Treat yourself to this mouthwatering Mushroom Crostini ... it's the perfect appetizer for mushroom lovers! This bite-sized snack is easy to make, full of bold, bright flavors, and a total crowd pleaser!
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There is just something so fun and festive about a hand-held appetizer. It pretty much screams "Party!" like nothing else, and these delightful Mushroom Crostini are truly one of my favorites.
Crostini (which means "little toasts" in Italian) is the perfect appetizer for any get together! They're easy to make, totally irresistible, and the perfect way to use up leftover bread.
These delicious Mushroom Toasts have an enticing taste that you're sure to love! The mushrooms are seasoned with a combination of earthy garlic, bright lemon, and fragrant herbs, then served on crunchy mini toasts topped with a swipe of creamy cheese. This delectable combination of flavors and textures will have your guests returning for seconds (and probably thirds)!
Best of all, this party pleasing app is so simple to prepare! The tasty topping comes together quickly, and the toasts easy to assemble (especially if you have a helper).
Have I tempted you to try this recipe for yourself? Then keep reading for all the details!
Ingredients
This recipe may seem fancy, but it uses basic, simple to find ingredients. Here's what you'll need to make it:
- Mushrooms - To keep this appetizer easy and affordable to make, this recipe calls for button mushrooms ... and they work great here! However, you can certainly substitute different types, such as brown or wild mushrooms, if you prefer.
- Shallots - A couple shallots are a natural complement to the mushrooms, adding tons of flavor. Feel free to substitute onion in a pinch, just keep in mind that it many take longer to cook.
- Garlic - Mushrooms and garlic are so delicious together. Make sure to use fresh garlic (not jarred or powder) for the tastiest results.
- Lemon - You'll need a fresh lemon for this recipe, and you'll use it two ways: a little juice brightens up the sautéed mushrooms; and a sprinkle of lemon zest makes a pretty (and flavorful) finishing touch.
- Thyme - The mushrooms are also seasoned with fresh thyme, which is sooo delicious with the lemon and garlic (one of my favorite flavor combos).
- Butter + Olive Oil - You'll use a combination of butter and olive oil to cook the mushrooms.
- Cheese - Before adding the mushrooms to the crostini, you'll spread the mini toasts with creamy goat cheese. Not a fan of goat cheese? No worries, just check out the Variations section below for other options!
- Crostini - Homemade Crostini couldn't be easier to make. You just need a baguette, olive oil, and a pinch of salt.
This recipe is naturally vegetarian. To make it vegan, skip the cheese or substitute a non-dairy alternative (more ideas below). For gluten free crostini, use a GF baguette to make the crostini.
You'll Also Need
To prep the mushrooms, you'll need a sharp knife, as well as something to juice and zest the lemon (I have one of these classic citrus juicers, and this microplane zester is a fave kitchen tool!). A garlic press will come in handy, as well. For the crostini, you'll need a serrated knife, a pastry brush (for brushing the slices with oil before baking), and a large baking sheet or two (these sheet pans are my go-to) to bake the bread.
How to Make Mushroom Crostini
This recipe is so simple to prepare, especially if you have a helper to assemble the crostini! You'll find a detailed recipe card below, but here's an overview of the steps:
- Make crostini. Start by cutting your baguette on an angle into ¼-inch thick slices (a serrated knife works best). Then brush both sides with olive oil and top with a pinch of salt. Bake until the toasts are crisp throughout (no need to flip).
- Sauté shallots. While the bread bakes, you'll cook the filling. Begin by sautéing the shallots in butter and olive oil for a couple minutes, or until they turn translucent.
- Cook mushrooms. Next, you'll add the mushrooms, and cook them until they're browned and tender.
- Add garlic, lemon, and herbs. When the mushrooms have browned, mix in the garlic, then continue cooking just until it's fragrant. Add the lemon juice and stir well, then remove the pan from the heat. Stir in the thyme, then season the mushrooms with salt and pepper to taste.
- Assemble the crostini. To assemble, spread the toasted bread with a thin layer of goat cheese, then top with the mushrooms. Sprinkle with fresh thyme and lemon zest, and if you wish, add a drizzle of olive oil. Tip: to make sure you have enough for all the toasts, divide the toppings before you add them to the crostini.
And that's all there is to it ... your scrumptious Mushroom Goat Cheese Crostini is ready to eat! You can serve this delicious Mushroom appetizer warm or at room temperature. Either way it's sure to be a hit, so don't be surprised if your guests gobble it up within in minutes!
Tip: To save time when planning a party, prepare the crostini toasts a day or two in advance. Then store the toasts in an airtight container so they stay crisp.
Variations
Once you master this basic recipe, you can have fun experimenting! Here are some ideas to inspire you:
- Mushrooms - I used basic button mushrooms here, but if you want to impress your guests, swap in your favorite wild mushrooms.
- Cheese - Not a fan of goat cheese? Not to worry, you can easily substitute any spreadable cheese, such as brie, a creamy (or thinly sliced) feta, Boursin, or even a mild blue cheese. You could also sprinkle parmesan on top.
- Herbs - Other fresh herbs, such as rosemary or parsley, would also taste great here. Substitute them for the thyme or use a combination.
- Creamy - If you'd like to make the mushroom topping creamy, add a tablespoon (or two) of cream cheese along with the lemon juice.
- Spicy - Like your food with a little kick? Add some crushed red pepper flakes along with the garlic.
- Vegan - For a vegan option, you can skip the cheese altogether (drizzle extra olive oil over the top instead), or you can use a spreadable vegan cheese. Try it with Dairy-Free Boursin or this Miyoko's Creamery Garlic Herb Cheese.
- Gluten Free - If you're serving GF guests, don't forget to make the crostini with a gluten free baguette.
- More - Another way to change up this recipe is by adding a sauce. You can either replace the cheese with the sauce (spread it on the bread) or drizzle it over the finished app. Pesto (or Pesto Mayo) and Romesco Sauce would both be tasty.
Serving Suggestions
This appetizer is ideal for enjoying year round, but it's perfect for special occasions (like Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's Eve, Valentine's Day, or Easter), too. Pair this Mushroom Crostini recipe with a delicious drink or cocktail (like this Classic Daiquiri or this Cranberry Moscow Mule) and a few other quick and easy snacks (such as this crowd-pleasing Cream Cheese Dip, these addictive Stuffed Dates, or this spicy Chipotle Hummus) and you have a party!
Storage
This appetizer is one of those recipes that tastes best when eaten shortly after its made (otherwise the bread gets soggy). If you think you'll have leftovers, assemble only what you think you'll eat. Then store the different components in separate containers (the mushrooms and cheese need to be refrigerated, but the toasts do not). When you're ready to eat the leftovers, gently warm the mushrooms (add more fresh herbs and squeeze of lemon, if needed), then top the toasts.
Related Recipes
Looking for more easy appetizers? Try one of these recipes next:
- How to Make Crostini - A helpful, step-by-step guide with lots of tips and different topping ideas.
- Garlic Rubbed Crostini - This simple twist on the traditional recipe is extra flavorful.
- Tomato Basil Crostini - A delicious tomato topping that's bursting with fresh flavors.
- Goat Cheese Crostini - This scrumptious recipes pairs luscious Whipped Goat Cheese with honey. Yum!
- Butternut Squash and Goat Cheese Crostini - An irresistible flavor combination.
- Roasted Grape Tomatoes - These jammy tomatoes make an amazing crostini topper!
- Herb Parmesan Crackers - Perfect for any cheese tray and great served with dips.
- Pita Chips - The best way to use up leftover pita bread!
- Stuffing Stuffed Mushrooms - Super delish and simple to make.
- Mini Cheese Tarts - This bite size app is so cute and super tasty, too!
For more ways to use up leftover bread, check out these Homemade Croutons (or these Sourdough Croutons) and my favorite Garlic Bread!
Frequently Asked Questions
Crostini (which is Italian for "little toasts") are thin, small slices of bread (typically a baguette) that have been brushed with olive oil, then baked until crisp. They're served with various toppings, such as veggies, cheeses, mushrooms, and more. Tip: The word crostini is plural; the singular version is crostino.
Crostini may be served hot, room temperature, or cold, depending on the toppings you pair it with. It's often eaten at room temperature, which makes it perfect for large parties! For this Mushroom Crostini recipe, I'd recommend serving it warm or at room temperature.
While crostini should be crunchy, it should not be hard. If your Crostini is too hard, try slicing it thinner (about ¼-inch thick is best) or choosing a bread with a lighter texture.
To keep crostini from getting soggy, make sure to assemble it just before serving (even if you make all the components, such as the toasts and toppings, in advance).
Mushroom Crostini
Ingredients
For Crostini:
- 1 baguette
- 1 to 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
For Mushroom Topping:
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 2 medium shallots, halved and thinly sliced
- 1 pound (454 grams) button mushrooms, thinly sliced
- 1 to 2 large cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large, juicy lemon, zested and juiced (you will need 2 tablespoons lemon juice)
- 2 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (plus more for topping)
- kosher salt
- pepper
For Assembling:
- 4 ounces (113 grams) goat cheese
Equipment
Instructions
Prepare Crostini:
- Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
- Using a sharp serrated knife, cut 20 slices from the baguette (on an angle, ¼-inch thick). Save the remaining bread for another use.
- Place the slices on a large baking sheet in a single layer. Brush both sides with olive oil, then sprinkle one side lightly with salt.
- Bake for 5 to 10 minutes, or until crisp throughout and lightly golden (no need to flip). Set aside.
Prepare Mushroom Topping:
- While crostini bakes, heat butter and olive oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat.
- When pan is hot, add shallots and cook just until translucent, stirring frequently (about 2 minutes).
- Add mushrooms to shallots and continue cooking, stirring frequently, until browned and tender (about 10 minutes).
- Mix in garlic and cook just until fragrant, stirring constantly (about 30 seconds).
- Stir in 2 tablespoons lemon juice, then remove pan from heat.
- Mix in 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves and season generously with salt and pepper to taste.
Assemble:
- Spread each crostini lightly with goat cheese, then top with mushrooms (dividing ingredients evenly).
- Sprinkle lightly with additional thyme leaves and lemon zest. Drizzle with olive oil, if desired.
- Serve immediately. Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
Absolutely delicious. They were the hit of the party. Making the butternut squash crostini next time. Thank you!
I'm so glad everyone enjoyed the crostini, Denise! Hope you love the butternut squash ones, too 🙂