30 Mar 2025
Cook time 5 min
Prep time 10 min
Ingredients:
3 tbsp capers
26 oz olives
1 garlic clove
1/4 cup olive oil
1 baguette (french bread)
2 tbsp olive oil
Crostini with black olive tapenade is a delightful appetizer that brings together the rich flavors of olives, capers, and garlic on crispy baguette slices. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for entertaining guests or enjoying as a simple snack. With a few quality ingredients and straightforward steps, you can prepare an elegant and flavorful treat that everyone will love.
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Tapenade:
1. Rinse Capers: Drain and rinse 3 tablespoons (27g) of capers under cold water to remove excess salt.
2. Prepare Olives: Drain and pit 26 oz (740g) of black olives if necessary.
3. Peel Garlic: Peel and coarsely chop 1 clove (3g) of garlic.
4. Blend Ingredients: In a food processor, combine the capers, black olives, and garlic. Pulse until the mixture is roughly chopped.
5. Add Olive Oil: While the processor is running, slowly drizzle in 1/4 cup (55g) of olive oil until the mixture becomes a smooth paste. Stop and scrape down the sides if needed. Continue blending until you reach your desired consistency.
6. Taste and Adjust: Taste the tapenade and adjust for seasoning if necessary. Depending on the saltiness of the olives and capers, additional salt may not be needed.
2. Prepare the Crostini:
1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Slice Baguette: Cut the baguette (120g) into 1/4-inch to 1/2-inch (0.6 to 1.3 cm) thick slices on a slight diagonal to give more surface area.
3. Brush with Olive Oil: Place the bread slices on a baking sheet and brush both sides lightly with the 2 tbsp (27g) of olive oil.
4. Toast Bread: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, turning once halfway through, until the bread is golden and crisp.
3. Assemble the Crostini:
1. Spread Tapenade: Once the crostini are cool enough to handle, spread a generous amount of the black olive tapenade on each slice.
2. Garnish (Optional): For extra flair, garnish with a sprig of fresh herbs like thyme or parsley, or a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper.
4. Serve: Arrange the crostini on a serving platter and enjoy immediately. They are perfect as an appetizer or party snack.
Tips:
- Use a high-quality olive oil for the tapenade to enhance the overall flavor.
- You can toast the baguette slices in advance and store them in an airtight container until ready to serve.
- For added flavor, rub each toasted baguette slice with a cut garlic clove before adding the tapenade.
- Feel free to experiment with different types of olives or add fresh herbs like thyme or basil for a unique twist.
Crostini with black olive tapenade is a versatile and delicious appetizer that can be easily prepared with a few pantry staples. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or simply looking for a quick and tasty snack, this recipe is sure to impress. Enjoy the bold and savory flavors of the tapenade on crunchy, toasted baguette slices for a delightful culinary experience.