Italian Roasted Pepper Crostini: Festive Christmas Appetizers That Wow Your Guests

Ever been to a holiday gathering where the appetizers looked amazing but tasted like cardboard? Yeah, me too. That’s why I whipped up these Italian Roasted Pepper Crostini—the kind of christmas appetizers that earn you bragging rights. These beauties fit right in on your Christmas Party Food Appetizers table, next to your Christmas Charcuterie Board or those goofy little pigs in a blanket. They deliver big flavor with minimal fuss, perfect when you need Holiday Appetizers Easy and impressive at the same time. 🙂

Picture this: you’re juggling platters, guests hover, and your kitchen smells like garlic heaven. You slice a crunchy crostini, top it with sweet roasted peppers, a smear of creamy cheese, and bam—you’re the star of every party. Sound too good to be true? Stick around, and I’ll guide you through every simple step, from picking peppers at the farmer’s market to that final sizzling broil. Let’s make your Xmas Appetizers unforgettable.

Ingredients

• 1 baguette (about 12 oz), sliced into ½ inch rounds
• 3 large red bell peppers, roasted, peeled, and sliced
• 4 oz goat cheese or ricotta, room temperature
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, divided
• 1 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Optional: crushed red pepper flakes for a kick

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Brush each baguette slice with 1 tbsp olive oil on both sides. Arrange them evenly on the sheet.
3. Toast the crostini in the oven for 5–7 minutes until lightly golden. Flip halfway for even crispiness.
4. Prepare the garlic oil by warming 1 tbsp olive oil in a small pan over low heat. Stir in the minced garlic for about 30 seconds—watch it closely or it burns!(:/).
5. Assemble: Spread about 1 tsp of goat cheese on each toast. Top with a slice of roasted pepper.
6. Drizzle garlic oil over each crostini, then sprinkle with chopped basil, salt, and pepper.
7. Broil (optional) for 1–2 minutes to warm the toppings—keep an eye on them so they don’t char.
8. Serve immediately or let cool to room temperature—either way, they vanish fast!

Variations

Ready to mix things up? Here are a few twists that keep your Christmas Finger Food Ideas For Parties fresh:

• Spicy Kick: Swap out the red peppers for jarred hot cherry peppers and add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes.
• Cheese Swap: Use fresh mozzarella or burrata instead of goat cheese for a milder, creamier vibe.
• Pesto Drizzle: Skip the garlic oil and drizzle homemade or store-bought basil pesto for a vibrant, herb-forward bite.

Serving & Tips

Wondering how to keep these Italian Roasted Pepper Crostini looking sharp on your Holiday Party Appetizers spread? Here’s my go-to plan:

• Serve on a wooden board or slate platter for that rustic-chic look your Insta followers will love.
• Prep ahead: Toast bread and roast peppers up to a day in advance. Store separately in airtight containers.
• Reheat crostini at 350°F for 5 minutes before assembling to bring back the crunch.
• Garnish last minute with basil or even thinly shaved prosciutto for a fancier touch.

Pro tip: pair with a crisp Prosecco or your favorite white wine. And if you’re also serving Christmas Dinner Appetizers, these crostini slide right in alongside deviled eggs or mini quiches.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, these crostini remind me of my first Christmas Eve party where I burned the punch but nailed the appetizers—go figure. They prove you don’t need to be a culinary wizard to impress a crowd. IMO, simple, bold flavors always win, and guests love anything they can pop in one bite. Ready to score major host points? Give these Italian Roasted Pepper Crostini a go and watch them disappear faster than you can say “Merry Christmas.”

FAQs

Can I make these crostini gluten-free?

Absolutely! Swap the baguette for gluten-free bread slices or even sturdy rice crackers. The assembly stays the same. You’ll still get that satisfying crunch—just without the gluten.

How far ahead can I prep ingredients?

You can roast peppers and toast the bread up to 24 hours before party time. Store each in separate airtight containers in the fridge. Warm the bread, assemble, and you’re golden—no last-minute scramble.

What’s the best way to roast peppers?

I roast mine directly over a gas flame until charred, then seal in a bowl covered with plastic wrap for 10 minutes. The steam helps the skins slip off easily. You can also broil or grill them if your stove lacks a flame.

Can I turn this into a Christmas Charcuterie Board feature?

Definitely! Arrange your crostini next to cured meats, olives, nuts, and cheeses. The pop of red from the peppers looks stunning alongside green grapes or rosemary sprigs. It’s a visual and tasty win.

Follow me on Pinterest for more christmas appetizers recipes!