Easy Pizza Crostini Recipe with Pesto Sauce and Tomato

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This pizza crostini recipe only requires 4 simple ingredients and about 10 minutes of preparation time to create one of the most delicious, family friendly appetizers. These cheesy pizza crostini are an excellent party appetizer, especially since they can be prepped ahead of time.

This crostini recipe is the perfect game day appetizer for football Sunday game day. Finger food like this is also perfect for any party or special occasion, especially since they can be prepped in advance and baked before serving to save you time. This recipe is also a great dinner option if you want to add some variety and change up a pizza Friday dinner or if you are looking for a quick and easy option for a kid friendly weeknight dinner.

This was inspired by my steak crostini recipe on this site, and pairs well with this cheesy pull apart garlic bread recipe.

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Ingredients
Instructions
Substitutions
Variations
Equipment
How to Store Pizza Crostini
Top Tip
FAQ
Related
Pairing
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💬 Comments

Ingredients

To make this recipe, you will need a french baguette to make up the base of the crostini. Fresh tomato, basil pesto and fresh mozzarella are used as the toppings. Additional toppings can be added as desired.

French baguette
tomato
mozzarella
basil pesto

See recipe card for quantities.

Instructions

slice french baguette, tomato and mozzarella

Step 1: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Slice baguette, tomato and mozzarella.

Step 2: Spread pesto on each slice of baguette.

Step 3: Add tomato slices on top of pesto layer. Place mozzarella on top of each tomato slice.

Step 4: Bake 15-17 minutes or until cheese is melted on top of pizza crostini. Serve immediately or save for later.

Hint: to enhance the flavor of the crostini, use homemade fresh basil pesto instead of store bought.

Substitutions

Pesto - pizza sauce can be substituted for basil pesto.
Bread - use gluten free bread instead of white bread to make this gluten free
Cheese - use vegan cheese instead of fresh mozzarella to make this recipe dairy free

Variations

Spicy - add red pepper flakes on top of the mozzarella or spicy Italian sausage
Pizza Dip - deconstruct this recipe into a dip version for another delicious appetizer recipe
Kid friendly - omit the basil pesto and tomato and add pizza sauce

See this pizza dip version of this recipe on my website!

Equipment

To make this recipe, you will need a sharp knife and cutting board as well as a baking sheet. The only appliance needed for this recipe is the oven.

How to Store Pizza Crostini

Store the leftover crostini in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-5 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer prior to serving leftovers.

These ingredients do stand up well to freezing for up to 2 months in a freezer safe bag or container.

Top Tip

For best results, use fresh mozzarella. Avoid using pre-shredded mozzarella or mozzarella that seems a little more processed. These can be used but the cheese won't melt as evenly and the crostini won't taste as fresh.

FAQ

Can I prepare the crostini ahead of time?

Yes, the crostini can be assembled prior, stored in the fridge and then baked right before serving.

Is it necessary to use fresh mozzarella?

Fresh mozzarella provides the best creamy texture and fresh flavor, but shredded mozzarella can be used in a pinch, though the texture will differ.

Can I use a different type of bread?

Absolutely. Rustic breads like ciabatta or sourdough work beautifully as they hold toppings well and offer a pleasing crunch.

Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:

Pairing

These are my favorite dishes to serve with pizza crostini:

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