Mushroom Crostini

In this recipe

Toast bread for crostini
Why caramelize onions?
The mushrooms
Make a creamy goat cheese spread
How to assemble the crostini
Exchange and substitution of ingredients
Storage Instructions
More handheld apps to try

Crostini sounds fancy, but it’s actually a very easy to make appetizer or snack. All you need is a crusty baguette to make crispy toast that takes 10 minutes to bake. The toasted bread is topped with a variety of flavorful ingredients.

These crostini offer diners a delicious vegetarian option—caramelized onions, sautéed mushrooms, and herbed goat’s cheese. A savory and sweet combination of vegetables on a creamy spread and crusty bread will quickly disappear!

Toast bread for crostini

This is a two to three bite hand launcher. Slender baguettes are my number one choice – they hold up well after toasting and have a light and crunchy texture. Slice them about 1/2 inch thick and brush both sides with a good quality extra virgin olive oil.

The oil makes the bread crispy as it bakes and gives it a nice earthy and fruity flavor. It only takes about ten minutes to toast. The surface should be lightly browned but not completely dried out and brittle like croutons.

Why caramelize onions?

I like to caramelize the onions for a layer of flavor on top of the crostini. I add a small amount of brown sugar to kickstart the caramelization process of the onions in the olive oil and butter.

With a little patience, the onions will soften, become translucent, and then golden in color. The natural sugars in the veggies come to the surface, adding a subtle sweetness. That extra effort makes a big flavor impact!

The mushrooms

Brown mushrooms like Cremini or Baby Bella are great for cooking because they hold their shape well instead of shrinking into tiny pieces. I sear them to concentrate their earthy, hearty flavor.

Add a small amount of soy sauce to enhance the flavor of the mushroom. A dash of balsamic vinegar adds some acidity that brightens the mushrooms and adds a touch of sweetness.

Make a creamy goat cheese spread

Prepare a tangy and creamy goat cheese spread to complement the tender mushroom slices and caramelized onions. I like to keep this simple so as not to take it away from the veggie topping.

It consists of four ingredients: soft goat cheese, freshly chopped chives, and onion and garlic powder. That’s it! This is also a nice dip for crackers, or I like to add some to fluffy scrambled eggs for breakfast.

How to assemble the crostini

Just before you’re ready to serve the crostini, spread a thin layer of the goat cheese spread onto the toast. The cheese also acts as a barrier to keep the toast from getting soggy.

Scatter over some of the warm mushrooms and onions and garnish with freshly ground black pepper and chopped chives. Toast tastes best when enjoyed within an hour of topping.

Exchange and substitution of ingredients

If you want to change up the flavor profile of the crostini, try these mushroom, cheese, and herb options.

Use a mix of brown, white, and dried porcini mushrooms for a variety of mushroom flavors.
Goat cheese can be swapped out for cream cheese, whipped feta, or mascarpone.
Add other fresh herbs like chopped dill, basil, parsley, or oregano to the cream cheese.

Storage Instructions

The toasts can be made up to five days in advance. Store them in an airtight container and leave them on the counter. You can freeze them for up to a month. Let them thaw on the kitchen counter before topping.

The crostini can be made up to two hours in advance and refrigerated until ready to serve. Don’t wait any longer, however, or the toast will become soft!

More handheld apps to try

Goat Cheese Bacon Pops
Prawn spring rolls with peanut sauce
Olive crostini
Mini Salmon Quiches
Baked Stuffed Jalapeños

preparation time
25 minutes

cooking time
45 minutes

total time
70 minutes

portions
6 servings

yield
12 crostini

1 (8 inch) Baguettecut into 12 1/2 inch slices
3 tablespoon Extra virgin olive oilplus more for brushing
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1/2 teaspoon Brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon kosher saltdivided
2 Middle (3 cups) yellow onionssliced 1/4-inch thick
8th ounces cremini or Baby Bella Mushroomssliced 1/4-inch thick
2 teaspoon chopped garlic
1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
1 teaspoon soy sauce
1/4 teaspoon black pepperplus more for garnish
4 ounces goat cheese
1 tablespoon cut chivesplus more for garnish
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder

Preheat oven:

Set the oven rack to the middle position. Heat oven to 350ºF.
Toasting bread slices in the oven:

Using a pastry brush, brush both sides of the bread slices with 2 tablespoons olive oil or more as needed. Arrange them in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet.

Bake until dry, lightly browned and crispy, about 10 minutes. Turn the bread halfway through baking. Cool on the baking sheet.
Caramelize onions:

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil, butter, brown sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon salt and stir to combine. Immediately add the onions and stir to coat.

Cook, stirring frequently, until onions are softened and lightly browned, about 5 minutes. Reduce heat to medium-high and cook, stirring frequently, until onions are caramelized, 10 to 12 minutes.
Fry mushrooms:

Add the sliced mushrooms and cook, stirring frequently, until tender, about 5 minutes.

Add the garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds.

Add the balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt, and black pepper. Fry for 1 minute. Season to taste with more salt and pepper. Put aside.
Mix processed cheese:

In a medium bowl, combine goat cheese, chives, garlic powder, and onion powder. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate if not using immediately.
Assemble crostini:

Using a butter knife, spread about 2 teaspoons of the goat cheese mixture onto each slice of toasted bread.

Scatter about 2 tablespoons of the caramelized onion and mushroom mixture on top of each. Sprinkle with black pepper and more chives, if you like. Arrange the crostini on a platter and serve.

nutritional information (per serving)
230	calories
14g	Fat
20g	carbohydrates
8g	protein