Cream Cheese Herb Crostini (Printable Version)

Crispy baguette slices layered with creamy cheese and fresh herbs for an elegant appetizer.

# What You'll Need:

→ Crostini

01 - 1 baguette, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds (about 24 slices)
02 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
03 - 1 garlic clove, halved

→ Cream Cheese Spread

04 - 12 ounces cream cheese, softened
05 - 2 tablespoons sour cream
06 - 2 tablespoons fresh chives, finely chopped
07 - 1 tablespoon fresh dill, finely chopped
08 - 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
09 - 1 teaspoon lemon zest
10 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
11 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

→ Herb Toppings

12 - Fresh chives, finely chopped
13 - Fresh dill sprigs
14 - Fresh parsley leaves
15 - Fresh basil leaves, torn
16 - Fresh thyme leaves
17 - Microgreens
18 - Edible flowers, optional
19 - Flaky sea salt
20 - Freshly ground black pepper

# Steps:

01 - Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit
02 - Arrange baguette slices on a baking sheet and brush both sides lightly with olive oil
03 - Toast in the oven for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crisp. Remove and rub each slice lightly with the cut side of garlic. Cool to room temperature
04 - In a bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream, chives, dill, parsley, lemon zest, salt, and black pepper. Mix until smooth and well blended
05 - Spread a generous layer of the herbed cream cheese over each crostini
06 - Top with assorted fresh herbs, microgreens, and edible flowers as desired. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt and extra black pepper
07 - Arrange on a large board or platter and serve immediately

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Quick and Easy: Goes from prep to platter in just 30 minutes.
  • Fresh Flavors: Packed with aromatic chives, dill, parsley, and a bright hint of lemon zest.
  • Visually Stunning: The mix of microgreens and edible flowers makes it a centerpiece appetizer.
  • Vegetarian-Friendly: A sophisticated meat-free option that appeals to all guests.
02 -
  • Freshness Matters: Always use fresh herbs rather than dried to ensure the best flavor and a vibrant green color.
  • Temperature Control: Let the crostini cool completely before spreading the cheese to prevent it from melting and becoming runny.
  • Make Ahead: You can prepare the herbed cream cheese spread up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator; just let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before spreading.
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