Black Olive Tapenade Crostini

Featured in: Mocktails

This dish features a vibrant blend of black olives, capers, and anchovies combined with fresh garlic, parsley, lemon juice, and thyme. The mix is pulsed to a coarse paste and enhanced with extra-virgin olive oil and black pepper. Crispy golden crostini, brushed with olive oil and rubbed with garlic, provide the perfect crunchy base. Ideal for sharing at celebrations, it offers a balanced mix of salty, tangy, and herbal flavors. Vegan options are available by omitting anchovies and boosting depth with miso or soy sauce.

Updated on Fri, 12 Dec 2025 11:30:00 GMT
Golden crostini topped with vibrant black olive tapenade, a savory appetizer perfect for sharing. Save It
Golden crostini topped with vibrant black olive tapenade, a savory appetizer perfect for sharing. | sunnyspoonful.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

  • For the Black Olive Tapenade: 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
  • For the Crostini: 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 810 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

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

A close-up of a bowl filled with black olive tapenade served alongside crispy, toasted crostini. Save It
A close-up of a bowl filled with black olive tapenade served alongside crispy, toasted crostini. | sunnyspoonful.com

This tapenade is an easy and flavorful appetizer sure to impress your guests.

Recipe FAQs

Can I make the tapenade vegan?

Yes, simply omit the anchovies and add an extra tablespoon of capers along with miso paste or soy sauce to enhance the flavor.

How do I get crisp crostini?

Slice the baguette thinly, brush both sides with olive oil, and bake at 400°F until golden and crisp, about 8–10 minutes, turning halfway through.

What olives work best in the tapenade?

Kalamata or Niçoise olives are preferred for their robust, briny flavor and firm texture.

Can I prepare the crostini ahead of time?

Yes, crostini can be baked and stored in an airtight container for up to a day before serving.

What wine pairs well with this dish?

A crisp sparkling wine or a dry rosé complements the salty and herbal notes excellently.

Black Olive Tapenade Crostini

Briny black olives, capers, and herbs combined with crisp crostini for a flavorful Mediterranean delight.

Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Total Duration
25 mins
Authored by Lana Bright

Recipe Type Mocktails

Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Style French/Mediterranean

Recipe Yield 8 Serving Size

Diet Preferences Vegetarian-Friendly, Dairy-Free

What You'll Need

Black Olive 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 thyme
08 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
09 Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Crostini

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

Directions

Step 01

Preheat oven: Heat the oven to 400°F.

Step 02

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

Step 03

Toast crostini: Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, turning halfway, until golden and crisp. Remove from oven and rub tops with halved garlic clove. Let cool.

Step 04

Combine tapenade ingredients: In a food processor, pulse black olives, capers, anchovy fillets (if using), garlic, parsley, lemon juice, and thyme until coarsely chopped.

Step 05

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

Step 06

Season tapenade: Adjust seasoning with black pepper and additional lemon juice to taste.

Step 07

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

Tools You'll Need

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

Allergy Information

Review each ingredient to identify potential allergens, and consult a healthcare professional if you're unsure.
  • Contains gluten (baguette) and fish (anchovies).
  • May contain traces of wheat or fish depending on brand.

Nutrition Details (Per Serving)

This nutritional data is for reference only and isn't a substitute for medical advice.
  • Caloric Value: 190
  • Fats: 11 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 18 grams
  • Proteins: 3 grams