Smashed Cannellini Bean Crostini Recipe
This Smashed Cannellini Bean Crostini recipe features a creamy and flavorful bean spread enhanced with garlic, onion, lemon juice, and sage for an elegant yet simple appetizer. The dish combines the smooth texture of cannellini beans with the crunch of toasted crostini or breadsticks, making it perfect for entertaining or a light snack.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
For the Crostini Topping
- 4 tbsp olive oil, plus extra for drizzling (optional)
- 12 sage leaves (optional)
For the Bean Spread
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 garlic clove, finely chopped
- 1⁄2 tsp cracked black pepper
- 400g can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 1⁄2 lemon, juiced
- 12 crostini or breadsticks, to serve
Instructions
- Prepare the Sage (optional): Heat half of the olive oil in a shallow saucepan over low-medium heat. Scatter in the sage leaves and fry for about 2 minutes until they become crisp. Use a slotted spoon to remove the sage leaves and set them aside on a plate to drain.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: Add the finely chopped onion to the same pan and cook for 3 minutes until soft. Add the chopped garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Add Pepper and Beans: Sprinkle in the cracked black pepper and toast it with the onion and garlic mixture for 1 minute. Then stir in the drained cannellini beans and turn off the heat.
- Mix Lemon Juice: Stir the fresh lemon juice into the bean mixture and season with salt to taste.
- Blend the Spread: Transfer the bean mixture to a food processor or mini chopper. Add the remaining olive oil and blitz to your preferred consistency—either a smooth or coarse paste.
- Chill and Serve: Cover and refrigerate the smashed bean spread for up to two days. Bring to room temperature about an hour before serving. Serve with crostini or breadsticks, drizzling extra olive oil on top and garnish with the crispy sage leaves if using.
Notes
- You can omit the sage leaves if you prefer a simpler flavor profile.
- The spread can be made up to two days in advance and stored covered in the fridge.
- Bring the dip to room temperature before serving to enhance flavor and texture.
- Use fresh lemon juice for the best brightness and acidity.
- Adjust the olive oil quantity for a richer or lighter spread according to your preference.
Keywords: cannellini bean spread, bean crostini, Italian appetizer, vegetarian dip, easy crostini recipe
