Broccoli rabe crostini, a simple yet incredibly flavorful appetizer, is more than just toasted bread topped with greens. It’s a tiny bite of Italian sunshine, reminiscent of cozy family gatherings and the vibrant flavors of my Nonna’s kitchen. This recipe, a twist on the classic Italian crostini appetizer, transforms humble ingredients into something truly special. Each bite is a celebration, and I promise you, these broccoli rabe crostini will disappear fast!
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Why You Will Love This broccoli rabe crostini Recipe
This broccoli rabe crostini recipe is a winner for so many reasons. First and foremost, it’s incredibly easy to make. You don’t need to be an experienced chef to whip up this delightful Italian crostini appetizer. It’s also quick, perfect for those last minute gatherings or when you just want a tasty snack.
The flavor combination is simply divine. The slightly bitter edge of the broccoli rabe is beautifully balanced by the garlic, red pepper flakes, and creamy ricotta cheese, all on top of perfectly toasted, crusty bread. Think comfort food with a sophisticated twist.
Best of all, this is an appetizer that’s sure to impress your guests. It’s elegant, delicious, and unexpected. It’s a true reflection of Italian culinary tradition.
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Ingredients Needed for This broccoli rabe crostini Recipe
- For the broccoli rabe:
* 1 pound broccoli rabe, washed and roughly chopped
* 3 tablespoons olive oil
* 4 cloves garlic, minced
* 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (or more, to taste)
* 1/4 cup chicken or vegetable broth
* Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- For the crostini:
* 1 baguette, sliced into 1/2 inch thick rounds
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 8 ounces ricotta cheese
* Lemon zest (from 1/2 lemon)
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Optional: grated Parmesan cheese for garnish
How to Make This broccoli rabe crostini Recipe
- Prepare the broccoli rabe: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes and cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Sauté the greens: Add the chopped broccoli rabe to the skillet. Toss to coat with the oil and garlic mixture.
- Braise the rabe: Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth. Season with salt and pepper. Cover the skillet and cook for about 8 to 10 minutes, or until the broccoli rabe is tender. Remove the lid and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes to evaporate any excess liquid.
- Toast the baguette slices: While the broccoli rabe is cooking, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush the baguette slices with olive oil and arrange them on a baking sheet.
- Bake the crostini: Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the crostini are golden brown and slightly crispy. Let cool slightly.
- Prepare the ricotta: In a small bowl, mix the ricotta cheese with the lemon zest, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Assemble the broccoli rabe crostini: Spread a generous spoonful of the ricotta mixture onto each toasted baguette slice. Top with a spoonful of the cooked broccoli rabe.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately or at room temperature.
How to Serve This broccoli rabe crostini Recipe
This broccoli rabe crostini makes a perfect appetizer for any occasion. Serve it alongside other Italian favorites like olives, cured meats, and cheeses for a complete antipasto platter. Consider pairing with a light and crisp white wine, such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, to complement the flavors. You could also include it on a buffet table or offer it as a starter before a pasta dinner. For a beautiful presentation, arrange the crostini artfully on a platter and garnish with a sprig of fresh parsley.
How to Store This broccoli rabe crostini Recipe
If you have leftover broccoli rabe, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The toasted baguette slices are best stored separately in an airtight container at room temperature to prevent them from getting soggy. The ricotta mixture can also be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, simply reheat the broccoli rabe slightly, toast the baguette slices if necessary, and assemble the crostini.
Tips to Make This broccoli rabe crostini Recipe
- Don’t overcook the broccoli rabe: It should be tender but still have a slight bite.
- Toast the bread well: Crispy crostini provide a great textural contrast to the soft broccoli rabe and ricotta.
- Adjust the seasoning: Add more red pepper flakes if you like it spicy, or a squeeze of lemon juice for extra brightness.
- If you are missing some items, try Pesto Goat Cheese Crostini for an alternative Italian crostini appetizer.
Helpful Notes for This broccoli rabe crostini Recipe
Broccoli rabe, also known as rapini, has a slightly bitter flavor that mellows as it cooks. If you find it too bitter, you can blanch it in boiling water for a minute or two before sautéing. Be sure to drain it well afterwards. For a richer flavor, use high quality olive oil. Freshly grated Parmesan cheese adds a lovely salty, savory note, but it’s optional. If you don’t have ricotta cheese, you can substitute cream cheese or goat cheese, but the texture will be slightly different. Another great recipe to pair this with a soup, and in that case, check out Slow Cooker Potato Broccoli Soup.
Variation of This broccoli rabe crostini Recipe
For a vegetarian twist, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. To add some protein, top the crostini with crumbled Italian sausage or crispy pancetta. For a cheesy variation, sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese before baking the crostini. In the fall, you can use roasted butternut squash instead of broccoli rabe for a seasonal take on this Italian crostini appetizer. You might also prefer Cheesy Broccoli Bites for a completely new flavor dimension.
What is broccoli rabe?
Broccoli rabe, also known as rapini, is a leafy green vegetable with a slightly bitter flavor. It’s part of the turnip family and commonly used in Italian cuisine.
How do you prepare broccoli rabe for crostini?
To prepare broccoli rabe, trim the ends and coarsely chop the leaves and stems. Blanching helps remove some bitterness before you incorporate it into your appetizer. You will want to saute it after blanching it with garlic and olive oil for best flavor.
What kind of bread is best for crostini?
A crusty Italian bread like baguette or ciabatta works best for crostini. Slice the bread thinly and toast it until golden brown and crisp.
Can I make broccoli rabe crostini ahead of time?
It’s best to assemble the broccoli rabe crostini just before serving to prevent the bread from getting soggy. You can prepare the broccoli rabe filling in advance and store it in the refrigerator.
Conclusion
These broccoli rabe crostini are a fantastic addition to any gathering. With their simple ingredients and flavorful combination, they are sure to be a hit! So, why not give this broccoli rabe crostini recipe a try and bring a taste of Italy to your table? Let me know what you think in the comments below!
Broccoli Rabe Crostini: The EASIEST Italian Appetizer
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
A simple yet elegant appetizer featuring toasted baguette slices topped with creamy ricotta and savory broccoli rabe.
Ingredients
- 1 pound broccoli rabe, washed and chopped
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/4 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 baguette, sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 8 ounces ricotta cheese
- Lemon zest from 1/2 lemon
- Optional: grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Heat olive oil, add garlic and red pepper flakes.
- Add broccoli rabe, broth, salt, and pepper. Cover and cook until tender.
- Brush baguette slices with olive oil and bake until golden.
- Mix ricotta with lemon zest, salt, and pepper.
- Spread ricotta on crostini, top with broccoli rabe, and garnish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: broccoli rabe, crostini, appetizer, ricotta, Italian