Quick & Tasty Ina Garten Crostini With Tuna Tapenade Recipe

Tuna tapenade crostini offers a Mediterranean-inspired delight that transforms ordinary bread into an extraordinary culinary experience.

Small toasted slices become magical carriers of intense, briny flavors that dance across your palate.

Seafood enthusiasts appreciate the elegant blend of rich proteins and zesty ingredients.

The combination speaks to sophisticated yet uncomplicated entertaining approaches.

Robust textures and complex tastes merge seamlessly in this crowd-pleasing starter.

Why Crostini With Tuna Tapenade Packs Big Flavor

• Burst of Mediterranean Flavors: This crostini recipe combines rich, briny tuna with zesty lemon, fragrant herbs, and tangy olives, creating an explosion of coastal Mediterranean tastes that transport your palate to a sunny seaside.
• Super-Quick Gourmet Appetizer: Whip up this elegant starter in under 30 minutes, perfect for impressing guests with minimal cooking skills and maximum flavor impact. The simple method transforms basic ingredients into a restaurant-worthy dish.
• Versatile Party-Ready Bite: These crostini work magic for multiple occasions – from casual wine nights to sophisticated cocktail parties. Prepare ahead of time and assemble just before serving, making entertaining stress-free and deliciously stylish.
• Texture-Packed Sensory Experience: Crispy toasted bread provides a satisfying crunch, contrasted beautifully by the creamy, smooth tapenade mixture. Each bite delivers a delightful balance of soft and crisp textures that keep taste buds excited.

What to Gather for Tuna Tapenade Crostini Success

• Baguette, Sourdough Bread: Crusty bread that provides a crisp foundation for the tapenade, ideal for toasting and holding toppings.

• Tuna, Anchovy: Rich, savory fish components that create depth and umami flavor in the spread.

• Thyme, Parsley: Fresh herbs that add bright, green notes and enhance the overall Mediterranean flavor profile.
• Garlic: Pungent ingredient that provides a classic aromatic base for the tapenade.
• Lemon Zest, Lemon Juice: Citrus elements that bring freshness and balance to the rich tapenade.

• Olives, Capers: Salty, briny ingredients that are traditional in Mediterranean cuisine and add complexity to the spread.
• Mascarpone: Creamy cheese that softens the tapenade and adds a luxurious texture.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings for bringing out the flavors in the tapenade.
• Olive Oil: High-quality oil that adds richness and helps bind the tapenade ingredients.

How to Make Tuna Tapenade Crostini That Pops

Step 1: Craft The Tuna Tapenade Base

• Anchovy paste
• Fresh thyme
• Chopped parsley
• Lemon zest
• Minced garlic

• Chopped olives
• Capers
• Salt
• Black pepper

Mix gently. Transfer to bowl and refrigerate for minimum one hour to develop rich flavors.

Step 2: Transform Bread Into Crispy Crostini

Preheat grill or oven to 375°F. Brush bread slices with olive oil. Grill each side until golden brown or bake on sheet pan for 6-8 minutes. Allow bread to cool slightly and become wonderfully crisp.

Step 3: Assemble Elegant Appetizer

Generously spread tapenade across each toasted bread slice. Garnish with extra fresh parsley. Serve immediately while crostini remain crunchy and tapenade is cool and creamy.

Tips for Crispy Crostini and Zesty Tuna Topping

• Pick Premium Tuna: Select top-quality Italian tuna packed in olive oil for an authentic, rich flavor that elevates the entire tapenade.
• Chill for Flavor Fusion: Refrigerate the tapenade for an hour to let ingredients meld together, creating a more harmonious and delicious spread.
• Toast Bread to Perfection: Gently brown bread slices for a crisp texture that complements the creamy tapenade without becoming too tough or dry.
• Balance Lemon Carefully: Slowly add lemon juice, tasting as you go to ensure the perfect tangy note without overwhelming the other ingredients.
• Assemble Just Before Serving: Prepare components in advance, but combine crostini at the last moment to maintain maximum crispness and fresh flavor.

Storage Advice for Keeping Crostini Fresh and Crunchy

• Vacuum-Sealing Method: Lock in freshness by using a vacuum sealer with specialized bags. Remove all air to prevent oxidation and maintain the tapenade's vibrant flavors for an extended period.
• Freezer Storage Method: Portion the tuna tapenade into small freezer-safe containers or ice cube trays. Freeze for up to 3 months, ensuring you have a quick Mediterranean-inspired spread ready whenever cravings strike.
• Glass Jar Preservation Method: Transfer the tapenade to clean, sterilized glass jars with tight-fitting lids. Pour a thin layer of olive oil on top to create a protective barrier against air, which helps prevent spoilage and preserves the intense flavors of olives and tuna.

New Toppings to Try on Your Tuna Tapenade Bites

• Mediterranean Melt: Replace mascarpone with soft goat cheese and add roasted red peppers for a tangy, rich variation that brings southern European flavors to the classic recipe.
• Spicy Ocean Crunch: Mix sriracha sauce into the tapenade and top with thinly sliced jalapeños to create a fiery version with extra heat and zesty complexity.
• Herb Garden Style: Incorporate fresh dill and chives instead of thyme and parsley, then garnish with microgreens to elevate the crostini with bright, green aromatics.
• Smoked Seafood Remix: Substitute tuna with smoked salmon and add caramelized shallots to introduce a deeper, more complex marine flavor profile that feels luxurious and sophisticated.

A Bold Bite to End Your Tuna Tapenade Spread

Mediterranean charm radiates from Ina Garten’s crostini, blending rustic tuna elegance with classic French techniques.

Mediterranean flavors dance across delicate toast, creating an appetizer masterpiece that whispers culinary sophistication.

Anchovy nuances and bright lemon zest elevate humble ingredients into gourmet territory.

Capers and olives provide salty complexity, transforming simple crostini into a restaurant-worthy experience.

Mascarpone smooths the mixture, adding luxurious texture to each bite-sized delight.

With one taste, you’ll be transported to coastal Mediterranean kitchens – craving more, hungry for adventure, ready to explore, eager to share this recipe with friends, and compelled to dive into culinary creativity.

Ina Garten Crostini With Tuna Tapenade Recipe

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4.6 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 27 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s crostini with tuna tapenade blends Mediterranean flavors into an elegant appetizer. Crisp baguette slices topped with zesty olive spread and flaky tuna create a perfect bite-sized delicacy you’ll savor at first taste.

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Ingredients

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Main Protein and Cheese:

• 10 to 12 ounces (280 to 340 grams) canned or jarred Italian tuna packed in olive oil
• ⅓ cup (80 grams) Italian mascarpone cheese

Herbs, Seasonings, and Flavor Enhancers:

• 2 teaspoons anchovy paste
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
• 2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley, plus extra for garnish
• 1 tablespoon grated lemon zest
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic (2 cloves)
• 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon drained capers
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Oils, Olives, and Bread:

• 3 tablespoons good olive oil, plus extra for brushing bread
• ¼ cup (40 grams) pitted and chopped kalamata olives
• 36 slices French bread, cut diagonally

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Instructions

1. Create a vibrant tapenade by draining most of the olive oil from the tuna, reserving 15 milliliters (). Carefully flake the tuna into a food processor, ensuring no large chunks remain.
2. Incorporate anchovy paste, fresh thyme leaves, chopped parsley, finely grated lemon zest, and minced garlic into the food processor. Pulse the mixture several times to blend the ingredients uniformly.
3. Stream in fresh lemon juice, remaining olive oil, and creamy mascarpone cheese. Process the mixture until it reaches an almost smooth, slightly textured consistency.
4. Add briny kalamata olives, tangy capers, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper to the processor. Pulse briefly to integrate these final ingredients without completely breaking down their texture.
5. Transfer the tapenade to a clean bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for a minimum of 60 minutes to allow flavors to meld and intensify.
6. Prepare the crostini by preheating a gas grill to medium-high heat or an oven to 190 degrees Celsius (375 degrees Fahrenheit). Select high-quality bread slices and brush each side lightly with extra virgin olive oil.
7. Grill the bread until golden brown and crisp on both sides, approximately 2-3 minutes per side. Alternatively, arrange the bread on a baking sheet and toast in the oven for 6-8 minutes until edges are crisp and color is light golden.
8. Allow the crostini to cool slightly and develop a crunchy texture. Generously spread the prepared tapenade onto each toast point.
9. Garnish with additional freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and herbaceous flavor. Serve immediately while the crostini remain crisp and the tapenade is chilled.

Notes

• Select Premium Tuna: Seek out top-tier Italian tuna preserved in olive oil, ensuring a luxurious depth and silky consistency throughout your tapenade.
• Balance Citrus Carefully: Introduce lemon juice incrementally, tasting frequently to prevent overwhelming the delicate seafood and olive flavors.
• Optimize Bread Preparation: Gently toast bread slices to achieve a golden-brown exterior while maintaining a tender interior, creating the perfect crostini base.
• Enhance Flavor Development: Refrigerate the tapenade for at least an hour, allowing ingredients to harmonize and intensify their complex taste profile.
• Timing Matters Most: Assemble crostini moments before serving to preserve crispness and maximize the vibrant, fresh-made sensory experience.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 7 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 crostini (1 of 36 servings)
• Calories: 64 kcal
• Sugar: 0.5 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 3 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 6 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 5 mg