Black Olive Tapenade Crostini

Featured in: Weekend Pecan-Style Treats & Snacks

This Mediterranean-inspired dish features a blend of briny black olives, capers, anchovies, garlic, and fresh herbs transformed into a coarse, flavorful spread. The tapenade is paired with golden, crispy crostini made from baguette slices brushed with olive oil and rubbed with garlic. Quick to prepare and perfect for gatherings, it offers a delightful balance of savory and tangy flavors. Vegan adjustments can be made by omitting anchovies and boosting umami with capers and miso or soy sauce. Serve chilled or at room temperature as an elegant appetizer or snack.

Updated on Fri, 12 Dec 2025 09:00:00 GMT
Glistening black olive tapenade spooned generously on golden, crunchy crostini, a flavorful appetizer. Save to Pinterest
Glistening black olive tapenade spooned generously on golden, crunchy crostini, a flavorful appetizer. | pecanthyme.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.

I first served this at a holiday gathering and it was an instant hit with friends and family alike.

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

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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 8 to 10 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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Boil water quickly for tea, coffee, instant soups, and faster prep when cooking grains or noodles.
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Boil water quickly for tea, coffee, instant soups, and faster prep when cooking grains or noodles.
Check price on Amazon
Close-up of vibrant black olive tapenade, speckled with herbs, served with toasted crostini for dipping. Save to Pinterest
Close-up of vibrant black olive tapenade, speckled with herbs, served with toasted crostini for dipping. | pecanthyme.com

This recipe always brings our family together around the table for festive moments and joyful conversation.

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

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

Delicious black olive tapenade ready to share, with perfectly crispy crostini, perfect for a gathering. Save to Pinterest
Delicious black olive tapenade ready to share, with perfectly crispy crostini, perfect for a gathering. | pecanthyme.com
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This black olive tapenade is a perfect appetizer that combines bold flavors and simple preparation for your next gathering.

Your Questions Answered

What olives work best for the tapenade?

Kalamata or Niçoise black olives provide the ideal briny flavor and texture for a well-balanced tapenade.

Can anchovies be omitted?

Yes, anchovies are optional. Omitting them makes it vegetarian-friendly; adding extra capers and miso or soy sauce enhances umami for a vegan option.

How should crostini be prepared?

Baguette slices are brushed with olive oil, baked until crisp and golden, then rubbed with garlic for added aroma and flavor.

How far in advance can it be made?

Crostini can be prepped a day ahead and stored airtight. Tapenade keeps well refrigerated but is best served within a couple of days.

What beverages pair well?

Refreshing sparkling wines or dry rosés nicely complement the savory, tangy flavors of this olive spread and crostini pairing.

Black Olive Tapenade Crostini

Savory blend of black olives, capers, and herbs served on crisp golden crostini for a festive appetizer.

Prep Time
15 min
Time to Cook
10 min
Total Duration
25 min
Author: Ethan Ward


Skill Easy

Cuisine French/Mediterranean

Portions 8 Portion Size

Dietary Notes Vegetarian-Friendly, No Dairy

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; omit for vegan)
04 2 garlic cloves, peeled
05 2 tablespoons fresh parsley leaves
06 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
07 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves or 1 teaspoon dried
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)

How to Make It

Step 01

Preheat oven: Set the oven to 400°F.

Step 02

Prepare crostini: Arrange baguette slices on a baking sheet and brush both sides lightly with 2 tablespoons olive oil.

Step 03

Toast crostini: Bake slices for 8–10 minutes, turning halfway, until golden and crisp. Remove and rub each with cut side of garlic clove. Let cool.

Step 04

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

Step 05

Incorporate olive oil: With processor running, slowly drizzle in 1/4 cup olive oil until a coarse paste forms. Scrape down sides as needed.

Step 06

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

Step 07

Serve: Transfer tapenade to a bowl and serve alongside crostini.

What You'll Need

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

Allergy Details

Please check every ingredient for allergens and talk to a healthcare provider with any concerns.
  • Contains gluten (baguette) and fish (anchovies).
  • May contain traces of wheat or fish depending on ingredient brands.

Nutrition Details (each serving)

Nutritional info is for reference and doesn't replace a professional's advice.
  • Caloric Value: 190
  • Total Fat: 11 g
  • Carbohydrates: 18 g
  • Proteins: 3 g