Prep Time: 20 min.
Make this spring-inspired strawberry crostini recipe with a handful of simple ingredients and tulip-shaped toppings. Sweet, savory, and tangy, it’s quick to prepare and almost too cute to eat!
I make crostini recipes all year long to celebrate every season and special occasion with variations like my Valentine caprese crostini, snowman cheese crostini, and Halloween appetizers. However, this strawberry crostini appetizer is my favorite way to welcome spring.
Fresh strawberries are shaped like tulips and given a cucumber stem. Then, I add fresh basil to resemble leaves and finish with a thick balsamic glaze and a sprinkle of sea salt.
The end result is a sweet, creamy snack or appetizer that both kids and adults love. Simple to prepare with no cooking required, this strawberry appetizer is my go-to option when hosting backyard barbecues and holiday parties. It’s always a hit with family and friends!
Ingredients You'll Need
Please be sure to scroll down to the recipe card below for the complete details!
• Strawberries - Use large, fresh strawberries. Frozen berries won’t work for this recipe.
• Cream Cheese - I use plain cream cheese, but you can substitute a flavored variety if preferred.
• Baguette - I buy a whole baguette, but you can use pre-made crostini slices if you find them at your local grocery store.
• Fresh Basil Leaves - This adds a bright, fresh flavor that balances the rich, tangy flavor of the cream cheese nicely.
• Cucumber - I recommend using English or Persian cucumbers because they have smaller seeds and thinner skin.
• Balsamic Glaze - This adds a sweet, tangy taste.
• Sea Salt - Just a sprinkle enhances the rest of the ingredients.
How to Make Spring Strawberry Crostini
1. Slice the baguette into small pieces. I like to toast them just until golden brown, too!
2. Top each bread slice with a layer of cream cheese.
3. Trim off a small piece of cucumber to create a “stem.”
4. Halve a strawberry. Note that if you’re using particularly large strawberries, you may need to trim the back in order to get them to lay flat.
5. Make a V-cut at the top of the berry to create a tulip-shape.
6. Arrange the cucumber slice and strawberry on top of the cream cheese, creating a flower.
7. Top with basil leaves. Then, add a drizzle of balsamic glaze and a sprinkle of sea salt (you can also leave them plain if you prefer).
8. Repeat, topping each baguette slice, and enjoy!
Possible Variations
I keep this strawberry appetizer fairly simple, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get creative! Some tasty variations include:
• Using honey in place of the balsamic vinegar glaze.
• Swapping the cream cheese with goat cheese, crumbled feta, or whipped ricotta cheese.
• Replacing the baguette slices with diagonal-cut toast or crackers.
• Opting for fresh mint instead of basil.
• Sprinkling the strawberry crostini with crushed pistachios, walnuts, pecans, or almonds for extra crunch.
FAQs
Can I make strawberry crostini ahead of time?
I don’t recommend assembling the entire dish in advance because the bread is likely to become soggy as it sits. However, you can slice the baguette, strawberries, and cucumber a few hours in advance. Store them in separate airtight containers, and make sure to keep the produce in the fridge. Then, assemble the crostini right before serving.
How long do leftover strawberry crostini last?
This recipe is best served right away. That said, if you have leftovers, you can transfer them to an airtight container. Store them in the fridge for up to one day.
How should I serve a strawberry appetizer crostini?
I often serve this recipe as an afternoon snack. However, it also makes for a tasty appetizer with a bacon pasta salad or chicken Caesar pasta salad.
Or, if you’re hosting a spring gathering, add the strawberry crostini to a platter or charcuterie board alongside options like my dark chocolate kiwi flowers, easy springtime garlic bread, and stuffed mini peppers.
More Spring Appetizer Recipes
Ingredients
- 3 strawberries
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese
- 6 slices of baguette
- 12 fresh basil leaves
- small piece of cucumber
- 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze
- sprinkle of sea salt
Instructions
Makes 6.
1. Slice the baguette (feel free to toast the slices if you prefer).
2. Top each slice with cream cheese.
3. Trim off a small piece of cucumber to make the stem.
4. Halve a strawberry. If it's a bigger-sized strawberry, you may need to trim the back to lay flat.
5. Make a v-cut at the top of the strawberry slice to shape the tulip.
6. Arrange the cucumber stem and the strawberry tulip on the cream cheese baguette slices.
7. Top with basil leaves, balsamic glaze, and a sprinkle of sea salt.
8. Serve.
Did you make and enjoy this recipe? Don’t forget to tag @foodbites in your recreations on Instagram!
