Hot Garlic Crab Crostini

Crostini, plural of crostino ~ “little crusts” in Italian ~ sounds fancier than they really are.  They’re actually just baguette slices that have been brushed with oil; then, most likely, sprinkled with salt and pepper, and baked until golden brown. 

The crispy crunch makes them irresistible to eat on their own; but resist the urge, as they’re the perfect bread slice for this creamy hot crabmeat topping that’s laden with cheese, chives, pimentos and garlic!

Crab crostini are tasty small-bites to prepare for game day, a cocktail party, lunch or a tasty snack. To make preparation really easy, bake the crostini, mix the topping and refrigerate, beforehand, and simply assemble and bake just before serving.

I bet your crowd would adore these little bites as they taste pretty special!

Hot Garlic Crab Crostini

Ingredients:

1 French baguette, cut into ½” slices (24 slices)

¼ cup olive oil

¼ cup butter

3 garlic cloves, minced

1 can (6-ounces) crabmeat, well drained and flaked

1 jar (2-ounces) diced pimentos, well drained

2 ounces Swiss chesse, shredded (1/2 cup)

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

¼ cup chive and onion cream cheese spread

¼ teaspoon red pepper sauce

1 tablespoon fresh chives

Method:

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

In a small saucepan, combine olive oil, butter and garlic.

Set over medium heat, and cook until butter is melted and mixture bubbles; remove from heat.

Dip the bread slices into the garlic mixture, turning to coat both sides.

Place on baking sheet and bake until very crisp and very light brown, about 5 minutes; turning over once during baking, if underside is not browning.

Meanwhile, mix remaining ingredients except chives in medium bowl.

Spread 1 heaping tablespoonful crabmeat mixture on each bread slice.

Bake about 5 minutes or until filling is hot and cheese is melted.

Sprinkle with chives.

Ummm, mmm ~ lip-smacking deliciousness!

Be sure to visit my friend, Linda’s blog, @My Kind of Cooking for great tips and delicious easy recipes!