These crispy little toasts are topped with melted cheese and an added crunch with walnuts scattered on top. The combination of fresh herbs and seasonings is fantastic and would make the perfect appetizer for any party gathering!
Walnut cheese crostinis are such an easy appetizer! I know most of you are familiar with the goat cheese crostini, but this version uses cheddar cheese. These are almost like mini pizzas, so I'd say I could eat about 3 to 4 and be satisfied. The combination of seasonings has a Mexican taste to it.
They remind me of little Mexican pizzas. Who doesn't love pizza?! If you love pizza as much as me then you NEED to check out my Top Five Quick and Easy Naan Pizza Ideas! All my naan pizzas are super easy recipes and would also make a great appetizer at your next party.
I was also mad at myself that I didn't make more because between me and my husband, Eric, we polished off around a dozen. There was one left over and we argued who was taking it to lunch the next day.....Guess who won?! So, my recommendation would be to double the recipe 😉
You could also add and take away whatever ingredients you love or dislike, which makes them personal! You can add your own little touches. These would be great as finger foods for a New Years Eve appetizer!
Ingredients to make this treat
You will need the following ingredients for this crostini appetizer!
- 1 whole wheat baguette - cut through the middle, then cut into squares,
- shredded cheese - feel free to change it up to your liking with the type of cheese. I used cheddar, but you can also use goat cheese, blue cheese, even cream cheese would taste amazing. I've found that a soft cheese melts easier together, but unfortunately my husband likes no soft cheeses so I used cheddar, which was still delicious.
- oregano - I like using fresh herbs because I feel they taste the best, but you can also use dried oregano here, as well.
- kosher salt and ground black pepper - I used 1 tsp of each, but these are spices you can also add more to your liking.
- coconut or avocado cooking spray - can also use olive oil cooking spray if preferred
- small grape tomatoes - cut these in quarters
- 1 tbsp avocado oil - I love the taste of avocado, but you can sub for olive oil if preferred
- lime juice - I recommend using fresh squeezed lime juice, but you can also use lime juice from a bottle
- arugula - also use fresh when using arugula
Tip: To make this dish look pretty I also added a handful of shredded greens on top. You can use either arugula, spinach, or kale. I also recommend using a large baking tray to assemble these because it will make for easy clean up. I recommend using this Nordic Ware Natural Baker's Big Sheet!
How to make this appetizer
First, preheat the oven to 350° and place baguette slices, bottom side down, in a single layer on a large baking sheet. If you have a thicker baguette try and slice them into thin slices because they crisp up better.
This next step you can make ahead of time and save in your fridge. Then, when you're ready to bake the bread slices just remove from fridge and use when you need it. So, you will toss cheese with walnuts, tomatoes, seasonings, oil, handful of arugula and lime juice in a small bowl and let marinade for 5 minutes.
Then, press equal amounts of cheese very firmly onto each baguette slice. This will help the walnut mix stick more onto the crusty bread. Then scoop out the walnut mix and press on top of the cheese firmly in even amounts. Coat liberally with cooking spray. The cooking spray will keep the toppings on.
Bake the baguettes for 10 minutes. Top with more arugula, spinach, or kale for some added greens. Serve with a smile and watch as everyone scarf them down 🙂
Crostini topping ideas
The possibilities of what you top your bread slices with are endless! Here are a few that I have tried in the past and loved.
- fig spread
- smoked salmon
- ham - I buy deli ham and chop it up into bite sized piece before adding it to the crostini
- hummus - original flavor is a good one to try because it goes with mostly everything or pine nut is one of my favorite flavors, as well.
- dates
- zucchini spirals or diced
- jalapenos - I don't like spice too much, but I have in the past made these with jalapenos for all the spice lovers out there
- honey - drizzle sweet honey on top at the end right before baking
- jelly or jam - any flavor you desire would be delicious
- pears - I like using Bosc pears the best because I find they are the sweetest
- apple slices
Cheese topping ideas
Yes I used shredded cheddar because my husband does not like soft cheeses, but I find the soft cheeses turn out the best because they melt everything together perfectly with their gooey texture. Here are a few different types of cheese to try.
- goat cheese
- blue cheese
- cream cheese
- feta cheese
Tips and FAQ's
Yes and No! You can make the topping combination ahead of time, but you cannot cook the actual baguette slices prior to serving because they will get rock hard if you cook them a day or two earlier.
You don't need to reheat crostini again, but you can heat it up if you have leftovers. Just turn your oven on to 350 degrees farenheit and place your baguettes on a prepared baking sheet sprayed with cooking spray so they don't stick. Heat in oven for 5 minutes.
The best way to store your leftovers is once your crostini is cooked and cooled completely place in an airtight container and store at room temperature.
Other appetizer ideas for your next get together
If you give this recipe a try don't forget to rate the recipe below! Always love hearing what you all think. You can also Stay in touch with me through social media on @Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook. Don't forget to tag me when you try one of my healthy recipes!
Cheese Crostini Appetizer
Equipment
- large baking pan
- small mixing bowl
Ingredients
- 1 whole wheat baguette cut lengthwise then into squares
- ¾ cup reduced fat shredded cheddar cheese Change it up to your liking with the type of cheese you use. I used cheddar, but you can also use goat cheese, blue cheese, even cream cheese would taste amazing. I've found that a soft cheese melts easier together.
- ⅓ cup chopped walnuts
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp oregano fresh herbs is the way to go, but dried oregano will also work
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
- avocado or coconut cooking spray can also sub with olive oil spray
- ¾ cup grape tomatoes cut into quarters
- 1 tbsp avocado oil can also sub olive oil
- 1 tbsp lime juice the juice from half a lime
- 1½ cups arugula fresh
- 1 handful arugula, spinach, or kale optional for topping. I recommend sticking with whichever green you use for the actual recipe.
Instructions
- First, preheat the oven to 350° and place baguette slices in a single layer on a large baking sheet. If you have a thicker baguette try and slice them into thin slices because they crisp up better.
- This next step you can make ahead of time and save in your fridge. Then, when you're ready to bake the bread slices just remove from fridge and use when you need it. So, you will toss cheese with walnuts, tomatoes, seasonings, oil, handful of arugula and lime juice in a small mixing bowl and let marinade for 5 minutes.
- Then, press equal amounts of cheese very firmly onto each baguette slice. This will help the walnut mix stick more onto the crusty bread. Then scoop out the walnut mix and press on top of the cheese firmly in even amounts. Coat liberally with cooking spray. The cooking spray will keep the toppings on.
- Bake the baguettes for 10 minutes. Top with more arugula, spinach, or kale for some added greens. Serve with a smile and watch as everyone scarf them down 🙂
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