11 Ways to Top Crostini, No Cooking Required

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.

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!

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!

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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