Cucumber and Herb Cream Cheese Crostini

Summer evenings at our place often mean impromptu gatherings on the patio, and finding the perfect appetizer that’s both refreshing and impressive is always on my mind. This Cucumber and Herb Cream Cheese Crostini recipe has become an absolute staple. Honestly, the first time I made these, my family devoured them in minutes! The crisp crostini, topped with the creamy, herby cheese and cool cucumber slices, is just the right balance of flavors and textures. Even my picky eater declared them “amazing,” which, in our house, is high praise indeed. They are so simple to prepare yet look and taste like you’ve put in a lot more effort, making them ideal for everything from casual weeknight snacks to more formal cocktail parties. If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing, light, and flavorful appetizer, you absolutely have to try these – they are guaranteed to be a hit!

Ingredients for Cucumber and Herb Cream Cheese Crostini

• Baguette: One fresh baguette, about 12-16 inches long. Provides the crispy base for the crostini. Choose a good quality baguette for the best texture and flavor.
• Cream Cheese: 8 ounces, softened. Forms the creamy and flavorful base of the topping. Full-fat cream cheese will offer the richest flavor and texture, but reduced-fat can be used as a lighter option.
• Fresh Cucumber: 1 medium cucumber. Adds a refreshing crunch and coolness to the crostini. English cucumbers or Persian cucumbers are ideal due to their thinner skin and fewer seeds, but any cucumber will work.
• Fresh Dill: 2 tablespoons, chopped. Offers a bright, slightly tangy, and grassy flavor that complements the cream cheese and cucumber beautifully. Fresh dill is crucial for the best taste; dried dill is not recommended as a substitute.
• Fresh Chives: 2 tablespoons, chopped. Provides a mild oniony and fresh flavor that adds another layer of complexity to the herb mixture. Chives are delicate and best used fresh.
• Fresh Parsley: 2 tablespoons, chopped. Contributes a clean, slightly peppery, and fresh flavor, rounding out the herb profile. Flat-leaf parsley (Italian parsley) or curly parsley can be used, depending on preference.
• Lemon Juice: 1 tablespoon, freshly squeezed. Adds a touch of acidity that brightens the cream cheese mixture and balances the richness. Freshly squeezed lemon juice is essential for the best flavor.
• Garlic Powder: ½ teaspoon. Enhances the savory notes of the cream cheese mixture without being overpowering. Garlic powder provides a subtle background flavor.
• Salt: ½ teaspoon, or to taste. Seasoning that balances the flavors and enhances the overall taste of the cream cheese mixture. Use kosher salt or sea salt for the best flavor.
• Black Pepper: ¼ teaspoon, freshly ground, or to taste. Adds a touch of spice and depth to the cream cheese mixture. Freshly ground black pepper is recommended for the most aromatic flavor.
• Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons, extra virgin. Used for brushing the baguette slices before baking, adding flavor and helping them crisp up beautifully. Extra virgin olive oil offers the best flavor and health benefits.
• Optional Garnishes: Fresh dill sprigs, extra cucumber slices, red pepper flakes (for a touch of heat). These are used for visual appeal and to enhance the flavor profile further.

Instructions: How to Make Cucumber and Herb Cream Cheese Crostini

1. Prepare the Baguette: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice the baguette into ½-inch thick rounds. Aim for even slices so they bake uniformly. A serrated knife works best for slicing baguettes to prevent squashing the bread.
2. Brush with Olive Oil: Arrange the baguette slices in a single layer on a baking sheet. Brush both sides of each slice lightly with olive oil. This will help them crisp up nicely and add a subtle richness and flavor. Don’t oversaturate them with oil, just a light brushing is sufficient.
3. Bake the Crostini: Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the crostini are lightly golden brown and crisp. Keep a close eye on them towards the end of the baking time as they can burn quickly. You want them to be crisp but not overly hard. Remove from the oven and let them cool completely on a wire rack. Cooling on a wire rack prevents the bottoms from becoming soggy.
4. Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture: While the crostini are cooling, prepare the cream cheese topping. In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, chopped fresh dill, chopped fresh chives, chopped fresh parsley, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Make sure the cream cheese is properly softened so it mixes smoothly with the other ingredients. If it’s still cold, it will be difficult to mix and may result in lumps.
5. Mix Thoroughly: Using a spatula or a hand mixer on low speed, mix all the ingredients together until well combined and smooth. Taste the mixture and adjust seasoning as needed. You might want to add a pinch more salt, pepper, or lemon juice depending on your preference. The flavor should be bright, herby, and well-balanced.
6. Slice the Cucumber: Thinly slice the cucumber using a sharp knife or a mandoline if you have one. Thin slices are ideal for topping the crostini and provide a delicate texture. If using a regular cucumber, you might want to peel it partially or fully depending on your preference and the thickness of the skin. For English or Persian cucumbers, peeling is usually unnecessary.
7. Assemble the Crostini: Once the crostini are completely cool, spread a generous amount of the herbed cream cheese mixture evenly onto each crostini. Don’t be shy with the cream cheese! A good layer provides a satisfying and flavorful base.
8. Top with Cucumber: Arrange 2-3 thin slices of cucumber on top of the cream cheese on each crostini. You can arrange them neatly in a row or slightly overlap them for visual appeal.
9. Garnish (Optional): If desired, garnish the crostini with fresh dill sprigs, extra thin slices of cucumber, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a touch of color and added flavor. Garnishes elevate the presentation and make the crostini even more appealing.
10. Serve Immediately or Chill: Serve the Cucumber and Herb Cream Cheese Crostini immediately for the best crispness of the crostini. Alternatively, you can assemble them a little ahead of time and chill them in the refrigerator for up to an hour. If chilling, be aware that the crostini may soften slightly over time. If you are making them ahead of time for longer, it’s best to store the crostini and the cream cheese mixture separately and assemble just before serving to maintain the crispness.

Nutrition Facts for Cucumber and Herb Cream Cheese Crostini

(Per Serving – approximately 2 crostini)

• Servings: Approximately 12 servings (24 crostini from a standard baguette)
• Calories: Approximately 150-180 calories per serving (depending on baguette size and cream cheese amount)
• Total Fat: 10-12g

Note: Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredient brands and portion sizes.

Preparation Time for Cucumber and Herb Cream Cheese Crostini

• Prep time: 20 minutes (includes slicing baguette, preparing cream cheese mixture, and slicing cucumber)
• Cook time: 8-10 minutes (baking crostini)
• Total time: Approximately 30 minutes

This recipe is incredibly quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for last-minute gatherings or when you need a delicious appetizer in a hurry. Most of the time is spent on the minimal baking and simple assembly, allowing you to focus on enjoying your time with guests.

How to Serve Cucumber and Herb Cream Cheese Crostini

Cucumber and Herb Cream Cheese Crostini are incredibly versatile and can be served in numerous ways, making them perfect for various occasions. Here are some serving suggestions:

• As an Appetizer at Parties: These crostini are ideal finger food for cocktail parties, birthday celebrations, holiday gatherings, or any event where you need easy-to-eat and delicious appetizers. Arrange them beautifully on a platter for an elegant touch.
• For Brunch or Lunch: Serve a few crostini alongside a light salad or soup for a satisfying and refreshing brunch or lunch option. They pair particularly well with a tomato soup or a light green salad with vinaigrette.
• As a Snack: Enjoy them as a delightful afternoon snack or a light evening bite. They are a much healthier and more flavorful alternative to processed snacks.
• With Drinks: Crostini are fantastic with a variety of beverages.
  • Wine: Pair them with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or a dry Rosé. The acidity and freshness of these wines complement the creamy and herby flavors.
  • Cocktails: They are also great with light cocktails such as gin and tonic, vodka soda with cucumber, or a refreshing Aperol Spritz.
  • Non-alcoholic options: Serve them with sparkling water with lemon and cucumber slices, iced tea, or lemonade.
• On a Charcuterie Board: Incorporate Cucumber and Herb Cream Cheese Crostini into a charcuterie or cheese board. They add a fresh and vegetarian element that balances richer items like cheeses, meats, and olives.
• Picnics and Outdoor Events: These crostini are portable and relatively easy to transport, making them a great addition to picnics, potlucks, and outdoor gatherings. Pack the crostini and cream cheese mixture separately if you are concerned about them becoming soggy, and assemble on-site.
• Themed Events: Customize the herbs to match the theme of your event. For example, use Mediterranean herbs like oregano and mint for a Mediterranean-themed party, or Italian herbs like basil and oregano for an Italian-themed event.
• Elevated Presentation: For a more elegant presentation, you can:
  • Use a piping bag: Pipe the cream cheese mixture onto the crostini for a more polished look.
  • Garnish creatively: Use microgreens, edible flowers, or a drizzle of balsamic glaze for added visual appeal.
  • Arrange artfully: Arrange the crostini in a circular pattern or in rows on a tiered platter to create a visually stunning display.

Additional Tips for Perfect Cucumber and Herb Cream Cheese Crostini

1. Use High-Quality Ingredients: The quality of your ingredients will significantly impact the final taste. Opt for a fresh, crusty baguette, good quality cream cheese, and fresh, fragrant herbs. The fresher the ingredients, the better the flavor.
2. Soften Cream Cheese Properly: Ensure your cream cheese is properly softened before mixing. This will make it easier to blend and create a smooth, lump-free mixture. Let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to an hour, or microwave it briefly in short intervals (10-15 seconds at a time) until softened but not melted.
3. Don’t Overbake the Crostini: Watch the crostini closely while baking to prevent them from becoming too hard or burnt. They should be lightly golden and crisp, but still easy to bite into. Overbaked crostini will be too hard and dry.
4. Customize Your Herbs: Feel free to experiment with different combinations of fresh herbs to create your own unique flavor profile. Consider adding fresh mint, tarragon, or even a touch of finely chopped rosemary. You can also adjust the quantities of herbs to your liking.
5. Add a Touch of Spice: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the cream cheese mixture or sprinkle them on top of the finished crostini. A dash of hot sauce like Tabasco or Sriracha can also be mixed into the cream cheese for a subtle kick.
6. Make it Ahead (Partially): You can prepare the crostini and the cream cheese mixture separately ahead of time. Store the cooled crostini in an airtight container at room temperature and the cream cheese mixture in the refrigerator. Assemble the crostini just before serving to maintain their crispness.
7. Consider Different Breads: While baguette is classic, you can also use other types of bread for the crostini base, such as sourdough, ciabatta, or even gluten-free baguette. Adjust baking time slightly depending on the bread type and thickness.
8. Enhance with Extra Flavors: Elevate the crostini further by adding other flavorful elements. Consider:
   • Lemon zest: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the cream cheese mixture for extra citrusy brightness.
   • Smoked Salmon: Top the cream cheese and cucumber with small pieces of smoked salmon for a luxurious twist.
   • Avocado: Add a thin slice of avocado under the cucumber for added creaminess and healthy fats.
   • Everything Bagel Seasoning: Sprinkle Everything Bagel seasoning on top of the cream cheese for extra flavor and texture.

FAQ Section: Your Questions Answered About Cucumber and Herb Cream Cheese Crostini

Q1: Can I make these crostini ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the crostini and the cream cheese mixture separately ahead of time. The crostini can be baked and stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. The cream cheese mixture can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Assemble the crostini just before serving for the best texture.

Q2: Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh herbs?
A: While fresh herbs are highly recommended for the best flavor, you can use dried herbs in a pinch. Use about 1 teaspoon of each dried herb (dill, chives, parsley) instead of 2 tablespoons of fresh. However, the flavor will be significantly less vibrant and fresh compared to using fresh herbs.

Q3: What if I don’t have fresh lemon juice? Can I use bottled lemon juice?
A: Freshly squeezed lemon juice is preferred for its brighter and more vibrant flavor. However, if you don’t have fresh lemons, bottled lemon juice can be used as a substitute. Use about 1 teaspoon of bottled lemon juice as it tends to be more concentrated.

Q4: Can I make these crostini gluten-free?
A: Yes, you can easily make these crostini gluten-free by using a gluten-free baguette or gluten-free bread for the base. Ensure all other ingredients are also gluten-free if you are catering to someone with severe gluten sensitivities.

Q5: Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
A: Yes, you can use low-fat or reduced-fat cream cheese to make these crostini lighter. However, keep in mind that the flavor and texture might be slightly less rich and creamy compared to using full-fat cream cheese.

Q6: What are some variations I can try?
A: There are many variations you can try! Consider adding:
* Smoked salmon or trout for a seafood twist.
* Avocado for extra creaminess.
* Different herbs like mint, basil, tarragon, or rosemary.
* Spices like red pepper flakes, paprika, or cayenne pepper for heat.
* Vegetables like roasted red peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, or artichoke hearts.
* Cheese like goat cheese or feta mixed with the cream cheese.

Q7: How long will assembled crostini last?
A: Assembled crostini are best served immediately for the crispiest texture. If you need to make them ahead, they can be assembled up to an hour before serving and chilled in the refrigerator. However, the crostini may soften slightly over time due to the moisture from the cream cheese and cucumber.

Q8: Can I grill the baguette slices instead of baking them?
A: Yes, grilling the baguette slices is a great option, especially during the summer months. Grill the slices over medium heat for 1-2 minutes per side, or until lightly charred and crisp. Grilling adds a smoky flavor that can be delicious. Just be sure to watch them closely to prevent burning.

Print