Tomato Crostini

Almost too cute to eat crostini topped with herby cream cheese and heart-shaped tomato 'balloons'.

Updated Jul 03, 2026

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If you need a showstopping appetizer for special occasions, try these adorable Tomato Crostini with heart-shaped balloons. Made with crispy baguette slices, herby cream cheese, and bright tomatoes, they’re savory, herbaceous, and simple to prepare with no cooking required.

Seven bites of bread with herbed cream cheese are topped with heart-shaped tomato halves and chive stems, arranged on a round marble platter.

Set the crostini out for birthday parties, Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, and other celebrations, too. Or, enjoy them as a simple appetizer with roasted tomato soup or creamy vegetable soup for an easy weekday dinner!

A hand holds a slice of bread topped with cream cheese, chopped chives, and a heart-shaped tomato with a green stem.

Foolproof to make, these crostini are quick to prepare and always look impressive, making them the perfect last-minute addition to any table.

Tomato Crostini Ingredients

Please be sure to scroll down to the recipe card below for the complete details!

Baguette: Use a French baguette or ciabatta, as you prefer.
Butter: I use salted butter to fry the baguette slices, making them super crispy.
Cream cheese: I like plain full-fat cream cheese.
Garlic: You’ll need one clove of garlic. Add more if you like.
Chives: Chop finely for a mild onion flavor.
Garnish: You need grape tomatoes (the oblong ones), chive stems (for the balloon ‘strings’), and basil leaves (for the balloon tie).

How to Make Tomato Crostini

Eight slices of rustic bread are arranged on a wooden cutting board, ready to be transformed into delicious Tomato Crostini, and placed on a gray countertop.

Prepare the crostini: Slice the baguette and fry in butter in a pan over medium heat until golden on both sides.

A hand spreads herb cream cheese on a slice of bread using a knife.

Mix cream cheese, chopped chives, minced garlic, and sea salt to taste. Spread the cream cheese mixture onto the crostini.

A hand is slicing a small grape tomato in half on a white cutting board with a knife.

Garnish: Halve the grape tomatoes at an angle, then halve each half and pair to make two hearts.

Two hands arrange a heart shape made with sliced tomato on bread topped with cream cheese and herbs on a wooden cutting board.

Top each crostini with a tomato heart, basil leaf tie, and chive stem string. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt and black pepper.

Possible Variations

Baguette: Try sourdough, plain toast, or slices of Italian bread.
Grape tomatoes: Figs, strawberries, apricots, or blackberries.
Chives: Shallots, caramelized onion, or parsley.
Basil: Try cilantro or parsley.
Cream cheese mixture: Swap for hummus, pesto, herby cream cheese, aioli, creamy goat cheese, or whipped feta.
Toppings: Drizzle with balsamic glaze or add toasted breadcrumbs for crunch.

Recipe Tip

If you use a larger piece of bread, be sure to add more tomato balloons if there’s extra space.

How to Store Leftovers

Keep leftover crostini in an airtight container in the fridge. Enjoy within 1 day.

FAQs

Can I prepare this crostini recipe ahead of time?

You can prepare the cream cheese mixture, toppings, and crostini a few hours in advance (reheat them in a toaster). Wait to assemble until shortly before serving.

Can I toast the baguette slices instead?

Absolutely. Toast them until golden brown. You can even roast them in the oven on a baking sheet.

How do I serve the crostini if I don’t want to make the balloons?

Marinate diced tomatoes in balsamic vinegar and honey in a bowl for 10 minutes. Season well, then top the tomato bruschetta with fresh basil.