Name: Smashed Cannellini Bean Crostini Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 4 tbsp olive oil, plus extra for drizzling (optional); 12 sage leaves (optional); 1 onion, finely chopped; 1 garlic clove, finely chopped; ½ tsp cracked black pepper; 400g can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed; ½ lemon, juiced; 12 crostini or breadsticks, to serve

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Introduction

Smashed cannellini bean crostini is a simple, flavorful appetizer perfect for any occasion. Creamy beans blended with aromatic herbs create a delicious spread served on crunchy crostini or breadsticks. It’s easy to prepare and sure to impress your guests.

A white bowl filled with a creamy beige spread topped with dark green crispy sage leaves and a sprinkle of black pepper sits centered on a wooden board. Surrounding the bowl are golden brown toasted slices of bread with olive bits, some pieces topped with the spread and a sage leaf. Long, thin breadsticks lie on the left side of the board, and thin bread slices rest on the right. A small glass with a clear drink and a glass bottle of golden olive oil sit near the top corners. A spoon with some spread and olive oil is placed near the bottom, on a white marbled texture surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

4 tbsp olive oil, plus extra for drizzling (optional)
12 sage leaves (optional)

1 onion, finely chopped
1 garlic clove, finely chopped

½ tsp cracked black pepper
400g can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed

½ lemon, juiced
12 crostini or breadsticks, to serve

Instructions

Step 1: Heat half of the olive oil in a shallow saucepan over low-medium heat. Add the sage leaves, if using, and fry for 2 minutes until crisp. Remove the sage leaves with a slotted spoon and set aside on a plate.

Step 2: Add the chopped onion to the pan and cook for 3 minutes until soft. Stir in the garlic and cook for an additional minute.
Step 3: Sprinkle in the cracked black pepper and toast for 1 minute. Then add the drained cannellini beans and turn off the heat.
Step 4: Stir in the lemon juice and season the mixture with salt to taste.

Step 5: Transfer the mixture to a food processor or mini chopper along with the remaining olive oil. Blitz to your desired consistency, either smooth or slightly chunky.
Step 6: Cover and chill in the fridge for up to two days. Bring to room temperature about an hour before serving.
Step 7: Serve the bean spread on crostini or breadsticks. Drizzle with extra olive oil and top with the crispy sage leaves, if using.

Tips & Variations

For a smoky flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika to the bean mixture before blending.
Try using fresh thyme instead of sage for a different herbal note.
If you prefer a vegan option, ensure your breadsticks or crostini do not contain dairy or eggs.

Serve with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan or nutritional yeast for extra umami.

Storage

Store the bean crostini spread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Before serving, bring it to room temperature and stir well. Enjoy leftovers on toast, crackers, or as a sandwich filling. If needed, reheat gently in a microwave or warm bowl until just warmed through.

How to Serve

A white bowl filled with creamy light beige spread topped with green sage leaves and cracked black pepper sits on a wooden board. Around the bowl are several toasted slices of bread with visible grains and some green herbs on top, three long thin breadsticks on the left, and bread slices cut into sticks on the right. A small spoon with some spread and oil rests near the bottom right of the bowl. A glass bottle with golden oil and a small glass cup with a light textured liquid are placed on the top left and right edges of the board, respectively. The background is a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use dried cannellini beans instead of canned?

Yes, but you’ll need to soak and cook dried cannellini beans thoroughly before using. Canned beans save time and are convenient without sacrificing flavor.

Can I prepare this recipe without sage?

Absolutely. Sage adds an earthy crispiness when fried, but the crostini spread is delicious even without it. You can also try other fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary instead.