Ultimate Summer Crostini: 3 Easy, Delicious Recipes for Any Party
Having a party has never been easier or more delicious! Summer Crostini 3 Ways offers the perfect array of appetizers to impress at your next gathering. From sweet and fruity to savory and robust, these three distinct crostini recipes capture all the vibrant flavors of summer in every delightful bite.
Disclosure: This post is sponsored by KitchenAid®. As always, all opinions and the recipe are my own. Thanks for supporting the brands that support Cake ‘n Knife!
Summer is officially here, and while the thought of long, sunny days filled with outdoor parties and fresh, seasonal produce is exciting, the reality of working indoors can be a bit challenging. Especially when your office is upstairs in a home where the air conditioning seems to bypass the top level entirely! The heat can be intense, making it tough to focus on work when all you want to do is escape to a cooler spot.
I absolutely adore sitting outside, soaking up the warmth – or, more accurately, finding a shady spot to watch others enjoy their tan while I sip on a cold drink. But when it comes to productive work hours, excessive heat is a real energy drainer. This predicament has led me to discover the best coping mechanism: creating an abundance of summery snacks that don’t require me to turn on the main oven and further heat up the house. The goal is fresh, light, and easy appetizers that embody the spirit of the season, making entertaining a breeze.
Effortless Summer Entertaining with the KitchenAid Compact Oven
Embracing the season’s bounty and minimizing kitchen heat means relying on clever kitchen tools. And speaking of clever, let me introduce you to my new kitchen hero: the KitchenAid® Compact Oven. This appliance has quickly become an indispensable part of my summer cooking routine. Instead of firing up my large oven, which invariably turns my kitchen into a sauna, I’m now effortlessly preparing appetizers, side dishes, and even full meals in this compact powerhouse, all while keeping my kitchen cool.
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There are several reasons why this KitchenAid Compact Oven stands out, especially during the warmer months. Firstly, its design is incredibly thoughtful. It’s the perfect size to fit neatly under my kitchen cupboards, saving precious counter space without sacrificing performance. Secondly, it boasts impressive efficiency: it heats up remarkably fast and, crucially, doesn’t radiate the overwhelming heat that my larger oven does. This means a cooler kitchen and a more comfortable cooking experience, even on the hottest days. Thirdly, and perhaps most importantly for crostini lovers, it makes the most perfectly toasted bread slices you could ever imagine, creating an ideal crunchy base for your toppings.
If you’ve ever used smaller ovens before, you might be familiar with the struggle of uneven toasting – having to flip bread slices to get both sides golden brown. Not with this appliance! The KitchenAid Compact Oven features heating elements on both the top and bottom, ensuring uniform crispiness and a beautiful golden color on every side of your bread. This consistent performance is absolutely essential for creating the ideal crostini base, guaranteeing that every bite starts with a perfect crunch. It truly simplifies the process of making delicious appetizers, making it an invaluable tool for summer entertaining and a staple in any kitchen.
Unleash Summer Flavors: Three Irresistible Crostini Varieties for Your Party
Given the incredible features of this KitchenAid® oven and the abundant fresh ingredients that summer offers, it was impossible to stop at just one crostini recipe. The season inspires maximum deliciousness, so I’ve created three distinct and equally delightful crostini varieties that are perfect for any summer party or casual gathering. Each recipe highlights fresh, vibrant flavors and offers a unique culinary experience, ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy on your appetizer spread.
1. Strawberry Brie Basil Crostini: A Sweet & Savory Delight
Our first star is the Strawberry Brie Basil Crostini, a beautiful harmony of sweet, savory, and fresh. This elegant appetizer features creamy, melted brie cheese, perfectly ripe sliced strawberries, and a sprinkle of aromatic fresh basil, all drizzled with a touch of golden honey and garnished with crunchy chopped walnuts. The combination of the sweet strawberries, the rich, buttery brie, and the bright, peppery basil creates a flavor profile that is both sophisticated and incredibly satisfying. It’s a truly fresh hit of herbs and fruit, making it an absolute must-try for your summer menu. The contrasting textures and balanced flavors make this crostini an instant crowd-pleaser, perfect for a garden party or a light lunch.
2. Grilled Steak & Corn Crostini: The Ultimate Summer Savory Bite
Next up, we embrace the essence of summer grilling with our Grilled Steak & Corn Crostini. What’s summer without the smoky char of the grill, right? This crostini combines thinly sliced, perfectly grilled steak with sweet, crisp corn kernels, crumbled cotija cheese, and fresh cilantro, all finished with creamy chopped avocado. It’s a hearty yet incredibly fresh option that brings the robust flavors of a backyard barbecue right to your appetizer platter. The tender, savory steak, the burst of sweetness from the corn, the salty tang of cotija, and the smooth avocado create a symphony of textures and tastes that will leave your guests asking for more. This is a substantial and satisfying crostini, perfect for those who enjoy a more robust, flavorful appetizer.
3. Roasted Blueberry Thyme Mascarpone Crostini: Elegance with a Burst of Flavor
Finally, we present the sophisticated Roasted Blueberry Thyme Mascarpone Crostini. This recipe features a homemade roasted blueberry thyme jam, which deepens the natural sweetness of the blueberries and infuses them with the earthy, herbaceous notes of fresh thyme. This exquisite jam is generously spread over perfectly toasted bread slices, then topped with rich, creamy mascarpone cheese, and adorned with even more roasted blueberries. The roasting process intensifies the blueberry flavor, creating a wonderfully complex and aromatic spread that pairs beautifully with the mild, slightly sweet mascarpone. It’s a truly unique and elegant crostini that offers a burst of unexpected flavor with every bite, making it an unforgettable addition to your appetizer spread and a delightful surprise for your guests.
Are you drooling yet? These crostini are designed to be visually appealing and incredibly delicious, making them the ultimate party starters and perfect for any summer gathering!
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Essential Tools for Perfect Summer Crostini
To make these delightful crostini with ease and style, here are some of my top recommendations for kitchen tools that will elevate your summer entertaining experience:
- A KitchenAid Compact Oven is an absolute must-have! It’s perfectly sized for your countertop and will help you create beautifully toasted crostini without heating up your entire house, keeping your kitchen cool and comfortable all summer long. Its dual heating elements ensure perfectly golden and crispy bread every time.
- Achieve perfectly even bread slices every time with my favorite Shun Classic 9-Inch Bread Knife. A good bread knife makes all the difference for uniform thickness, which is crucial for perfectly sized and toasted crostini bases.
- These recipes involve a fair bit of cutting, from precise slicing to fine dicing and chopping fresh herbs. Invest in this durable and aesthetically pleasing Organic Bamboo Cutting Board that’s both functional and looks fantastic on your kitchen counter or serving spread. It’s gentle on knives and easy to clean.
- For that rustic, elegant presentation you see in my photos, grab this beautiful Sur La Table Wood Slice Serving Board. It adds a natural, charming touch to any appetizer display, making your crostini look even more appealing.
Don’t forget to pin these delicious Summer Crostini 3 Ways recipes for your future entertaining needs. They’re perfect for any occasion!
Summer Crostini 3 Ways
ingredients
- 1 thin baguette sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
- 6 oz brie sliced
- 1 cup sliced strawberries
- 1/3 cup chopped walnuts
- 2 Tbsp chopped basil
- Honey for drizzling
- 2 cups blueberries
- 1/2 tsp fresh thyme leaves chopped + more for garnish
- 5 oz mascarpone cheese
- 8 oz sirloin steak cooked to desired doneness and thinly sliced
- 1 corn on the cob husked, cleaned, grilled, and kernels removed
- 1/3 cup cotija cheese crumbled
- 1 ripe avocado peeled, pitted, and diced
- Freshly chopped cilantro for garnish
instructions
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Prepare the Crostini Base: Slice your baguette into 1/2-inch thick rounds. Arrange them on the rack of your KitchenAid Countertop Oven. Set the toast settings to Medium and toast until golden brown and crispy on both sides. This creates the perfect base for all three crostini varieties.
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For Strawberry Brie Basil Crostini:
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Evenly distribute sliced brie over one-third of the toasted bread slices. Place these on a roasting pan and return to the KitchenAid Countertop Oven. Use the broil setting for 3 to 4 minutes, or until the brie is beautifully melted and slightly bubbly.
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Carefully remove the melted brie crostini from the oven. Top each slice with fresh sliced strawberries, a generous sprinkle of chopped walnuts and basil, and a delicate drizzle of honey.
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Serve immediately and enjoy the delightful blend of flavors.
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For Blueberry Thyme Mascarpone Crostini:
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Place two cups of fresh blueberries onto a clean roasting pan. Broil in the KitchenAid Countertop Oven for 7 to 9 minutes, or until they begin to soften and burst. Remove from the oven.
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In a small bowl, gently smash about one cup of the roasted blueberries with a fork. Stir in 1/2 teaspoon of chopped fresh thyme leaves to create a fragrant jam-like mixture.
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Spread a thin layer of the blueberry thyme mixture over another third of the toasted bread slices.
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Next, spread each slice with a dollop of creamy mascarpone cheese and top with the remaining whole roasted blueberries. Finish with a delicate sprinkle of fresh thyme for garnish.
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Serve these elegant crostini for a burst of unique flavor.
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For Grilled Steak, Corn & Avocado Crostini:
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After grilling the corn on the cob (either on an outdoor grill or grill pan), carefully remove the kernels using a sharp knife.
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Top the final third of the toasted bread slices with your thinly sliced, cooked sirloin steak.
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Generously sprinkle each steak-topped crostini with the fresh corn kernels, chopped avocado, and crumbled cotija cheese. Finish with a vibrant sprinkle of freshly chopped cilantro.
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Present these savory crostini for a satisfying and flavorful appetizer.
These three summer crostini recipes are not just appetizers; they’re a celebration of seasonal ingredients and effortless entertaining. Whether you’re hosting a sophisticated dinner party, a casual backyard barbecue, or simply looking for a delightful snack, these versatile bites are guaranteed to impress. The combination of fresh flavors and simple preparation, especially with the help of smart kitchen appliances like the KitchenAid Compact Oven, makes summer entertaining a breeze. So go ahead, whip up these delicious crostini, and enjoy the sun-drenched days with great food and good company!
Enjoy your summer parties with these fantastic crostini – a delightful taste of the season in every bite!