Print

Creamy Roasted Garlic and White Bean Crostini

creamy roasted garlic and white bean crostini - featured image

A simple, creamy, and comforting appetizer featuring roasted garlic and white beans blended with fresh rosemary, served on toasted crostini. Perfect for quick entertaining or a satisfying snack.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 whole head garlic, halved crosswise
  • 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) cannellini or great northern beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling and toasting
  • 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste
  • 1 small baguette or rustic bread loaf, sliced into 1/2-inch (1.25 cm) rounds
  • Optional garnish: rosemary sprigs or a light drizzle of honey

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place halved garlic head cut-side up on a baking sheet, drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil, sprinkle lightly with salt, and roast for 30-35 minutes until soft and golden.
  2. While garlic roasts, slice baguette into 1/2-inch rounds. Toss slices with 1 tablespoon olive oil and toast on a baking sheet in the oven for 8-10 minutes until golden and crisp, flipping halfway through.
  3. In a food processor, combine drained white beans, roasted garlic cloves (squeezed out of skins), 2 tablespoons olive oil, lemon juice, chopped rosemary, salt, and pepper. Blend until ultra creamy, scraping sides as needed.
  4. Taste and adjust seasoning with more lemon juice, salt, or rosemary. Optionally add a drizzle of honey to balance sweetness.
  5. Spread a generous spoonful of the white bean mixture onto each toasted bread slice. Arrange on a platter and garnish with rosemary sprigs or a drizzle of olive oil.

Notes

Roast garlic until soft and caramelized for best flavor. If the bean spread thickens after refrigeration, stir in olive oil or lemon juice to loosen. Toast bread just before serving to maintain crunch. Variations include swapping herbs, beans, or adding spices like smoked paprika or za’atar.

Nutrition

Keywords: crostini, roasted garlic, white beans, appetizer, easy recipe, rosemary, vegan, gluten-free, quick snack