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Looking for standout christmas appetizers that feel fancy but don’t require a culinary degree? Say hello to these Italian Roasted Pepper Crostini. I first whipped them up at a last-minute holiday shindig, and trust me, they vanished faster than the last piece of pie. Whether you’re hunting for Christmas Party Food Appetizers, Holiday Party Appetizers, or simple Christmas Snacks For Party, this recipe checks all the boxes.
Christmas Finger Food Ideas For Parties don’t get much easier—or more delicious—than crostini topped with creamy cheese and sweet roasted peppers. IMO, they beat out half the boring dips and chips floating around on most charcuterie spreads. And bonus: they play well on a Christmas Charcuterie Board alongside nuts and cured meats.
Ever wondered why something so simple feels so special? It’s all about bright colors, contrasting textures, and that little drizzle of balsamic glaze for a tangy kick. FYI, you can prep most of it ahead, so you actually have time to sip that mulled wine instead of manning the oven all evening 🙂
In this guide, I’ll walk you through every step, share fun variations (hello, prosciutto!), and drop kitchen hacks for storing and serving. Ready to upgrade your Xmas Appetizers game? Let’s get to it!
Ingredients
- 1 French baguette or ciabatta loaf, sliced into ¼-inch pieces
- 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, divided
- 2 garlic cloves, halved
- 1 jar (12 oz) roasted red peppers, drained and sliced
- 4 oz fresh ricotta cheese (or goat cheese for tang)
- Fresh basil leaves, torn
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp balsamic glaze (optional but highly recommended)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Brush both sides of each baguette slice with 2 tbsp olive oil. Place them in a single layer on the sheet.
- Bake the slices for 8–10 minutes, or until they turn golden and crisp. Flip halfway through for even toasting.
- Remove crostini and immediately rub one side with the halved garlic cloves. This infuses a subtle garlicky flavor.
- Spoon about 1 tsp of ricotta onto each crostini. Spread gently—no need to be perfectionist here.
- Top with a slice of roasted red pepper. If you like a little heat, drizzle a tiny bit of the pepper’s oil.
- Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Tear and scatter basil leaves over the top for freshness.
- Finish with a light drizzle of balsamic glaze. Trust me, it elevates these from “nice” to “OMG, what is this?”
- Arrange on a festive platter and serve immediately. If they sit too long, the crostini lose their crisp—nobody wants soggy bread!
Variations
Want to mix things up? Here are a few creative spins on these Holiday Appetizers Easy style:
- Prosciutto & Fig: Swap ricotta for goat cheese, add a thin prosciutto slice, and top with fig jam. Sweet-savory magic.
- Pesto Lover’s: Spread a thin layer of basil pesto before the cheese for an extra herby punch. Perfect as Christmas Dinner Appetizers.
- Spicy Kick: Use pepper jack cheese and top with pickled jalapeños. Great for anyone who says, “My holiday appetizers need more fire.”
Serving & Tips
These crostini shine when you serve them fresh, but here are a few hacks to make your life easier—and your party legendary:
- Make Ahead: Toast the crostini and prep peppers 1 day in advance. Store separately in airtight containers in the fridge. On party day, just assemble and drizzle glaze.
- Charcuterie Pairing: Place your crostini next to cured meats, olives, and nuts for a killer Christmas Charcuterie Board. Guests can grab a slice of bread, layer on cheese, peppers, and a meat—bites of joy!
- Wine Match: Serve with a glass of Chianti or a sparkling Prosecco. The acidity cuts through the creaminess, and the bubbles keep things festive.
- Storage Tip: If you have leftovers (unlikely, but hey), store toppings and crostini separately in the fridge for up to 2 days. Re-toast the bread for 3 minutes at 350°F to crisp back up.
- Garnish Ideas: Sprinkle a handful of toasted pine nuts or a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra texture and color.
Anyone hosting Christmas Eve Appetizers will love how quick this is to assemble. Plus, these crostini double as legit Christmas Snacks For Party, perfect for grazing.
Final Thoughts
Honestly, these Italian Roasted Pepper Crostini became my go-to for every holiday season. They look fancy, taste gourmet, and don’t demand much work—win-win-win. Every time I serve them, I get that “where did you get these?!” question. Little do they know, I barely broke a sweat 🙂 So next time you hunt for Xmas Appetizers, give this recipe a whirl. You’ll thank me later—promise.
Italian Roasted Pepper Crostini
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Combine the water, yeast and sugar in a bowl. Rest for 5 minutes.
- Combine the flour and salt.
- Add the yeast mixture and knead until you get a soft ball.
- Place in a bowl and cover. Let rise for 30 minutes.
- Divide the dough and form pizzas.
- Top the pizzas with sauce and vegetables, cook for 15 minutes on the pizza stone.
Nutrition
Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!FAQs
Can I prepare the crostini completely ahead of time?
Yes, you can toast and prep crostini 1–2 days in advance. Store toasted bread in an airtight container at room temperature. Keep toppings in the fridge and assemble right before serving.
What’s the best cheese to use?
I love creamy ricotta for its mild flavor, but goat cheese adds a tangy twist. Fresh mozzarella or burrata also works beautifully if you don’t mind a bit of extra richness.
How do I avoid soggy bread?
Always rub warm crostini with garlic right after toasting, then add cheese and toppings. Serve immediately. If you anticipate delay, skip cheese until the last minute.
Can I use a different bread?
Absolutely! Ciabatta, sourdough, or even thinly sliced country loaf works. Just adjust baking time so your bread crisps up nicely without burning.
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