherries, raspberries, blueberries and a ricotta base, they're also a colorful choice for your next cookout. (via Ambitious Kitchen)
11. Zucchini + Egg
Stumped about what to bring to an upcoming baby or bridal shower brunch? Get the celebration off to an egg-cellent start with zucchini and goat cheese breakfast crostini. Topped with scrambled, poached or sunny-side-up eggs, they're sure to be a hearty hit. (via Eats Well With Others)
12. Grape + Prosciutto
Sweet grapes and salty prosciutto will surely hit the spot following an afternoon of wine tasting and vineyard hopping. (via My FoodBook)
13. Blueberry Chutney Crostini
Take chutney from toast-topper to cocktail-hour superstar by adding these terrific treats to your wedding-day lineup. We promise no one will even miss the traditional cheese and crackers. (via Camille Styles)
14. Grilled Eggplant + Goat Cheese
A great substitute for mushroom, eggplant is a healthy crostini topping that's best served hot off the grill. (via Baking Obsession)
15. Plum + Honey Cheese + Tarragon Leaves
Plum out of original appetizer ideas? Have no fear, because with this innovative recipe at the ready, you'll be well on your way to entertaining in style. (via ChinDeep)
(Bonus!) Summer Crostini Party
Want even more inspo? Follow the link to discover 10 additional crostini ideas, including creative combos like gorgonzola walnut spread with pears, chives, toasted hazelnuts and honey. With so many options to mix and match, your taste buds will never get bored. (via Honestly Yum)
What's your favorite summer-inspired crostini topping? Follow us on Pinterest for more recipe inspo!
This post has been updated.