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Make this spring-inspired strawberry crostini recipe with a handful of simple ingredients and tulip-shaped toppings. Sweet, savory, and tangy, itโs quick to prepare and almost too cute to eat!
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.
Recipe Tip
Simple to prepare with no cooking required, this appetizer is my go-to when hosting backyard barbecues and holiday parties. Itโs always a hit with family and friends!
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 version is my favorite during the warmer months of the year.
Strawberry Crostini Ingredients
Please be sure to scroll down to the recipe card below for the complete details!
- Strawberries:ย Use large, fresh strawberries that are firm and pointed.
- Cream cheese:ย I use plain cream cheese, but you can substitute a flavored variety if preferred.
- Baguette:ย 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:ย This adds a bright, fresh flavor that balances the rich, tangy flavor of the cream cheese nicely.
- Cucumber:ย I recommend using English or Persian cucumbers because they have smaller seeds and thinner skin.
- Balsamic glaze:ย Adds a sweet, tangy taste.
- Sea salt:ย Just a sprinkle enhances the rest of the ingredients.
How to Make Strawberry Crostini
- Slice the baguette into small pieces. I like to toast them just until golden brown, too!ย Top each bread slice with a layer of cream cheese.
- Trim off a small piece of cucumber to create a stem.
- Slice a strawberry and make a V-cut at the top to create a tulip shape.
- Arrange the sliced cucumber and strawberry on top of the cream cheese to create a flower.
- Top with basil leaves.
- Add a drizzle of balsamic glaze and a sprinkle of sea salt (you can also leave them plain if you prefer).
Possible Variations
- Baguette: Slices with diagonal-cut toast , sourdough, or crackers.
- Cream cheese: Herb-flavored cream cheese, goat cheese, whipped feta, or whipped ricotta cheese.
- Strawberries: Figs, apricots, nectarine, or apple would be delicious, too.
- Balsamic glaze: Honey, hot honey, or white balsamic.
- Basil: Or fresh mint.
- Toppings: Crushed pistachios, walnuts, pecans, or almonds for extra crunch.
How to Store Leftovers
This recipe is best served right away. That said, if you have leftovers, transfer them to an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to one day.
FAQs
I donโt 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.
I often serve this recipe as an afternoon snack. However, it also makes for a tasty lunch with a bacon pasta salad or chicken Caesar pasta salad.
If youโre hosting a spring gathering, add the strawberry crostini to a platter or charcuterie board alongside options like myย dark chocolate kiwi flowers,ย ciabatta garlic bread, andย stuffed mini peppers.
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If you make this recipe or any other recipe on Foodbites, then I would love to hear from you! Please feel free to leave a comment and rating below.
Recipe at a Glance
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Servings: 6 crostini
Strawberry Crostini
Ingredientsย
- 3 strawberries
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese
- 6 slices baguette
- 12 basil leaves, fresh
- 1ยผ cucumber
- 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze
- sea salt, to taste
Instructionsย
- Slice the baguette (feel free to toast the slices if you prefer).
- Top each slice with cream cheese.
- Trim off a small piece of cucumber to make the stem.
- Slice a strawberry.
- Make a v-cut at the top of the strawberry slice to shape the tulip.
- Arrange the cucumber stem and the strawberry tulip on the cream cheese baguette slices.
- Top with basil leaves, balsamic glaze, and a sprinkle of sea salt.
- Serve.
Video
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
