If you have ever eaten at a Nordstrom Café, you may remember the crispy and cheesy garlic crostini that comes with their tomato basil soup. This homemade version brings that same flavor to your kitchen in a very simple way. Each slice of baguette is brushed with a Parmesan and garlic butter mixture that melts into the bread as it bakes. The edges turn golden, the center stays slightly tender, and every bite has a rich, savory taste. It is the kind of recipe you can prepare for a quick snack, a soup side, or a small party appetizer, and it always feels warm and comforting. In this article, I shall teach you how to make this delicious and flavorful Nordstrom crostini recipe, along with some helpful tips and flavorful variations.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- Nordstrom’s Signature Appetizer: These Parmesan crostini taste just like the ones at the Nordstrom Café, served with tomato soup. They are crunchy, garlicky, and cheesy, and they feel very satisfying for anyone who enjoys garlic bread.
- Quick and Easy: In this Nordstrom crostini recipe, preparation is simple and everything comes together without any effort. The crostini bake in about ten to twelve minutes, so you can serve them quickly when you need a fast appetizer.
- Make Ahead Friendly: You can prepare the garlic and parmesan butter in advance or freeze the assembled crostini before baking. This allows you to bake a fresh batch at any time with very little work.
What Is Nordstrom Crostini
Nordstrom crostini is the Parmesan and garlic toast served at the Nordstrom Café. It is a thin slice of baguette covered with a soft mixture of garlic, butter, and Parmesan cheese. After the mixture is spread, the bread is set on a baking tray and baked until it becomes crisp and golden. The café serves it with their tomato basil soup because the crunchy bread and the creamy soup taste very good together.
Flavorful Variations of This Crostini
Cheddar Chive Crostini
Use sharp cheddar instead of Parmesan to create a richer and slightly tangy flavor. Add fresh chives for a mild onion taste that blends well with the warm butter mixture. This version feels comforting and works well with many soups and salads.
Spicy Pepper Jack Crostini
Add shredded Pepper Jack cheese to the topping for a creamy texture with a bit of heat. A small pinch of cayenne or chili flakes brings extra spice and gives each bite a bold flavor. This variation suits anyone who enjoys a spicy snack.
Recipe for Nordstrom Crostini
Nordstrom Crostini Recipe
6
servings15
minutes12
minutes510
kcal27
minutesKeep the screen of your device on
Ingredients
- Ingredients for the Crostini
1 baguette, sliced
- Ingredients for the Topping
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 to 1.5 teaspoons granulated garlic
1 teaspoon kosher salt
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or 2 teaspoons dried parsley
- Optional Garnishes
Extra parmesan as needed
Red pepper flakes as needed
How to Make Nordstrom Crostini
- Prepare the Bread
Set the oven to 350°F. Take a fresh baguette and use a serrated knife to slice it into thin pieces about 1/2 inch thick. Cutting the bread at a slight angle gives you wider slices that hold more topping. Arrange the slices in a single layer on a baking sheet so they toast evenly without overlapping. - Mix the Topping
In a medium bowl, add the softened butter, grated parmesan cheese, granulated garlic, and kosher salt. Use a spoon or spatula to mash and mix everything until it becomes smooth and creamy. The parmesan should blend into the butter, and the garlic should be evenly spread. Add the chopped parsley and stir it in so the green bits are mixed throughout the topping. This gives the crostini a fresh color and flavor. - Assemble the Crostini
Take each slice of bread and spread a generous, even layer of the garlic parmesan mixture on top. Cover the whole surface from corner to corner so the flavor stays consistent when it bakes. Make sure the topping is not too thin, because a good layer helps the crostini brown nicely and adds great taste. Place each topped slice back on the baking sheet with the buttered side facing up. - Final Touches Before Serving
Bake the crostini in the oven for 10 to 12 minutes. The edges should turn golden, and the topping should look lightly browned and melted. Check the tray during the last couple of minutes so the bread does not burn. After baking, let the crostini cool on the tray for a minute so the topping sets slightly. You can sprinkle a little extra parmesan or fresh parsley on top before serving if you want to make them look even nicer. Serve warm for the best flavor and crunch.
Tips for Best Results
How to Toast the Bread Perfectly
Keep the slices close to one-half inch thick so they toast evenly. Bake them at three hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit and watch for the edges to turn lightly golden. Remove the tray as soon as it reaches that color. If the slices stay in the oven for too long, they become very hard or develop a burnt taste, so it is better to take them out a little early.
How to Keep the Topping Creamy
Use softened butter because it blends smoothly with the cheese and garlic. The topping stays creamy when baked at three hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit, since this temperature melts the butter gently without making it separate. Serve the crostini while warm because the topping feels soft and rich when hot and becomes firm as it cools.
Make Ahead Instructions
Prepare the garlic and parmesan butter one or two days in advance and keep it in the refrigerator until you need it. You can also assemble the crostini without baking them and freeze the slices on a tray. Once they are solid, move them to a freezer bag. When you want to serve them, bake the frozen slices and add one or two extra minutes to the baking time.
What to Serve With Nordstrom Crostini
Tomato Soup
A warm bowl of tomato basil soup is the classic match for these crostini. The smooth, slightly sweet tomato flavor goes perfectly with the crispy bread and cheesy garlic topping. Many people like to dip the crostini right into the soup, and each bite feels cozy and comforting. It is a simple pairing, but it always tastes amazing.
Other Soups or Stews
These crostini go well with many different soups and stews, not just tomato. You can serve them with potato soup, broccoli cheddar, mushroom soup, or even a mild chili. The garlic and parmesan on the crostini add a rich, savory flavor that lifts any warm bowl you serve. They also bring a nice crunch that balances out creamy or hearty soups.
Appetizer or Salad Side
Crostini also works great as part of an appetizer spread. You can place them on a cheese board or charcuterie platter with dips, spreads, soft cheeses, or roasted vegetables. They make a tasty snack that guests can pick up easily. You can also serve them next to salads or pasta dishes. They feel like a smaller, fancier version of garlic bread and fit naturally with many Italian or American meals.
Storage and Reheating
How to Store the Bread
After the crostini cool, place them in an airtight container and keep them at room temperature for one or two days. For longer storage, freeze the crostini and keep them for up to one month.
How to Store the Topping
Place any leftover garlic and parmesan butter in a sealed container and store it in the refrigerator for up to five days. You can freeze it for up to two months if you want to keep it longer. Thaw it in the refrigerator and let it soften before using it again.
How to Reheat Without Losing Crispiness
Use the oven or a toaster oven when reheating because the microwave makes the bread soft. Set the oven to three hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit. Warm the crostini on a baking sheet for about five minutes until they feel crisp again. If they are frozen, give them a few extra minutes. Serve them right after reheating for the best texture.
Nutrition Information
Nutrition Facts
6 servings per container
- Amount Per ServingCalories510
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat
43g
56%
- Saturated Fat 14g 70%
- Cholesterol 116mg 39%
- Total Carbohydrate
11.9g
4%
- Dietary Fiber 1.99g 4%
- Total Sugars 0.58g
- Protein 18.3g 36%
- Iron 3.05mg 17%
- Potassium 315mg 7%
- Vitamin C 7.45mg 9%
- Riboflavin 0.11mg 9%
- Niacin 0.52mg 4%
* The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
Disclaimer: Nutrition data for this recipe was calculated using the Recipe Blossom Nutrition Calculator. It’s designed to provide an estimate of calories, macronutrients, and micronutrients based on standard ingredients and portion sizes.
However, actual values may vary depending on brands, substitutions, or preparation methods. For medically tailored nutrition advice, we recommend consulting with a registered dietitian or qualified healthcare provider.
FAQs
What kind of bread is used for crostini?
A baguette is commonly used for crostini because it has a firm texture and slices easily into small pieces. The bread becomes crisp in the oven while still holding the topping well. Any long and crusty loaf with a tight crumb works nicely for this recipe.
Can I Make It Ahead for Parties?
Yes, you can prepare the topping ahead of time or assemble the crostini before baking. Keep the topping in the refrigerator or freeze the assembled slices. Bake them right before serving so they stay warm and crisp for your guests.
What is the best oil for making crostini?
Olive oil is the best oil for making crostini because it adds a light flavor and helps the bread toast evenly. It also works well when brushing the slices before baking. Extra virgin olive oil gives a stronger flavor, while regular olive oil tastes milder.
How Long Does Crostini Stay Fresh?
Crostini taste best on the same day, but they stay fresh for one or two days at room temperature in an airtight container. You can also freeze them for up to two months.
Tried this recipe, was very nervous how it will be made but it is ssooooo delicious.