11 Ways to Top Crostini, No Cooking Required

Crostini is the ultimate last-minute party food: You can top toasts with almost anything. Here are 11 new combinations to try, each using 3 or fewer ready-made items you can pick up at your local supermarket. Pick a few, add some wine and you're party-ready.

By: Liz Gray

Show: Lazy Entertainer

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Crostini 11 New Ways

Toast isn't just for breakfast; it's also a great way to feed your friends at your next get-together. But because toast and jam doesn't really say "celebrate," we've gathered our favorite party-ready toasts that are so simple you don't even need a recipe.

The Right Bread for the Job

These party-ready toasts all start in the same place: the bread. You want a medium-sized white or wheat bread with a crusty exterior. Crostini is actually better with day-old bread, so check the discount baked goods zone to save a buck or two. Or, use up a loaf you already have on hand!

Make the Crostini

To turn plain old bread into party-worthy crostini, start by giving it a toast in the oven. You want slices thick enough to pile on a hearty helping of topics, about 1/2-inch thick. Bake at 350 degrees F for 15-20 minutes, flipping and rotating once, until the toasts are golden brown. Really in a time crunch? Buy ready-made crostini or large crackers and skip straight to the toppings!

Pesto + Zucchini Ribbons

Thin ribbons of spring-fresh zucchini soak up all the flavor of fresh pesto in this vibrant combination.

Pesto + Zucchini Ribbons

Spread toast with a thin layer of pesto. Using a peeler, create zucchini ribbons by peeling along the whole length of the squash. Then, cut in half lengthwise. Arrange the ribbons on top of the pesto. Finish with salt.

Nori + Smoked Salmon + Cucumbers

Seaweed isn't just for sushi; nori sheets also add surprising flavor to the tea-sandwich classic smoked salmon and cucumbers. Find nori sheets in the international aisle at your supermarket.

Nori + Smoked Salmon + Cucumbers

Start each toast with a slice of smoked salmon. Cut cucumbers into slices, then cut to create a half-moon shape. Cut nori into thin strips to finish off this toast.

Ricotta + Pickled Beets + Pistachios

Creamy ricotta balances tart pickled beets in this colorful combo. Pick up pre-shelled pistachios to make assembly quicker.

Ricotta + Pickled Beets + Pistachios

Spread a thin later of ricotta atop each toast. Cut beets into thin ribbons and place on top of ricotta. Finish with toasted pistachios.

Prosciutto + Apricots

Salty cured prosciutto is the perfect accompaniment to sweet, chewy dried apricots.

Prosciutto + Apricots

Line each toast with a slice of prosciutto, then top with diced dried apricots.

Ricotta + Thyme + Lemon Zest

This surprisingly flavorful combination takes two delicate spring flavors — lemon and thyme — and makes them the star of this toast.

Ricotta + Thyme + Lemon Zest

Top toast with ricotta cheese. Sprinkle with lemon zest and thyme, then finish with extra virgin olive oil, salt and pepper.

Peas + Basil

Frozen peas are the secret to this vibrant spring combo that also happens to be vegan.

Peas + Basil

This simple combination starts with thawed frozen peas. Lighty mash with extra virgin olive oil, salt and pepper. Top with shredded basil.

Hot Honey + Walnuts + Goat Cheese

If you haven't tried hot honey, you're in for a treat! It's a hot pepper-infused honey with a powerful kick that sets off the creamy goat cheese and crunchy walnuts on this toast.

Hot Honey + Walnuts + Goat Cheese

Top each toast with a thin layer of goat cheese. Add toasted walnuts and a drizzle of spicy honey.

Strawberries + Avocado + Balsamic Vinegar

Strawberries are typically used in sweet applications, but pair them with balsamic vinegar to show off their savory side for this new take on avocado toast.

Strawberries + Avocado + Balsamic Vinegar

Slice avocado lengthwise. Chop strawberries and add on top of avocado. Drizzle with balsamic vinegar, then finish with salt.

Chocolate-Hazelnut Spread + Coconut Chips + Bananas

Dessert crostini!? Why not? It's your party, after all. Bananas and chocolate are a classic combination, and coconut chips give this toast an addictive crunch.

Chocolate-Hazelnut Spread + Coconut Chips + Bananas

Cut bananas in half, then in thirds lengthwise. Top each toast with 1/2 banana. Heat the chocolate-hazelnut spread in the microwave for until warm and drizzle-able. (If it's still too thick after heating for 30 seconds, add a splash of cream.) Using a fork, drizzle over top of banana slices. Top with toasted coconut.

Arugula + Blue Cheese + Figs

Love a salad combo? Put it on toast. We used arugula, figs and blue cheese, but any favorite combo is a great addition to a crostini spread.

Arugula + Blue Cheese + Figs

Top each toast with a handful of arugula. Crumble a few pieces of goat cheese and finish with sliced dried figs, salt, pepper and a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil.

Almond Butter + Blackberries

Think of this as grown-up peanut butter and jelly, all ready to party.

Almond Butter + Blackberries

Heat natural almond butter slightly to make it more spreadable. Top with whole blackberries.

You're Ready to Party

Choose 3-4 toasts, add some wine, and it's party time!

Lazy Entertainer

11 Ways to Top Crostini, No Cooking Required

Related To:

Shop This Look

Crostini 11 New Ways

The Right Bread for the Job

Make the Crostini

Pesto + Zucchini Ribbons

Pesto + Zucchini Ribbons

Nori + Smoked Salmon + Cucumbers

Nori + Smoked Salmon + Cucumbers

Ricotta + Pickled Beets + Pistachios

Ricotta + Pickled Beets + Pistachios

Prosciutto + Apricots

Prosciutto + Apricots

Ricotta + Thyme + Lemon Zest

Ricotta + Thyme + Lemon Zest

Peas + Basil

Peas + Basil

Hot Honey + Walnuts + Goat Cheese

Hot Honey + Walnuts + Goat Cheese

Strawberries + Avocado + Balsamic Vinegar

Strawberries + Avocado + Balsamic Vinegar

Chocolate-Hazelnut Spread + Coconut Chips + Bananas

Chocolate-Hazelnut Spread + Coconut Chips + Bananas

Arugula + Blue Cheese + Figs

Arugula + Blue Cheese + Figs

Almond Butter + Blackberries

Almond Butter + Blackberries

You're Ready to Party

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