Name: Hummus and Roasted Broccoli Crostini Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 12
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: For Roasted Broccoli:; 1 bunch broccoli; 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil; salt and freshly ground pepper; For Crostini:; 1 loaf crusty whole grain bread; olive oil; Lemon Wedges; red pepper flakes; For Sun-dried Tomato Hummus:; ¼ cup tahini; ¼ cup Fresh Lemon Juice; 2 tbsp olive oil; 6.7 oz jar drained oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes; 1 large garlic clove; ½ tsp salt; ⅛ tsp red pepper flakes; 15 oz chickpeas; 3 tbsp water

Indulge in a delightful fusion of flavors with this hummus and roasted broccoli crostini recipe. Perfect for a quick appetizer or a light meal, these crostini bring together crispy roasted broccoli and creamy sun-dried tomato hummus on top of crunchy whole grain bread. The addition of red pepper flakes and a dash of lemon juice elevates the taste, making it a crowd-pleaser.

Photos of Hummus and Roasted Broccoli Crostini Recipe

When preparing this recipe, you might need to pick up a few ingredients that aren’t always found in your pantry. Tahini and sun-dried tomatoes could be less common, but they are essential for creating the rich and flavorful hummus. Also, make sure you have a robust loaf of whole grain bread and chickpeas for the base of this delectable appetizer.

Ingredients For Hummus And Roasted Broccoli Crostini

Broccoli: Fresh broccoli florets are roasted to bring out a crispy texture and rich flavor.

Extra-virgin olive oil: Used for roasting the broccoli and brushing on the bread, adding a rich, smooth taste.

Salt: Enhances the flavors of all the components in the dish.

Freshly ground pepper: Adds a subtle heat and depth to the broccoli and hummus.

Whole grain bread: Provides a hearty and crunchy base for the crostini.

Lemon wedges: A final squeeze of lemon juice brightens and balances the flavors.

Red pepper flakes: Sprinkled on top for a spicy kick and visual appeal.

Tahini: A sesame seed paste that adds a creamy texture to the hummus.

Fresh lemon juice: The acidity cuts through the richness of the tahini and sun-dried tomatoes.

Sun-dried tomatoes: Provide a concentrated, tangy flavor that enriches the hummus.

Garlic clove: Adds a pungent, aromatic quality to the hummus.

Chickpeas: The base of the hummus, providing protein and a smooth texture.

Water: Used to adjust the consistency of the hummus.

One reader, Donal Berman says:

This hummus and roasted broccoli crostini recipe is a delightful blend of flavors and textures. The creamy sun-dried tomato hummus pairs perfectly with the crispy roasted broccoli and toasted bread. It's a simple yet impressive appetizer that's sure to please any crowd. Highly recommend!

Donal Berman

Techniques Required for Making Hummus and Roasted Broccoli Crostini

How to roast broccoli: Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Toss broccoli florets with olive oil, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet. Roast for 15 to 20 minutes, tossing halfway, until golden and crispy.

How to make crostini: Brush sliced bread with olive oil and bake on a baking sheet for 6 to 10 minutes at 425 degrees F, turning halfway, until lightly golden and toasted.

How to whip tahini and lemon juice: Combine tahini and lemon juice in a food processor or blender. Process for about 1½ minutes, pausing to scrape down the bowl as necessary, until smooth and creamy.

How to make sun-dried tomato hummus: Add olive oil, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, salt, and red pepper flakes to the whipped tahini and lemon juice mixture. Process for about 1 minute, pausing to scrape down the bowl as necessary. Add chickpeas in two batches, processing until thick and smooth.

How to assemble crostini: Spread hummus on toasted bread, top with chopped roasted broccoli, and finish with a sprinkle of lemon juice and red pepper flakes. Serve immediately.

How To Make Sun-Dried Tomato Hummus and Roasted Broccoli Crostini

The earthy flavor of hummus, mixed with sun-dried tomatoes topped on a crunchy crostini along with broccoli is a flavorful and savory brunch.

Preparation: 10 minutes

Cooking: 15 minutes

Total: 25 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

For Roasted Broccoli:

1bunchbroccoli,sliced into bite-sized florets
2tbspextra-virgin olive oil
salt and freshly ground pepper,to taste

For Crostini:

1loafcrusty whole grain bread,sliced
olive oil,for brushing
lemon wedges,for garnish
red pepper flakes,for garnish

For Sun-dried Tomato Hummus:

¼cuptahini
¼cupfresh lemon juice,juiced
2tbspolive oil,plus more for serving
6.7ozjar drained oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes
1largegarlic clove,roughly chopped
½tspsalt,more to taste
⅛tspred pepper flakes
15ozchickpeas,drained and rinsed
3tbspwater,optional

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. On a large, rimmed baking sheet, toss broccoli florets with 2 tablespoons olive oil and a sprinkling of salt and pepper.
Roast for 15 to 20 minutes on the middle rack, tossing halfway, until the edges are turning golden and crispy.
Brush both sides of your sliced bread lightly with olive oil and place them on a separate baking sheet.
Bake for 6 to 10 minutes on the top rack, turning halfway, until lightly golden and toasted. Remove from oven and set aside.
Whip the tahini and lemon juice together to make them ultra-smooth and creamy. Combine the tahini and lemon juice in the bowl of your food processor or high-powered blender.
Process for about 1½ minutes, pausing to scrape down the bowl of your processor as necessary.
Add the olive oil, sun-dried tomatoes, chopped garlic, salt and red pepper flakes to the whipped tahini and lemon juice mixture. Process for about 1 minute, pausing to scrape down the bowl as necessary.
Add half of the chickpeas to the food processor and process for 1 minute. Scrape down the bowl, then add the remaining chickpeas and process until the hummus is thick and quite smooth for about 1 to 2 minutes more.
Top each piece of toast with a generous spread of hummus. Roughly chop the broccoli into small pieces, then top each toast with broccoli.
Finish them off with a small sprinkle of lemon juice and red pepper flakes. Serve immediately.

Nutrition

Calories: 388.44kcal
Fat: 15.83g
Saturated Fat: 2.22g
Monounsaturated Fat: 8.16g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 3.99g
Carbohydrates: 49.66g
Fiber: 10.41g
Sugar: 7.61g
Protein: 15.99g
Sodium: 398.68mg
Calcium: 120.39mg
Potassium: 800.81mg
Iron: 3.94mg
Vitamin A: 27.36µg
Vitamin C: 68.58mg

Technique Tip for Perfecting Hummus and Roasted Broccoli Crostini

When roasting broccoli, make sure to spread the florets out in a single layer on the baking sheet. Overcrowding can cause them to steam rather than roast, preventing those delicious crispy edges.

Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Crostini Recipe

Pre-roast the broccoli: Roast the broccoli in advance and store it in an airtight container. This way, you can quickly assemble the crostini when needed.

Use store-bought hummus: Save time by using a high-quality store-bought hummus instead of making your own. Look for varieties with sun-dried tomatoes for a similar flavor.

Pre-slice the bread: Slice the bread ahead of time and store it in a sealed bag. This will make the toasting process faster.

Batch process ingredients: Prepare and measure all your ingredients before starting. This mise en place approach will streamline your cooking process.

Substitute Ingredients For Hummus and Roasted Broccoli Crostini Recipe

Broccoli - Substitute with cauliflower: Cauliflower has a similar texture and can be roasted to achieve a comparable flavor profile.
Extra-virgin olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a high smoke point and a mild flavor, making it a good alternative for roasting.
Whole grain bread - Substitute with sourdough bread: Sourdough has a similar texture and can provide a tangy flavor that complements the toppings.
Olive oil - Substitute with grapeseed oil: Grapeseed oil has a neutral flavor and can be used for brushing the bread before toasting.
Lemon wedges - Substitute with lime wedges: Lime provides a similar acidic kick and can be used to add brightness to the dish.
Red pepper flakes - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper can provide a similar level of heat and spice.
Tahini - Substitute with sunflower seed butter: Sunflower seed butter has a similar creamy texture and nutty flavor, making it a good alternative.
Fresh lemon juice - Substitute with apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar can provide a similar tangy acidity to balance the flavors in the hummus.
Olive oil - Substitute with sesame oil: Sesame oil can add a unique nutty flavor that complements the other ingredients in the hummus.
Sun-dried tomatoes - Substitute with roasted red peppers: Roasted red peppers provide a similar sweet and smoky flavor and can be blended smoothly into the hummus.
Garlic clove - Substitute with shallot: Shallots have a milder flavor and can be used to add a subtle onion-garlic taste.
Salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a similar salty flavor along with a bit of umami depth.
Red pepper flakes - Substitute with smoked paprika: Smoked paprika provides a mild heat and a smoky flavor that can enhance the hummus.
Chickpeas - Substitute with white beans: White beans have a similar creamy texture and can be used to create a smooth hummus.
Water - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth can add extra flavor and richness to the hummus.

How to Beautifully Present Hummus and Roasted Broccoli Crostini

Serve smaller portion sizes: Cut the whole grain bread into smaller, bite-sized pieces to create elegant, manageable crostini that are easy to eat in one or two bites.
Use decoration: Garnish each crostini with a delicate sprinkle of red pepper flakes and a small zest of lemon to add a pop of color and a hint of freshness.
Layer flavors: Spread a generous layer of sun-dried tomato hummus on each piece of toast, ensuring an even and smooth coating to provide a rich base flavor.
Add texture: Roughly chop the roasted broccoli into small, uniform pieces and place them artfully on top of the hummus, allowing the crispy edges to add a delightful crunch.
Finish with finesse: Just before serving, drizzle a few drops of extra-virgin olive oil over the top of each crostini to enhance the richness and add a glossy finish.
Plate with precision: Arrange the crostini on a sleek, modern platter, spacing them evenly to create a visually appealing presentation that highlights each individual piece.
Highlight freshness: Place a few lemon wedges on the side of the platter, allowing diners to add a fresh squeeze of lemon juice to their crostini for an extra burst of flavor.
Create contrast: Use a dark-colored serving platter to contrast with the vibrant green of the broccoli and the rich red of the sun-dried tomato hummus, making the colors pop and the dish more visually striking.

Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Crostini

Oven: Used for roasting the broccoli and toasting the bread.
Large rimmed baking sheet: To hold the broccoli florets while they roast in the oven.
Separate baking sheet: For toasting the sliced bread.
Food processor: Essential for blending the tahini, lemon juice, sun-dried tomatoes, and chickpeas into a smooth hummus.
High-powered blender: An alternative to the food processor for making the hummus.
Brush: To lightly coat the bread slices with olive oil.
Knife: For chopping the garlic and roughly chopping the roasted broccoli.
Cutting board: A surface to chop the broccoli and garlic.
Measuring spoons: To measure out the olive oil, tahini, lemon juice, salt, and red pepper flakes.
Measuring cups: For measuring the tahini and lemon juice.
Spatula: To scrape down the sides of the food processor or blender.
Serving plate: To arrange and serve the crostini.
Lemon squeezer: To extract fresh lemon juice.
Mixing bowl: To toss the broccoli with olive oil, salt, and pepper before roasting.

How To Store and Freeze Leftover Crostini

The hummus can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If it thickens up too much, you can stir in a little olive oil or water to thin it out before using.
To freeze the hummus, transfer it to a freezer-safe container, leaving about ½ inch of space at the top for expansion. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw the hummus overnight in the refrigerator before using.
The roasted broccoli is best served immediately, as it tends to lose its crispiness over time. However, if you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the broccoli on a baking sheet and warm it in a 350°F oven for about 5-7 minutes, or until heated through and slightly crispy again.
The crostini can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days. If they start to lose their crispness, you can pop them back in a 350°F oven for a few minutes to crisp them up again.
It's not recommended to freeze the assembled crostini, as the bread will become soggy when thawed. However, you can freeze the bread slices separately for up to 3 months. Thaw them at room temperature, then brush with a little olive oil and toast in the oven before assembling the crostini.

How To Reheat Leftover Crostini

To reheat leftover hummus and roasted broccoli crostini, start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature will gently warm the crostini without burning the bread or drying out the toppings.
Place the crostini on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. The parchment paper will prevent the crostini from sticking to the baking sheet and make cleanup easier.
If the hummus has been refrigerated, let it come to room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before reheating. This will help the hummus spread more easily on the crostini and prevent it from cooling down the bread too quickly.
Brush the tops of the crostini lightly with olive oil. This will help revive the texture of the bread and prevent it from drying out during reheating.
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and reheat the crostini for 5-7 minutes, or until warmed through. Keep a close eye on them to prevent over-browning or burning.
For an extra burst of flavor, squeeze a little fresh lemon juice over the crostini just before serving. The acidity will brighten up the flavors of the hummus and roasted broccoli.
If you prefer a crispy texture, you can also reheat the crostini under the broiler for 1-2 minutes. Just be sure to watch them carefully, as they can burn quickly under the intense heat.
Alternatively, for a quicker reheating method, you can use a toaster oven. Simply place the crostini on the toaster oven rack and heat for 2-3 minutes, or until warmed to your liking.
If you find that the hummus has dried out a bit during storage, stir in a small amount of olive oil or water to help reconstitute it before spreading it on the crostini.
Lastly, if you have any leftover roasted broccoli, you can chop it up and sprinkle it over the hummus for added texture and flavor. This will also help freshen up the appearance of the crostini.

Random Fact About Hummus and Roasted Broccoli Crostini

A fun fact about this hummus and roasted broccoli crostini recipe is that sun-dried tomatoes not only add a rich, tangy flavor to the hummus, but they are also packed with antioxidants and vitamins, making this dish both delicious and nutritious.

Is Making Crostini at Home Cost-Effective?

This hummus and roasted broccoli crostini recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The main ingredients like broccoli, chickpeas, and whole grain bread are affordable and widely available. The use of sun-dried tomatoes and tahini might add a bit to the cost, but they are used in small quantities. Overall, the approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $15-$20 USD. Given its nutritional value and delicious taste, I would rate this recipe an 8 out of 10 for cost-effectiveness.

Is This Crostini Recipe Healthy or Unhealthy?

This hummus and roasted broccoli crostini recipe is a healthy and nutritious choice. The recipe incorporates several nutrient-dense ingredients, such as:

Broccoli: Rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber
Whole grain bread: Provides complex carbohydrates and fiber
Chickpeas: An excellent source of plant-based protein and fiber
Tahini and olive oil: Contain healthy unsaturated fats
Sun-dried tomatoes: Offer a concentrated source of vitamins and antioxidants

The combination of these ingredients creates a balanced meal that provides a variety of essential nutrients. The roasting method used for the broccoli helps to retain its nutritional value while enhancing its flavor.

To further improve the healthiness of this recipe, consider the following suggestions:

Use a whole grain bread with a higher fiber content and lower sodium levels
Reduce the amount of olive oil used in the hummus and for brushing the bread to lower the overall calorie and fat content
Incorporate additional vegetables, such as roasted red peppers or cherry tomatoes, to increase the nutrient density and variety
Experiment with different herbs and spices, like basil or smoked paprika, to add flavor without relying on excessive salt
Serve the crostini with a side salad or vegetable-based soup to create a more well-rounded and satisfying meal

Editor's Thoughts on This Delightful Crostini Recipe

This hummus and roasted broccoli crostini recipe is a delightful fusion of textures and flavors. The crispy, golden broccoli pairs beautifully with the creamy, tangy sun-dried tomato hummus. The whole grain bread adds a hearty base, while the lemon juice and red pepper flakes provide a refreshing and spicy kick. It's a versatile dish perfect for appetizers or a light meal, showcasing a balance of health and indulgence. The detailed steps ensure a smooth cooking process, making it accessible even for novice cooks. Overall, it's a sophisticated yet simple recipe that promises to impress.

Enhance Your Hummus and Roasted Broccoli Crostini Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Grilled Asparagus with Lemon Zest: Elevate your appetizer experience with a side of grilled asparagus drizzled with a hint of lemon zest. The smoky flavor of the asparagus pairs beautifully with the creamy hummus and roasted broccoli crostini, adding a refreshing citrus note that will tantalize your taste buds.

Butternut Squash Soup: Warm up your palate with a velvety butternut squash soup. The rich, creamy texture of the soup complements the crunchy crostini, while the subtle sweetness of the squash balances the savory flavors of the sun-dried tomato hummus and broccoli.

Quinoa Salad with Pomegranate Seeds: Add a burst of color and flavor to your meal with a quinoa salad sprinkled with pomegranate seeds. The nutty quinoa and juicy pomegranate create a delightful contrast, enhancing the overall dining experience with their vibrant textures and flavors.

Caramelized Onion and Goat Cheese Tart: Indulge in a savory caramelized onion and goat cheese tart. The sweet, caramelized onions and tangy goat cheese offer a luxurious complement to the hummus and broccoli crostini, making each bite a symphony of flavors.

Mango Avocado Salsa: Brighten your plate with a refreshing mango avocado salsa. The creamy avocado and sweet, juicy mango provide a tropical twist that pairs perfectly with the savory notes of the crostini. This vibrant salsa adds a delightful burst of freshness to your appetizer spread.

Alternative Recipes Similar to Hummus and Roasted Broccoli Crostini

Roasted Red Pepper Hummus with Pita Chips: Dive into the smoky and sweet flavors of roasted red peppers blended into creamy hummus. Serve with crispy pita chips for a delightful crunch.

Avocado and Tomato Bruschetta: Experience the fresh and vibrant taste of ripe tomatoes and creamy avocado on toasted baguette slices. A drizzle of balsamic glaze adds a tangy finish.

Garlic and Herb Goat Cheese Crostini: Spread luscious goat cheese infused with garlic and fresh herbs on crispy crostini. Top with a sprinkle of chopped chives for an elegant touch.

Caramelized Onion and Fig Jam Crostini: Indulge in the sweet and savory combination of caramelized onions and fig jam on crunchy crostini. Perfect for a sophisticated appetizer.

Caprese Salad Crostini: Enjoy the classic flavors of Caprese salad with fresh mozzarella, juicy tomatoes, and basil leaves on toasted baguette slices. A drizzle of olive oil and balsamic reduction completes this delightful bite.

Suggested Main Courses and Desserts to Pair with Crostini

Main Courses:

Mediterranean Stuffed Peppers: Mediterranean Stuffed Peppers are a delightful fusion of flavors and textures. Imagine vibrant bell peppers filled with a savory mixture of quinoa, chickpeas, and kalamata olives. The stuffing is seasoned with oregano, garlic, and a hint of lemon zest, bringing a refreshing zest to each bite. Topped with crumbled feta cheese and baked until the peppers are tender, this dish is both visually appealing and incredibly satisfying. Serve with a side of tzatziki sauce for an extra layer of flavor.

Herb-Crusted Salmon: Herb-Crusted Salmon is a sophisticated yet simple dish that will impress any dinner guest. The salmon fillets are coated in a mixture of fresh parsley, dill, and thyme, creating a fragrant and crispy crust. A drizzle of lemon-infused olive oil enhances the natural flavors of the fish. Bake until the salmon is perfectly flaky and the herbs are golden brown. Pair with a side of roasted asparagus and garlic mashed potatoes for a complete and elegant meal.

Desserts:

Chocolate Lava Cake: Imagine a decadent dessert that combines the richness of dark chocolate with a molten center that oozes out as you cut into it. This indulgent treat is perfect for those who crave a luxurious finish to their meal. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, and garnish with a sprinkle of powdered sugar and a few fresh berries. The contrast between the warm, gooey center and the cool, creamy ice cream creates a sensory delight that will leave your guests in awe.

Lemon Meringue Tart: For a refreshing end to your meal, consider a zesty tart that balances the tanginess of lemon with the sweetness of meringue. This elegant dessert features a buttery crust filled with a smooth lemon curd and topped with a fluffy meringue that is lightly browned to perfection. The citrusy notes of the lemon curd paired with the airy meringue create a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. Serve it chilled with a garnish of lemon zest and a few mint leaves for a visually stunning presentation.

Why trust this Hummus and Roasted Broccoli Crostini Recipe:

This recipe combines the rich, creamy texture of hummus with the crispy, flavorful goodness of roasted broccoli. The use of whole grain bread adds a hearty base, while the sun-dried tomatoes in the hummus provide a unique, tangy twist. With simple, wholesome ingredients like extra-virgin olive oil and fresh lemon juice, this dish is both nutritious and delicious. The step-by-step instructions ensure that even novice cooks can achieve perfect results. Trust this recipe for a delightful and healthy appetizer or snack.

Want to share your own twist on this Hummus and Roasted Broccoli Crostini Recipe or discuss other creative crostini toppings? Join the conversation in the Recipe Sharing forum!

FAQ:

How do I store leftover hummus?

I usually store leftover hummus in an airtight container in the fridge. It keeps well for about 4 to 5 days. Just give it a good stir before using it again.

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. Just make sure to thaw and pat it dry before roasting. It might not get as crispy as fresh broccoli, but it will still taste great.

What can I use instead of whole grain bread?

You can use any crusty bread you like. Sourdough, baguette, or even ciabatta would work well for this recipe. Just make sure it's sturdy enough to hold the toppings.

Is there a way to make the hummus spicier?

Absolutely! You can add more red pepper flakes or even a dash of cayenne pepper to the hummus mixture. Adjust the spice level to your liking.

Can I make the hummus ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the hummus a day or two in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It might thicken a bit, so you can add a splash of water or olive oil to loosen it up before serving.