If you’re looking to wow your guests with a dish that feels both indulgent and fresh, then this Creamy Spinach Dip Crostini Appetizer Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine crispy, buttery baguette slices topped with a luscious, garlicky spinach dip that’s whipped to perfection with cream cheese, parmesan, and a hint of basil pesto. Every bite offers a satisfying contrast of textures and an explosion of bright, savory flavors that will keep everyone reaching for more. Trust me, this appetizer is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser whether you’re hosting a casual get-together or a fancy dinner party.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Creamy Spinach Dip Crostini Appetizer Recipe lies in its simple yet fantastic ingredients. Each one is chosen to bring out the perfect balance of flavor, creaminess, and crunch that makes this dish unforgettable.
- French Demi-Baguette: The base for crunch and a sturdy canvas for the creamy dip.
- Salted Butter: Adds richness and helps the bread toast to golden perfection.
- Minced Garlic: Infuses robust, aromatic flavor right into that buttery layer.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: Brings a nutty, salty depth and beautiful melting texture.
- Fresh Parsley: Adds a lovely, subtle freshness and color contrast.
- Frozen Chopped Spinach: The star veggie, packed with nutrients and vibrant green color.
- Light Cream Cheese: Ensures the dip is decadently creamy but not too heavy.
- Fresh Lemon Juice: Brightens the dip with a clean, zesty pop.
- Basil Pesto: A flavorful herbaceous kick that elevates the classic spinach dip.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Season perfectly to enhance every bite.
- Balsamic Vinegar: Adds a subtle tangy sweetness that rounds out the flavors beautifully.
- Pepitas and Shaved Parmesan: Optional garnishes for added texture and visual appeal.
How to Make Creamy Spinach Dip Crostini Appetizer Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Begin by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. This sets the perfect temperature for toasting your crostini to golden, crisp perfection without drying them out.
Step 2: Arrange the Bread
Spray a large baking sheet with nonstick spray for easy cleanup, then lay out your 1/2-inch sliced baguette pieces in a single layer. This ensures every slice has plenty of room to crisp evenly.
Step 3: Mix the Butter and Herbs
In a small bowl, whisk together the melted salted butter, minced garlic, and finely chopped fresh parsley. The garlic-infused buttery mix is the secret to that irresistible aroma and flavor that’ll coat your crostini.
Step 4: Brush and Sprinkle
Generously brush the top side of each bread slice with the butter mixture. Sprinkle about half of your grated parmesan cheese all over the slices — this will melt and form a beautiful golden crust under the broiler.
Step 5: Toast the Bread
Bake the bread slices for 5 to 6 minutes until they’re toasted and just beginning to brown at the edges. This crispiness is vital for balancing the creamy spinach dip topping. Remove and set aside once done.
Step 6: Blend the Spinach Dip
Combine the thawed chopped spinach, light cream cheese, fresh lemon juice, basil pesto, salt, pepper, balsamic vinegar, and the remaining grated parmesan in a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth or leave it slightly chunky if you prefer a bit of texture.
Step 7: Assemble the Crostini
Spoon about one tablespoon of your luscious spinach dip onto each toasted bread slice. To really amp up the flavor and make it irresistible, sprinkle a little extra parmesan over each crostini.
Step 8: Chill Until Ready
If you’re not serving right away, cover the prepared crostini with plastic wrap and chill in the fridge for up to six hours. This keeps your dish fresh and lets the flavors marry beautifully.
Step 9: Warm and Melt
When you’re ready to serve, pop the crostini under the broiler for 3 to 4 minutes until the spinach mixture is piping hot and bubbly, and the bread is toasted to your liking. This step brings everything together for maximum yum.
Step 10: Garnish and Enjoy!
Top with pepitas or shaved parmesan for an optional but delightful finish. Now, dig in and enjoy the magic of this Creamy Spinach Dip Crostini Appetizer Recipe!
How to Serve Creamy Spinach Dip Crostini Appetizer Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of pepitas adds a delightful crunch that complements the creamy dip perfectly. Alternatively, shaved parmesan offers an elegant touch, enhancing the nutty flavors and giving the crostini a beautiful presentation. Fresh herbs like basil or parsley can also brighten up the plate visually and flavor-wise.
Side Dishes
This appetizer pairs wonderfully with a crisp white wine or sparkling water with lemon for refreshing contrast. For a fuller meal, serve alongside a light salad, perhaps something with citrus or vinaigrette, which balances the richness of the dip without overpowering the flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Try arranging the crostini on a rustic wooden board or a vibrant platter for instant charm. You can also pair the dip with vegetable crudités for variety or layer the spinach dip in small ramekins beside the crostini to let guests customize their bites. Individual portions on small plates or even cute mini cutting boards make for fun, shareable presentation options.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any crostini left over, cover them tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container and refrigerate. They will stay fresh for up to two days, though the bread may lose some crispness. The dip itself holds well and can be separated for better texture retention.
Freezing
The spinach dip portion can be frozen in an airtight container for up to three months. When ready to use, thaw overnight in the fridge and give it a good stir. It’s best to prepare fresh crostini when serving to avoid sogginess, so freeze only the dip if possible.
Reheating
To bring leftovers back to life, warm crostini under a broiler for a few minutes until crisp again. Heat the spinach dip gently in the microwave or on the stove, stirring occasionally. Then assemble as usual to enjoy nearly freshly made goodness.
FAQs
Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Absolutely! If using fresh spinach, be sure to sauté it lightly and squeeze out all the excess water before blending it into the dip. This will keep the dip from becoming watery and maintain that creamy texture.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?
Yes, you can swap out the cream cheese for a plant-based alternative and use vegan parmesan or nutritional yeast for the cheesy flavor. Just be mindful that the texture and taste will differ slightly but can still be delicious.
How long does the Creamy Spinach Dip Crostini Appetizer Recipe keep in the fridge?
When stored properly in an airtight container, the prepared crostini can last up to 2 days refrigerated. The spinach dip itself can last a little longer, about 4 to 5 days, but it’s best enjoyed fresh.
Can I prepare the dip ahead of time?
Yes, the spinach dip is perfect for making in advance. Store it in the fridge and assemble the crostini just before serving for maximum freshness and texture.
What’s the best bread to use for this appetizer?
A good quality crusty baguette, like a French demi-baguette, is ideal because it toasts well without getting soggy. Avoid breads that are too soft or thick, as they won’t hold the dip as nicely.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Spinach Dip Crostini Appetizer Recipe is one of those dishes that effortlessly blends comfort with elegance. Whether you’re serving it at a lively party or a cozy night in, it’s sure to charm your taste buds and your guests. Don’t hesitate to make it your go-to appetizer—it’s simple, flavorful, and utterly irresistible. Happy cooking and even happier snacking!
Print
Creamy Spinach Dip Crostini Appetizer Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Creamy Spinach Dip Crostini Appetizer combines crisp, toasted French demi-baguette slices with a luscious, flavorful spinach dip made from cream cheese, parmesan, basil pesto, and fresh seasonings. Perfectly broiled to warm and crisp the topping, these bite-sized crostinis are garnished with pepitas and shaved parmesan for a festive and delicious starter that’s easy to prepare and sure to impress guests.
Ingredients
Bread and Topping
- 1 Loaf La Brea Bakery Reserve French Demi-Baguette (sliced into 1/2 inch slices)
- 2 tablespoons salted butter (melted)
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese (divided)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (finely chopped)
Spinach Dip
- 1 box frozen chopped spinach (8 ounces), thawed and drained
- 4 ounces light cream cheese
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons basil pesto
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
Garnish
- Pepitas (pumpkin seeds)
- Shaved parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F to prepare for toasting the bread slices.
- Prepare Baking Sheet: Spray a large baking sheet with nonstick spray. Arrange the baguette slices in a single layer on the baking sheet to ensure even toasting.
- Make Butter Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, and chopped parsley to create a fragrant butter spread.
- Brush and Top Bread: Brush the top side of each bread slice liberally with the garlic-parsley butter mixture. Sprinkle each slice with 1/2 cup of grated parmesan cheese evenly.
- Bake Bread: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 5-6 minutes or until the bread slices are toasted and edges begin to brown. Remove from oven and set aside.
- Prepare Spinach Dip: In a blender or food processor, combine the thawed and drained chopped spinach, light cream cheese, fresh lemon juice, basil pesto, salt, black pepper, balsamic vinegar, and the remaining 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese. Blend until smooth or your desired consistency is reached.
- Assemble Crostini: Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the creamy spinach dip onto each toasted bread slice. Sprinkle a bit more grated parmesan over the top for added flavor.
- Refrigerate if Needed: If not serving immediately, cover the assembled crostinis with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 6 hours until ready to serve.
- Broil to Heat: When ready to serve, remove the crostinis from the fridge and place them under a broiler for 3-4 minutes or until the spinach mixture is hot, bubbly, and the bread is toasted to your liking.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish each crostini with pepitas and shaved parmesan as desired. Serve warm and enjoy this delightful appetizer!
Notes
- Make sure to thoroughly thaw and drain the frozen spinach to prevent the dip from being watery.
- You can substitute the French demi-baguette with any crusty artisan bread if preferred.
- Basil pesto adds fresh herbaceous flavor but can be omitted or substituted with fresh basil chopped finely.
- For a richer dip, full-fat cream cheese can be used instead of light cream cheese.
- Prepare the dip a few hours ahead and store refrigerated to save time during party prep.
- Broil carefully as heating times can vary depending on your broiler; keep a close eye to prevent burning.
