These crostini are not only delicious, but insanely healthy compared to most holiday party food.
By Brittany Everett
We’re at the peak of holiday entertaining, which calls for some cute little crostini. These particular ones are not only delicious, but insanely healthy compared to most holiday party food. 
Not that I think holidays are a time for healthy eating… but it’s nice to have some contrast on the table between all the deviled eggs and potato gratins, don’t you think?
PrintRoasted Fennel, Garlic & White Bean Crostini
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Description
A bright, flavorful and healthy appetizer that couldn’t be easier to make!
Ingredients
- Extra virgin olive oil
- 1 whole head garlic, top 1/2 inch cut off
- 2 medium fennel bulbs, quartered, root cut out (reserve fronds for garnish)
- 15 ounce can cannellini beans (or other white bean), drained and rinsed
- 1/2 teaspoon minced rosemary
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt, plus extra for roasting
- freshly ground black pepper
- 1 baguette, for crostini
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Place the garlic in a piece of foil on a baking sheet. Drizzle with a little olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Seal the foil. Place the fennel quarters on the same baking sheet. Drizzle them with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Bake for 40-45 minutes, turning the fennel once or twice, until well caramelized.
- Squeeze the garlic cloves out of their skin and into a food processor. Add the fennel, beans, rosemary, lemon juice, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, and pepper to taste. Process until well combined, but not a completely smooth puree.
- Lower the oven to 350 degrees F. To prepare the crostini, cut a baguette into 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick slices and place on a baking sheet. Brush with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Bake for about 15 minutes, until the bread is a light golden brown.
- Right before serving, put about a tablespoon of the fennel mixture on each crostini. Garnish with a fennel frond.
Notes
This recipe is for crostini, but the fennel mixture also makes a great hearty dip for chips, pita bread, crackers, pretzels, etc.
Yields: About 1 3/4 cup fennel puree
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 1 hour
