Fall Crostini Bar

Last Updated January 4th, 2024 at 11:09 pm by Lisa

Learn how to set up a Crostini Bar for Fall with all the toppings, plus get beautiful design inspiration for arranging an easy and relaxed party for Fall gatherings, Friendsgiving, or a way to serve Thanksgiving appetizers.

The whole idea here is for people to enjoy different combinations and share which one they love at your party. And the best part? All of this can be made ahead, so you can enjoy every minute of your gathering.

Have guests take a crostini toast bread or two, spread whipped goat cheese or whipped feta cheese, add toppings, and enjoy every scrumptious bite...

What Is Crostini?

Crostini means little toasts in Italian. They are small pieces of toasted or fried bread usually brused withe olive oil then served with a topping afor an appetizer or canapé.

You can make your own crostini toasts. Cut small round bread slices from a baguette, and toast them in the oven with a drizzle of olive oil until golden brown and crisp. Then add savory and sweet toppings like meats, seafood, spreads, cheeses, fruit, and nuts.

Fall Crostini Recipes

Take a crostini toast, spread either the whipped goat cheese or feta, and add toppings you love.

Some classic Fall crostini toppings to try; pumpkin butter, brie, honey, blue cheese, cranberries, blue cheese, fig jam, spicy Candied Pecans, and sliced pears. Create your own combinations or try the ones I came up with here. This is all about easy, gorgeous entertaining...

How To Make Crostini Bread Toasts

• 1 large French baguette
• ½ cup extra virgin olive oil

There are two ways to do this, stovetop and oven.

1. Slice the baguette into ½" slices, and arrange the slices in a single layer on a baking sheet.
2. Drizzle slices with olive oil and bake for 8-10 minutes until golden brown. Alternatively, you can toast in a skillet or cast iron grill pan over medium heat.

Blue Cheese, Pear, & Honey Drizzle Crostini

½ cup crumbled blue cheese + ¼ cup honey

Pumpkin Butter & Candied Pecan Crostini

¼ jar pumpkin butter + ½ cup Candied Pecans chopped

Cranberry & Brie Crostini

4 ounces brie + ½ cup dried cranberries

Brie & Fig Jam Crostini

4 ounces brie + ¼ jar fig jam

How To Make Whipped Goat Cheese

Whipped Feta Cheese or the Whipped Goat Cheese mixture is so easy to make and is packed full of flavor. These spreads are great alone on baguette slices or even crackers as a snack.

• 11 ounces goat cheese
• 2 tablespoons cream cheese room temperature
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 whole lemon zested
• ½ teaspoon Kosher sea salt
• ¼ teaspoon cracked black pepper
• 1 tablespoon optional garnish: fresh sage, fresh thyme, rosemary chopped

1. Combine the goat cheese, cream cheese, garlic, red pepper flakes, lemon zest, and thyme leaves in a food processor or with a stand or handheld mixer.
2. Whip for 60-90 seconds until smooth. Store refrigerated for up to a week.

How To Make Whipped Feta

• 11 ounces feta block
• 3 tablespoons cream cheese at room temperature
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
• ½ lemon zest and juice
• ¼ teaspoon cracked black pepper
• 1 tablespoon optional garnish: finely chopped fresh sage, thyme, or rosemary.

1. Bring feta block and cream cheese to room temperature for about 30 minutes.
2. Combine the feta block and cream cheese to the food processor and combine, next add the garlic powder, extra virgin olive oil, lemon zest and juice, and black pepper.
3. Whip for 60-90 seconds until smooth. Store refrigerated for up to a week.

Other Crostini Flavors & Toppers

There are endless options you can choose for a crostini bar. I purchased a few of these items at Trader Joe's like the pumpkin butter and fig jam and everything else at my local grocery store!

You can write out the flavor combinations on small paper cards or on a menu-style chalkboard, or let guests design their own flavor combinations.

• Cheeses: Maytag bleu, Manchego, or Parmesano Reggiano
• Soft Cheeses: goat cheese, mini burrata, Boursin, Brie, Camembert
• Spreads: basil pesto, hummus, Olive Tapenade, marinated artichokes
• Sweet: Cranberry Sauce, cherry jam, marmalade, or honey
• Nuts: toasted Pumpkin Seeds, pistachios, walnuts, or pine nuts
• Fruit: apples, Pomegranate Seeds, pears, apricots, figs, or melon
• Meats: sliced prosciutto, pancetta, salami, or Cubes of Chicken, crumbled bacon
• Seafood: lump crabmeat, Shrimp (no-tails), smoked salmon
• Drizzles: aged balsamic vinegar or lemon/orange flavored olive oils
• Veggies: sliced mini heirloom tomatoes or Pickled Vegetables
• Herbs: basil leaves, chopped thyme, rosemary, and sage
• Finishing Salts: sprinkle a tiny bit of Sriracha, Pinto Noir, or Mustard Salt on top of your creation!

And for a Spring party like Mother's Day, an engagement Bridal Shower Party, or Easter Sunday top your Spring Crostini Appetizers with garden herbs and edible flowers...

Fall Party Planning Tips

Muted colors are one look, or go with traditional Autumn colors like orange, brown, cream, tan, and black. Another option is to borrow a few things from friends or neighbors like tables, chairs, or linens.

These are the things you might need for your party:

• Tables and chairs
• Linens & Napkins
• Cutting Boards
• Rustic Crates
• Wood Boxes
• Vases with dried florals
• Baskets
• Fresh Fall flowers
• Pumpkins
• Metal containers
• Antique silverware
• Small ceramic bowls
• Long-serving boards
• Chalkboard
• Plates and glasses

PRO TIP: To create this rustic Fall look, try different textures, heights, vintage, and heirloom family items. Use the things you have, look high and low in your home, you will be surprised how many items are perfect for this kind of party.

Every beautiful thing you see in this post was designed by my darling friend Lidy from French Garden House at her spectacular home. By the way, Lidy's home and garden are featured in many magazines including This Old House and French Country Style. Take a peek at her online store, it is full of stunning treasures and fascinating French country antiques, you will fall in love.

"I personally select every antique from my favorite brocantes in Europe and the US. I support artisan created products and family workshops for gift and jewelry pieces I know you will love. I'm hopeful that you will find something that makes your heart beat faster, that brings beauty to your every day, or stirs a memory of a time or person you love."

Lidy Baars ~ French Garden House

She styled this exquisite Fall look from her collection of French antiques and uses her "design superpowers" to make things look so interesting and stunning. We LOVE working together, and giggle the whole time as she styles and I fuss over the food. Then we shoot our photographs together. Isn't it wonderful? Oh then of course we EAT!

Serve toppings in small bowls with spoons and spreading knives. Place a stack of plates, with napkins in between the plates. This is a great tip from Lidy...

Party Design & Styling Ideas

Get creative with setting up the table you are serving from. Pick a place with shade and consider the weather. Of course, you can set your table up inside if the weather isn't cooperating.

Use what you have to create displays and different heights and to keep people moving around trying different crostini bar combinations. 

Try to set up a scene with levels, and place things up high, low, and spilling out of baskets.

Use fresh pumpkins, flowers, succulents, herbs, and Fall decor pieces you love. For more inspiration, take a look at my DIY tutorials on Succulent Pumpkins and Pumpkin Flower Arrangements.

The succulent pumpkins are SO easy and will last all through Fall. Everyone loves them, and you can give them to guests as they head home!

Crostini Party Drinks & Cocktails

Have a drink station nearby. Try my Fireball Cocktails or Autumn Aperol Spritz both are great for any Fall party. You can also serve iced tea or a festive Fireball Punch or Christmas Punch.

Crostini FAQ

More Fall Easy Make Ahead Appetizers

Cheese Truffles are loaded with delicious flavors and toppings. Serve with crackers or pretzels for an easy appetizer and fun party food!

Boursin Cheese whips together in just minutes for an easy appetizer. One of the best ways to eat it is simply with toasted warm bread or crackers.

Dip into a Bacon Ranch Cheese Ball with crackers or pretzels, and enjoy every bite of this easy delicious appetizer. It is made with simple ingredients and quick prep time. Roll it in crispy bacon crumbles or assorted mixed cheeses.

Pull Apart Bread is famously also known as "Crack Bread" for a reason, people can't stop eating it! A simple loaf of bakery bread is magically transformed into cheesy goodness with creamy garlic and green chile flavors. It can be a hot appetizer or a dinner side dish.

Melty gooey cheese is tucked into the nooks and crannies, then baked to golden deliciousness. You will love the cheese pulls as you grab a piece of this decadent garlicky bread.

Serve a "pumpkin-shaped" Everything Bagel Cheese Ball appetizer for your next Fall party, it's always a hit! Easy to make ahead in 15 minutes, chill, and take to a gathering.

Jalapeno Popper Dip is always a hit! Make this melty hot appetizer for parties with simple pantry ingredients and scoop up with large corn chips.

This Fall Snack Mix will disappear at your Fall, Halloween Party, or at your Thanksgiving feast. Just 4 ingredients are simply amazing together. Kids and adults love these treats.

Everyone loves easy party food! These savory salty-sweet Easy Halloween snacks are loved by kids and adults. Build a fun snack board tray with your favorite chips, crackers, sweet treats, and spooky candy eyes!

More Thanksgiving Appetizers

These are the best Thanksgiving Day Appetizers for savory snacks, easy appetizers, and a bounty of party ideas for your celebration. Whether you bake up some warm canapes, make easy no cook appetizers like a dip, or create a beautiful holiday charcuterie board. There are dozens of delicious recipes here to put out before your Thanksgiving feast.

A Fall and Thanksgiving Cheeseboard is so easy to put together and a delicious way to make easy Thanksgiving appetizers. These also work for a Friendsgiving gathering, as an after-school snack board for kids, or to host a happy hour for friends with simple appetizers and drinks...

Dozens of impressive appetizers and delicious desserts are included in this 40 Puff Pastry Appetizer Collection. Each recipe is wrapped with irresistible layers of golden flaky puff pastry. Keep a few of these easy recipes for special occasions during the holidays and celebrations of life!

Make a Caramel Apple Dip with crisp green apples, salted caramel sauce, and crushed Health bars. A beloved recipe for potlucks, holiday parties, Thanksgiving, Halloween, and all through the Autumn apple season.