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Holiday Crostini
Isabella

Holiday Crostini Platter – 8 Stunning Variations

A complete festive crostini platter featuring a crisp golden base and eight stunning topping variations. Perfect for parties, gatherings, and holiday celebrations—colorful, elegant, and irresistibly flavorful.
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Prep Time 40 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 120 pieces
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: Holiday, Party
Calories: 78
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 30 slices baguette, 1/4-inch thick
  • 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 pinch salt
  • 1 clove garlic, halved
  • 350 g baby bocconcini, diced
  • 400 g cherry tomatoes, finely chopped
  • ½ cup basil leaves, thinly sliced
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • ¾ tsp salt and pepper each
  • 4 tbsp balsamic glaze
  • 250 g cream cheese or crème fraîche
  • 2 tsp lemon zest
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tsp salt and pepper each
  • ⅓ cup fresh dill, finely chopped
  • 500 g smoked salmon, sliced
  • 75 g capers
  • 250 g ricotta or soft cheese
  • 500 g antipasto mix, chopped small
  • 500 g shrimp or prawns, peeled
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ tsp salt and pepper each
  • 3 tbsp olive oil, divided
  • 2 eschallots, finely diced
  • ¼ cup cilantro, chopped
  • 2 tbsp lime juice
  • 2 avocados, halved
  • 160 g goat cheese
  • 14–16 strawberries, thinly sliced
  • 2 tbsp honey
  • 2 tsp thyme leaves
  • 2 tsp Hot English Mustard
  • 160 g goat cheese or soft cheese
  • 180 g rare roast beef, shaved
  • 16 baby arugula leaves
  • ½ cup parsley, finely chopped
  • ½ cup dried cranberries
  • ¼ cup black olives, chopped
  • ¼ cup green olives, chopped
  • ¼ cup almonds, chopped
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 150 g frozen peas
  • ½ clove garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp Parmesan, grated
  • ¼ tsp salt and pepper each
  • 250 g cooked shrimp, chopped
  • 2 tbsp mint, chopped
  • 2 tsp lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp parsley, chopped
  • 1 tbsp mild red chili, diced

Equipment

  • baking tray
  • mixing bowls
  • skillet
  • cutting board
  • spoon

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 160°C (320°F) for gentle crisping.
  2. Brush baguette slices with olive oil and sprinkle with salt on both sides.
  3. Bake 5 minutes, rub with garlic, bake another 5 minutes.
  4. Cool completely to keep crisp.
  5. Combine tomatoes, bocconcini, basil, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
  6. Spoon onto crostini and drizzle with balsamic glaze.
  7. Mix cream cheese with lemon zest, juice, dill, salt, and pepper.
  8. Spread cheese, top with salmon, capers, and dill.
  9. Chop antipasto finely and spoon over ricotta-spread crostini.
  10. Sear shrimp with garlic, salt, and pepper.
  11. Combine chopped shrimp with oil, eschallots, cilantro, and lime.
  12. Spread avocado and top with shrimp mixture.
  13. Spread goat cheese, add strawberries, honey, and thyme.
  14. Add mustard, cheese, beef, and arugula.
  15. Mix parsley, cranberries, olives, almonds, and olive oil.
  16. Spread cheese and add tapenade.
  17. Blend boiled peas with garlic, Parmesan, oil, salt, pepper, mint, and lemon.
  18. Spread purée, top with shrimp, parsley, and chili.

Notes

For best texture, bake crostini up to 3 days ahead and store airtight. Assemble toppings just before serving to keep them crisp. Most toppings can be prepared a day ahead (except avocado and strawberry). Swap cheeses freely—ricotta, cream cheese, mascarpone, or goat cheese all work beautifully.