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White Bean Crostini with Thyme and Balsamic Recipe

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4.3 from 1 review

  • Author: Lea
  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 17 servings
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

A quick and elegant appetizer featuring toasted baguette slices topped with a creamy, flavorful white bean puree made from cannellini beans, fresh thyme, and garlic, garnished with balsamic vinegar and extra thyme for a refreshing finish.

Ingredients

White Bean Spread

  • 2 cups canned cannellini or northern beans, drained and rinsed
  • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 4 tbsp water
  • 1 tbsp fresh thyme
  • 1 clove garlic
  • Kosher salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Crostini

  • 8-inch piece of baguette (4 oz total), sliced into 1/4 inch thin slices
  • 1 garlic clove, halved
  • Olive oil spray

Garnish

  • Extra fresh thyme for garnish
  • Balsamic vinegar, for drizzling

Instructions

  1. Slice the Bread: Cut the baguette into 1/4" thin slices to create the base for your crostini.
  2. Toast or Grill the Bread: Preheat your oven to 400°F. Lightly spray the bread slices with olive oil spray. Toast them in the oven, turning once, until they turn golden and crisp. Alternatively, grill the slices with a light olive oil spray until golden brown.
  3. Rub with Garlic: Once the bread is toasted, gently rub each slice with a halved garlic clove to infuse subtle garlic flavor.
  4. Make the White Bean Puree: In a small blender or magic bullet, combine the drained cannellini beans, olive oil, water, fresh thyme, garlic, kosher salt, and pepper. Puree until smooth. If the mixture is too thick, add a little more water to reach a spreadable consistency.
  5. Assemble the Crostini: Spoon about 2 teaspoons of the white bean puree onto each toasted bread slice and spread evenly.
  6. Garnish and Serve: Top each crostini with extra fresh thyme leaves. Drizzle a small amount of balsamic vinegar over the top just before serving for added brightness and flavor.

Notes

  • For a smoother spread, peel the garlic clove before blending.
  • The beans can be substituted with other white beans like Great Northern or navy beans.
  • If you prefer a stronger herb flavor, add more fresh thyme or a touch of rosemary.
  • The crostini can be prepared ahead of time and assembled just before serving to maintain crispness.
  • Use high-quality balsamic vinegar for the best flavor impact.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Find it online: https://recipesbylea.com/white-bean-crostini-with-thyme-and-balsamic-recipe/