Broccolini and White Bean Crostini

It’s no secret we’re basically obsessed with easy vegetarian appetizers around here, and a big, huge, mega part of that is crostini appetizers.

There’s just nothing better than an easy finger-food recipe that can be served basically anywhere, at any event, and can be made with a variety of flavors, textures, and toppings.

This Broccolini and White Bean Crostini is no exception, either. It has loads of flavor and a variety of textures. It’s one unique combination that you will fall in love with. Really, it’s inevitable, so you best give it a try before turning an eye to beans and broccoli together.

If you’re into feeling a little healthier when it comes to appetizers, this was made for you. It’s the perfect balance of nutrition-filled ingredients.

It can easily be made dairy-free by omitting the parmesan cheese on top, or gluten-free by serving it on crackers instead of crostini (or use gluten-free baguette or premade crostini if you can find them!).

What You’ll Need to Make White Bean Crostini

We have a pretty simple grocery list for this appetizer, and I’m willing to bet you have a lot of the ingredients in your pantry or fridge already. That’s my favorite kind of recipe, one we can just throw together with a few simple ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Broccolini – also known as baby broccoli, broccolini is similar to broccoli but has long thin stalks and smaller, more delicate florets. It’s more tender and delicate, which makes it perfect for topping on crostini as you bite into it. If you can’t find broccolini in your grocery store, you can substitute with broccoli, just be sure to cut the florets small enough to fit on the crostini and to bite into.
• Baguette – a fresh baguette turns into crisp crostini with a little olive oil and salt.
• CannelliniBeans – our white bean base, they’re fluffy with a slightly nutty yet mild and creamy flavor. Drain and rinse the beans before mixing them with:
  • Lemon Zest and Juice – so bright and fresh!
  • Garlic – mince the garlic cloves so they incorporate evenly throughout the bean mixture
  • Red Pepper Flakes – for a little kick. You can omit and substitute with black pepper if you’d like.
  • Fresh Parsley – it’s bright and earthy and pairs well with the lemon and garlic.
• Parmesan – use a fresh block of parmesan cheese to create slivers of cheese to top on the crostini. It adds a wonderful saltiness to the crostini as a whole, and what doesn’t parmesan make better?!
• Freshly Ground Black Pepper – adding a twist or two of freshly ground black pepper on top of the crostini takes it over the top.

Making the Broccolini

By now I hope you have become a professional at roasting broccolini. It makes the perfect side dish for just about any meal, and now we’re turning it into an appetizer.

If you haven’t perfected it yet, I’m happy to report it’s so dang easy to do! For this recipe, chop the broccolini into 1-inch pieces (approximately), toss with olive oil, and a generous sprinkle of coarse sea salt. Then roast in the oven until tender and crisp.

I told you it was easy! While they’re roasting, prepare the rest of the components. The crostini can bake in the oven with broccolini for the most efficient process. And while they both cook, make the white bean spread.

You can also make broccolini in the air fryer!

The White Bean Spread

Making the white bean spread couldn’t be easier. Drain and rinse the can of Cannellini beans, then combine them with fresh lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic (see above for why you need to mince it), red pepper flakes, and fresh parsley that’s finely chopped.

Then, use a fork or pastry blender to mash the beans and aromatics together. The texture of the spread is entirely up to you. Leave them in a slightly chunky mixture, or mash them until smooth. Think of it as guacamole, everyone has their preferences and opinions on how chunky or smooth it should be.

Once you have your desired consistency, it’s time to assemble! But first, don’t forget to taste test the mixture to check for salt levels and adjust any flavorings to your preferences (more garlic, anyone?).

Assembly Time

When it’s time to assemble the crostini, spread approximately one tablespoon of the white bean mixture on the prepared crostini. Top with a few pieces of broccolini, configuring them however they fit best.

Top with a sliver of parmesan – it helps if you tuck it into the broccolini depending on the pieces. Then garnish with a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper and you’re ready to dig in!

If you’re not using parmesan cheese to make this appetizer vegan/dairy-free friendly, I highly recommend also garnishing with flakey sea salt to substitute for parm’s saltiness (unless your broccolini is already very salty…as I’m known to do sometimes).

These broccolini crostini are light and refreshing – if you can say such a thing about crostini. They pair well with a crisp white wine, but can absolutely be paired with a light red, too. Or you know, whatever you want to pair with them because there is no wrong or right way when it comes to enjoying food.

More Crostini Recipes to Love

• Fig Compote and Goat Cheese Crostini
• Citrus Pesto Crostini
• Fresh Tomato Bruschetta
• Roasted Cherry Crostini
• Mushroom Bruschetta with Gruyere

Did you make this recipe? Please leave a star rating and review in the form below. I appreciate your feedback, and it helps others, too!