Vegan Broccoli Crostini

Vegan broccoli crostini is the perfect recipe for your next party or family get together. It is amazing how wonderful and surprisingly simple this vegan broccoli crostini recipe is to make.

The secret is actually in the paste that goes on the bread under the broccoli florets. It is packed with fresh parsley, garlic, and capers, which give such a flavor punch to these beautiful crostini.

If you are looking for more vegan crostini, try my favorite cranberry crostini recipe or my roasted sweet potato slices.

I learned how to make crostini in culinary school. Crostini is simply toasted bread, usually made from a baguette, with a fancy topping. I was truly amazed at how easily we could make gourmet dishes by just adding unique toppings to the toasted bread.

What is the best bread for crostini?

A French baguette is the absolute best for crostini. Its slender, long shape makes it the perfect appetizer size for vegan crostini.

You can either make the french bread yourself or buy a good artisan baguette at a local bakery. I often bake several baguettes at once and then have them in the freezer for when I want to make crostini.

How to Make Vegan Broccoli Crostini

This simple appetizer is easy to make and perfect for your next family gathering.

1. Start by parboiling the broccoli. Bring a pot of water to a boil, plunge the broccoli into the water and cook for 3 minutes, remove from stove, and immediately drain and rinse with cold water. Set aside.
2. In a food processor, blend the parsley, garlic, capers, and crushed red pepper. Next add the oil slowly, a little at a time to make a paste. Be sure to scrape the sides so everything gets blended.
3. Slice the baguette diagonally and brush the slices with a little olive oil on each side. Bake at 350F for 5 minutes, then turn the bread slices, and toast for another 5 minutes on the other side.
4. Spray the broccoli florets with a little bit of oil before assembling. Sprinkle with salt, crushed red pepper, and minced parsley, if desired. 
5. Spread a generous amount of paste on each slice. Top with a couple of bite-size broccoli forests. Sprinkle with crushed red pepper and a pinch of salt, if desired. Place on a baking sheet tray.
6. Bake at 350F for 10-15 minutes. Serve warm.

Why parboil broccoli?

Parboiling the broccoli helps the broccoli to retain it’s beautiful green color. It is easy to parboil, put the broccoli in boiling water for just a couple of minutes and then cool them off in cold water. This brings out that lush green color in the vegetable. They will be heated again as you bake them, so don’t worry about getting the broccoli cold, but it will still retain its color.

Serving Suggestions:

I often serve crostini as an appetizer, side dish, or a quick lunch. It’s easy to make, look beautiful, and taste phenomenal.

• Appetizer Table: Serve this delicious broccoli crostini with my cranberry crostini, olive tapenade, or vegan artichoke spinach dip.
• Italian Dinner: Add some green color to your dinner spread with this crostini recipe. This broccoli crostini is delicious served with these lasagna roll-ups with vegan ricotta or one-pot cherry tomato and basil pasta.
• Holiday Meal: These broccoli crostini would be beautiful served with vegan turkey, mashed potatoes, and vegan gravy for a festive holiday treat.

FAQs

What’s the difference between crostini and bruschetta? 

Crostini is a small slice of bread that is toasted in the oven. Bruschetta is usually thicker and larger slices of grilled bread served with fresh tomato and balsamic glaze. 

What is crostini bread made of? 

Crostini is usually made with thin slices of baguette brushed in olive oil and toasted until golden brown and crispy.

What part of the meal is crostini typically served? 

Crostini is a side dish usually served as an appetizer before the meal or as a side dish with the meal. 

Watch My Broccoli Crostini Recipe Video

Print