Description
Mushroom Thyme Crostini is a quick and elegant plant-based appetizer featuring earthy mushrooms sautéed with garlic and fresh thyme, topped with creamy plant-based cheese on toasted rustic bread. Ready in under 30 minutes, it offers rich layered flavors and a delightful texture that make it perfect for any occasion, from casual snacks to sophisticated gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Crostini Base
- 1 baguette or rustic bread, sliced into ½-inch thick pieces
- Olive oil (natural), for brushing
For the Mushroom Topping
- 8 oz fresh cremini or button mushrooms, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (natural)
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar (natural)
For Assembly and Garnish
- Plant-based cheese (plant-based), for spreading
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Optional Variations
- Red pepper flakes or smoked paprika, for spice
- Herbed plant-based cheese (plant-based) spread
- Toasted pine nuts or walnuts, for crunch
- Sautéed spinach or kale
- Maple syrup (natural) or balsamic glaze, for drizzling
Instructions
- Prepare the Bread: Preheat your oven. Slice the baguette into ½-inch thick pieces. Lightly brush each slice with olive oil (natural) and toast in the oven until golden and crisp to create the crunchy crostini base.
- Sauté Mushrooms and Herbs: Heat olive oil (natural) in a skillet over medium heat. Add finely chopped garlic and cook until fragrant. Toss in the diced mushrooms and fresh thyme leaves and cook until the mushrooms release their moisture and begin to brown, stirring occasionally.
- Add Seasonal Flavors: Season the mushrooms with salt, pepper, and a splash of apple cider vinegar (natural) to brighten the mixture. Cook for an additional minute to meld the flavors together.
- Assemble the Crostini: Spread a layer of creamy plant-based cheese (plant-based) on each toasted baguette slice. Top generously with the warm mushroom and thyme mixture. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a fresh green contrast.
Notes
- Use fresh thyme leaves for the best aroma and flavor.
- Avoid overcrowding the pan; sauté mushrooms in batches to achieve a caramelized sear.
- Day-old or slightly stale bread toasts better and stays crisp under toppings.
- Taste as you season with salt because mushrooms absorb it quickly.
- Serve crostini warm to enhance the flavor and texture contrast.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: International
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 crostini pieces
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: Mushroom crostini, plant-based appetizer, mushroom thyme recipe, easy crostini, vegan appetizer, quick snacks, elegant finger food
