Black Olive Tapenade Crostini

Featured in: Easy Everyday Oven Treats

This Mediterranean-inspired spread blends briny black olives with capers, anchovies, garlic, fresh herbs, and lemon juice, combined with olive oil for a rich, savory tapenade. Golden crostini baked to crisp perfection complement the pungent flavors, creating a delightful texture contrast. Ideal for appetizers or celebratory gatherings, this easy and flavorful dish can be prepared quickly and pairs beautifully with sparkling wine or dry rosé. Vegan adaptations omit anchovies and add umami depth with miso or soy sauce.

Updated on Fri, 12 Dec 2025 13:50:00 GMT
Golden, crispy baguette crostini topped with vibrant black olive tapenade, a delicious appetizer spread. Pin It
Golden, crispy baguette crostini topped with vibrant black olive tapenade, a delicious appetizer spread. | birchoven.com

A festive, savory Mediterranean spread of briny black olives blended with capers, anchovies, and herbs, served atop crisp, golden crostini perfect for sharing at your New Years Eve celebration.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups pitted black olives (Kalamata or Niçoise preferred):
  • 2 tablespoons capers, drained:
  • 4 anchovy fillets in oil, drained (optional for vegetarian omit for vegan):
  • 2 cloves garlic, peeled:
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley leaves:
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice:
  • 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried):
  • 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil:
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste:
  • 1 baguette, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds:
  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil:
  • 1 garlic clove, halved (for rubbing):

Instructions

Step 1:
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
Step 2:
Arrange the baguette slices on a baking sheet. Brush both sides lightly with olive oil.
Step 3:
Bake for 8 10 minutes, turning halfway, until golden and crisp. Remove from oven and rub the top of each crostini with the cut side of the garlic clove. Set aside to cool.
Step 4:
In a food processor, combine the black olives, capers, anchovy fillets (if using), garlic, parsley, lemon juice, and thyme. Pulse several times until coarsely chopped.
Step 5:
With the processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the mixture becomes a coarse paste. Scrape down the sides as needed.
Step 6:
Season to taste with black pepper and adjust lemon juice if desired.
Step 7:
Transfer tapenade to a serving bowl. Serve with prepared crostini.
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Required Tools

Food processor Baking sheet Pastry brush Sharp knife

Allergen Information

Contains gluten (baguette) fish (anchovies). May contain traces of wheat or fish depending on ingredient brands. If unsure, check labels or substitute with gluten-free bread and omit anchovies for fish-free option.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

Calories 190 Total Fat 11 g Carbohydrates 18 g Protein 3 g

A close-up view displaying the rich, savory flavors of black olive tapenade on toasted crostini. Pin It
A close-up view displaying the rich, savory flavors of black olive tapenade on toasted crostini. | birchoven.com

Black Olive Tapenade Crostini

A savory spread of black olives, capers, and herbs paired with crisp golden crostini, perfect for sharing.

Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
10 minutes
Overall Time
25 minutes
Published by Zoey Turner


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine French/Mediterranean

Servings Yielded 8 Total Servings

Dietary Information Free from Dairy

What You'll Need

Tapenade

01 2 cups pitted black olives (Kalamata or Niçoise preferred)
02 2 tablespoons drained capers
03 4 anchovy fillets in oil, drained (optional for vegetarian; omit for vegan)
04 2 cloves garlic, peeled
05 2 tablespoons fresh parsley leaves
06 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
07 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves or 1 teaspoon dried
08 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
09 Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Crostini

01 1 baguette, sliced into 1/2-inch thick rounds
02 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
03 1 garlic clove, halved (for rubbing)

How To Make It

Step 01

Preheat oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F.

Step 02

Prepare crostini: Arrange baguette slices on a baking sheet and brush both sides lightly with olive oil.

Step 03

Bake crostini: Bake bread slices for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping halfway until golden and crisp. Remove from oven and rub cut side of garlic clove over the top of each slice. Set aside to cool.

Step 04

Process tapenade ingredients: In a food processor, combine black olives, capers, anchovy fillets if using, garlic, parsley, lemon juice, and thyme. Pulse several times until coarsely chopped.

Step 05

Incorporate olive oil: With the processor running, slowly drizzle in olive oil until a coarse paste forms, scraping down the sides as needed.

Step 06

Season tapenade: Season with freshly ground black pepper and adjust lemon juice to taste.

Step 07

Serve: Transfer tapenade to a serving bowl and accompany with prepared crostini.

Tools Needed

  • Food processor
  • Baking sheet
  • Pastry brush
  • Sharp knife

Allergy Details

Please double-check ingredients for allergens and reach out to your healthcare provider if uncertain.
  • Contains gluten (baguette) and fish (anchovies).
  • May contain traces of wheat or fish depending on ingredient brands.
  • For gluten-free or fish-free options, substitute with gluten-free bread and omit anchovies.

Nutrition Details (per portion)

These nutrition estimates are for general reference only—always consult your doctor for specific advice.
  • Kcal: 190
  • Fats: 11 g
  • Carbohydrates: 18 g
  • Proteins: 3 g