Parsley Pesto and Burst Heirloom Cherry Tomato Crostini…I am convinced…is why my tastebuds were born.
Fluffy bunches of fresh parsley whirled with good olive oil, a couple plump cloves of garlic and a hefty swirl of grated gold (grated Parmigiano) give garden fresh flavor a whole new meaning.
Crusty bread toasted up with perfectly charred edges, a nice dollop of parsley pesto topped with melty cherry tomatoes and we’ve got ourselves a stunning appetizer.
It doesn’t take much to orchestrate a beautiful meal at the end of a lazy summer day. Dining outside under a sun getting ready for bed while tiny stars come out to play makes summer summer…outdoor table, twinkle lights, ceramic plates, sturdy wine glasses, cloth napkins, parsley pesto crostini…
Would you agree that it’s the simple pleasures that sometimes hold the greatest power?
The noise of a bottle being uncorked, a family of cicadas singing in the distance and the delicious sounds of crunchy bread being devoured.
Pointed bread poking its crusty face out of a paper sleeve…bowls brimming with tiny sweet tomatoes the colors of a fire-y summer sun…waxy boxes busting at the seams with just picked produce…soft green grass tickling our toes…
This crostini is the catalyst for a satisfying evening. Paired with a cold bottle of Pinot, the musical stylings of Moonstruck, and a pal who’s happy to settle in with crisp wine and heavily adorned toast.
That’s my kind of night…
What’s your ideal summer night? I’d love to know!
Buon Appetito!
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Parsley Pesto and Burst Heirloom Cherry Tomato Crostini
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
Parsley Pesto and Burst Heirloom Cherry Tomato Crostini…I am convinced…is why my tastebuds were born.
Ingredients
- 1 large baguette, sliced on the diagonal about 1/2 inch thick slices
- 2 – 3 Tbsp. olive oil
- 3 big bunches (3 cups) parsley leaves
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 2 plump garlic cloves, chopped
- 1/2 cup grated Parmigiano
- Salt to taste
- 2 pints cherry tomatoes
- 2 Tbsp. olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
- Arrange baguette slices on a large rimmed baking sheet and lightly brush both sides of the bread with oil.
- Bake until golden, about 15 to 20 minutes.
- In the meantime, place clean parsley (minus the stems) in a food processor.
- Add 1/4 cup olive oil and chopped garlic.
- Pulse until you have a slightly chunky sauce.
- Add the remaining oil while processing.
- Stop once or twice to scrape down the sides.
- Stir in the cheese and season with salt. Place in a small serving bowl and set aside.
- Next, in a large sauté pan over medium heat, add olive oil and all the cherry tomatoes in one layer.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, tossing occasionally, until tomatoes begin to lose their round shape.
- Remove from heat and place in a serving bowl.
- Remove bread from oven.
- Top each crostini with pesto and tomatoes.
- Serve at room temperature.
A few other Ciao Chow Bambina favorites…
Creamy Ricotta, Prosciutto & Sweet Peaches with Honey Crostini
Italian Chicken with Basil Pesto & Grape Tomatoes
CIAO!
A tasty and simple way to use sweet summer cherry tomatoes. And they make such a pretty presentation.
The best way to have them! 🙂
Loving all those fresh and vibrant flavors in this crostini Annie! I love the way you’ve described it all.
Thank you so much! 🙂
This is such a pretty recipe, Annie – a great appetizer to enjoy with friends. A little cold white wine and this would make a perfect light meal! Love the parsley pesto – I make that a lot since I always have parsley in the fridge.
A nice meatless Monday option! thank you, friend! 🙂
WOW!! I’m obsessed with the photography in this post. Simply stunning! And the recipe looks and sounds divine! I can’t eat bread right not but I’m guessing this would still taste amazing on top of grilled or baked chicken breast! I’m going to pin this recipe so I can try it!!!
Oh yesss, I think I’ll make it to go along with chicken this week! Sound so good! Thank you, Christina!
I agree completely that simple pleasures hold the most power – they’re what makes life so enjoyable! I love your description of an evening that makes summer summer. Sounds idyllic and these gorgeous little toasts fit just perfectly in that scene!
Thank you, Marissa! Yep – simple pleasures hold the most power! 🙂
What a beautiful picture you’ve painted in my head. Now I’m hoping beyond hope the cherry tomatoes look good at the farmers market tomorrow morning!
I hope the tomatoes are to your liking!! Thank you for stopping by with a kind word, Bill!
I can’t wait to try this parsley pesto Annie! This is one appetizer that’s always a summer crowd favorite! I’m grabbing all those gorgeous summer tomatoes while I can! Delicious Annie!
Ahhh! Yes! Enjoy the parsley pesto! So bright! Thanks, Mary Ann!