When it comes to elegant yet simple appetizers, the Nordstrom crostini recipe stands out as a crowd-pleaser that balances fresh flavors with an irresistible crunch. Whether you’re hosting a sophisticated dinner party or looking for a quick bite to impress guests, this recipe delivers a perfect harmony of ingredients atop crisp toasted bread.
The beauty of this crostini lies in its versatility — you can customize the toppings with seasonal produce, cheeses, and herbs to suit any occasion.
This post will guide you through crafting the perfect Nordstrom crostini, sharing everything from ingredient selection to serving tips. If you love appetizers that combine style with ease, you’re in for a treat.
Let’s dive into why this recipe is a must-try and how to make it your own.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
The Nordstrom crostini recipe is loved for its elegant simplicity and bold flavor profile. It showcases fresh, high-quality ingredients that come together in minutes but taste like you spent hours preparing.
The crunchy toasted baguette slices form the perfect base to hold savory, tangy, and creamy toppings, creating layers of texture and taste in every bite.
This appetizer is ideal for entertaining because it requires minimal prep and can be easily customized based on what you have on hand. It’s also versatile enough to pair with wine or cocktails, making it a sophisticated starter or a casual snack.
Plus, it’s a fantastic way to impress guests with a beautiful presentation that looks much harder to make than it actually is.
Ingredients
- 1 French baguette, sliced into 1/2-inch pieces
- 1/4 cup olive oil, plus extra for drizzling
- 2 cloves garlic, halved
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 2 tbsp balsamic glaze
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional: 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts for garnish
Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Mixing bowls
- Knife and cutting board
- Spoon or small spatula for spreading
- Brush for olive oil
- Serving platter
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the baguette slices in a single layer on a baking sheet.
- Brush each slice with olive oil on both sides, then toast in the oven for about 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crisp.
- Remove the toasted bread from the oven and immediately rub each slice with the cut side of the garlic cloves to impart a subtle garlic flavor.
- In a small bowl, mix the cream cheese and ricotta cheese until smooth and creamy.
- Spread a generous layer of the cheese mixture onto each crostini slice.
- Top with halved cherry tomatoes and a sprinkle of chopped fresh basil.
- Drizzle with balsamic glaze for a sweet and tangy finish.
- If desired, sprinkle toasted pine nuts over the crostini to add an extra crunch and nutty flavor.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Arrange the crostini on a serving platter and serve immediately for best texture and flavor.
Tips & Variations
“For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding a thin slice of prosciutto or a dollop of pesto on top of the cheese layer before adding tomatoes.”
If you want to customize your Nordstrom crostini, here are some easy variations:
- Go seasonal: Swap cherry tomatoes for roasted red peppers, figs, or fresh berries during different times of the year.
- Cheese options: Use goat cheese or mascarpone instead of ricotta for a tangier or creamier base.
- Herbs and spices: Experiment with thyme, oregano, or even a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Make it vegan: Replace the cheeses with vegan cream cheese alternatives and omit pine nuts if desired.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving (2 crostini) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 180 kcal |
| Fat | 10 g |
| Saturated Fat | 4 g |
| Carbohydrates | 18 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Protein | 5 g |
| Sodium | 150 mg |
Serving Suggestions
The Nordstrom crostini pairs wonderfully with a variety of drinks and dishes. Serve alongside a crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or a light red like Pinot Noir to complement the fresh and creamy flavors.
For a non-alcoholic option, sparkling water with a slice of lemon works beautifully.
This appetizer also pairs well with salads, charcuterie boards, or light soups to create a full meal experience. They make an excellent starter for holiday dinners, bridal showers, or casual weekend gatherings.
Conclusion
The Nordstrom crostini recipe is an elegant and easy appetizer that brings together fresh ingredients and delightful textures. Its versatility allows you to tweak the recipe to your liking, making it perfect for any season or occasion.
Whether you’re entertaining guests or simply want a delicious snack, these crostini are sure to impress with their rich flavors and beautiful presentation.
With simple preparation steps and readily available ingredients, this recipe can quickly become a staple in your culinary repertoire. Try it out and enjoy the wonderful balance of crunchy bread, creamy cheese, and vibrant tomato topping that makes Nordstrom crostini a favorite for many.
Looking for more inspiration? Check out our other delicious recipes like Classic Bruschetta, Caprese Salad, and Garlic Parmesan Wings for your next gathering!
📖 Recipe Card: Nordstrom Crostini
Description: A delicious and elegant appetizer featuring toasted baguette slices topped with creamy ricotta, fresh tomatoes, and basil. Perfect for entertaining or a light snack.
Prep Time: PT10M
Cook Time: PT10M
Total Time: PT20M
Servings: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 baguette, sliced into 1/2 inch pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Brush baguette slices with olive oil and place on a baking sheet.
- Toast baguette slices in oven for 8-10 minutes until golden.
- In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese with minced garlic, lemon zest, salt, and pepper.
- Spread ricotta mixture evenly over toasted baguette slices.
- Top with halved cherry tomatoes and chopped basil.
- Drizzle balsamic glaze over each crostini before serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 150 kcal | Protein: 5 g | Fat: 7 g | Carbs: 18 g
{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Nordstrom Crostini”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A delicious and elegant appetizer featuring toasted baguette slices topped with creamy ricotta, fresh tomatoes, and basil. Perfect for entertaining or a light snack.”, “prepTime”: “PT10M”, “cookTime”: “PT10M”, “totalTime”: “PT20M”, “recipeYield”: “8 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“1 baguette, sliced into 1/2 inch pieces”, “2 tablespoons olive oil”, “1 cup ricotta cheese”, “1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved”, “1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped”, “2 cloves garlic, minced”, “1 tablespoon balsamic glaze”, “Salt and pepper to taste”, “1 teaspoon lemon zest”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Preheat oven to 375\u00b0F (190\u00b0C).”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Brush baguette slices with olive oil and place on a baking sheet.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Toast baguette slices in oven for 8-10 minutes until golden.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese with minced garlic, lemon zest, salt, and pepper.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Spread ricotta mixture evenly over toasted baguette slices.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Top with halved cherry tomatoes and chopped basil.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Drizzle balsamic glaze over each crostini before serving.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “150 kcal”, “proteinContent”: “5 g”, “fatContent”: “7 g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “18 g”}}