Last Updated September 7th, 2021 at 09:27 am by Lisa
Learn how to set up a CROSTINI BAR 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 own party.
Have guests take a crostini toast or two, spread whipped goat cheese or whipped feta cheese, and add toppings, and enjoy every scrumptious bite...
What Is Crostini?
Crostini are defined as small pieces of toasted or fried bread served with a topping as an appetizer or canapé.
You can make your own crostini toasts; cut small round bread slices from a baguette, 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. Read on for lots of inspiration and ideas!
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.
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.
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!
Things To Gather For Your Crostini Bar 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
A Little Planning...
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.
Serve toppings in small bowls with spoons and spreading knives. Place a stack of plates, with napkins in between the plates (this was a great tip from Lidy, see the photo below!), and assorted glasses. Have a drink station nearby, try my Fireball Cocktails or Autumn Aperol Spritz! Both are great for any Fall party, you can also serve ice tea or a festive punch.
Fall Crostini Inspiration...
First, Make Crostini Toasts!
- Slice the baguette into ½" slices, and arrange slices in a single layer on a baking sheet. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.
- Drizzle slices with olive oil and bake for 8-10 minutes until golden brown.
Then, Whip Up Feta and or Goat Cheese!
- Combine the ingredients in a food processor or with a stand or handheld mixer. You can make this ahead, and store it in the refrigerator before your party.
- Whip for 60-90 seconds until smooth. Store refrigerated for up to a week.
And Finally, Choose Your Crostini Toppings...
There are endless options you can choose for a crostini bar. I purchased a few of these items at Trader Joes (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.
Time To Enjoy...
Take a crostini toast, spread either the whipped goat cheese or feta, and add toppings you love!
Some classic fall crostini topping to try; pumpkin butter, brie, honey, blue cheese, cranberries, blue cheese, fig jam, 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...
Whipped Feta Cheese or Whipped Goat Cheese is so easy, is packed full of flavor. These spreads are great alone on baguette slices or even crackers...
Other Crostini Toppers:
- 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 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
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.
Slice the baguette into ½" slices, and arrange slices in a single layer on a baking sheet.
Drizzle slices with olive oil and bake for 8-10 minutes until golden brown.
You can make crostini toasts ahead of time! Bake them, and then cool completely to room temperature, this helps release moisture. Then store in an airtight container or ziptop bag up to two days.
You can reheat the crostini toasts if they soften too much in humid conditions in the oven for two minutes at 350 degrees.
More Recipe Ideas For Crostini:
- 14 Insanely Addictive Party Crostini by Delish
- Crostini ~ 4 Delicious Ways! by Recipe Tin Eats
- How To Make Crostini by The Kitchen Girl
More Of My Thanksgiving Appetizers:
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Fall Crostini Bar
Ingredients
Crostini Bread
- 1 large French bagutte
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
Blue Cheese, Pear, & Honey Drizzle Crostini Topper
- ½ cup crumbled blue cheese
- ¼ cup honey
Pumpkin Butter & Candied Pecan Crostini Topper
- ¼ jar pumpkin butter
- ½ cup candied pecans chopped
Cranberry & Brie Crostini Topper
- 4 ounces brie
- ½ cup dried cranberries
Brie & Fig Jam Crostini Topper
- 4 ounces brie
- ¼ jar fig jam
Whipped Goat Cheese
- 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, thyme, rosemar chopped
Whipped Feta
- 11 ounces feta block
- 3 tablespoons cream cheese 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: fresh sage, thyme, rosemary chopped
Instructions
Make Crostini Toasts
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.
- Slice the baguette into ½" slices, and arrange slices in a single layer on a baking sheet.
- Drizzle slices with olive oil and bake for 8-10 minutes until golden brown.
Make Whipped Goat Cheese
- Combine the goat cheese, cream cheese, garlic, red peppperflakes, lemon zest, and thyme leaves in a food processor or with a stand or handheld mixer.
- Whip for 60-90 seconds until smooth. Store refrigerated for up to a week.
Make Whipped Feta
- Bring feta block and cream cheese to room temperature for about 30 minutes.
- 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.
- Whip for 60-90 seconds until smooth. Store refrigerated for up to a week.
Notes
More Topper Ideas:
- 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 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
Serving Inspiration:
- 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
Crostini fixings are my favorite. Thanks and I’m a big fan of Lidy.
Thank you so much Alice! Aren't we all "LIDY" fans? I am so blessed to call her my friend, we always enjoy the appetizer parties we put together...Happy Fall!
What a gorgeous spread! I am so inspired by this post.
I am going to start planning a crostini bar for this fall.
Cathy!!!! How are you?? Ahh thank you so much, Lidy and I had so much fun pulling this all together, and it's perfect for last-minute entertaining..plus it is SO easy. Hope you are doing great, so fun to hear from you! XO