Valentina Ablaev
Simple and delicious pesto and tomato canapes make the perfect appetizer for a crowd. Bread slices topped with a creamy pesto filling and finished with fresh mozzarella and a juicy tomato, one of our favorite appetizers!
Canapes make the perfect finger food for a crowd! We love every variation from an avocado shrimp canape to this caprese bruschetta inspired canape! Everyone loves a small open-faced sandwich, and we have so many to choose from.
Why Make Canapes?
- Quick to put together. Canapes are so easy to make, they’re the perfect appetizer to throw together at the last minute. I always have a loaf of bread in the pantry, and the rest is up to your imagination!
- Fan-favorite. I’ve never left a potluck with leftover canapes! They always go so fast and make the perfect snack.
- Customizable. The best part about canapes is that they can be personalized to suit anyone!
Ingredients for Pesto Tomato Canapes
- Bread loaf – We use a French loaf, or baguette, for the best base for homemade finger sandwiches.
- Tomatoes – Cherry tomatoes are a flavorful, juicy topping.
- Mozzarella balls – Fresh mozzarella slices make the perfect addition to these mini sandwiches.
- Fresh basil – A fresh herb like basil brings so much flavor to this sandwich.
- Pesto sauce – The star of the show is the creamy pesto sauce. A mix of cream cheese, pesto, garlic, and seasoning, seriously, this stuff is incredible!
See the recipe card below for a complete list of ingredients and quantities.
Homemade is Best
When it comes to pesto, homemade is far better than anything you can find in a jar! Our easy pesto recipe makes the best, delicious pesto sauce. Use the pesto for these canapes, and make creamy pesto chicken with the leftovers!
How to Make Pesto Tomato Canapes
- Slice the baguette into ½-inch pieces and bake at 375°F for 6–8 minutes, until lightly golden and crisp, and let cool.
2. In a bowl, mix the pesto ingredients until smooth and creamy.
3. Spread or pipe the pesto onto each toasted slice.
4. Top each slice with cheese, a slice of tomato, and fresh basil.
Expert Tips:
- Pipe the spread. Though simply spreading the pesto dressing is easy, piping it onto the bread slices is so stunning! Add the spread to the piping bag, then pipe a generous swirl.
- Prep in advance. Make the assembly process extra easy by prepping everything in advance. Toast the French bread ahead of time and store it in an airtight container. Make the spread up to 2 days in advance and refrigerate it. Assemble before serving, and enjoy!
Serving Suggestions
- Brunch: These pesto canapes are the perfect addition to a classic brunch! Serve with homemade shakshuka or a breakfast casserole for the perfect complete meal.
- Bowl: These pesto canapes make the perfect appie to enjoy with a chicken harvest bowl!
How to Store Leftovers
If you happen to have leftover canapes (you probably won’t), simply arrange them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
More Appetizer Recipes
If you enjoyed this pesto tomato crostini recipe, be sure to try our other easy appetizer recipes; here are some of our favorites:
Open-Faced- Appetizer
- Finger Foods
- Appetizer
- Finger Foods
If you tried this pesto tomato canape recipe or any other recipe on my website, please leave a star rating and let me know how it went in the comments below – we appreciate it!
Pesto Tomato Canapes
Ingredients
- 1/2 French baguette
- 8 cherry tomatoes halved
- 8 mozzarella cheese balls sliced in half
- Fresh basil to garnish
pesto sauce –
- 8 oz cream cheese
- 1/3 cup pesto sauce
- 1 garlic clove minced
- dash salt pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Slice the baguette into ½” slices. Bake for 6-8 minutes, until the desired level of crunchiness is reached. Remove from oven and set aside to cool.
- In a bowl, combine the pesto sauce ingredients until smooth and creamy.
- Using a piping bag or a spoon, spread the sauce over the baguette. Top with a slice of cheese and tomato and garnish with fresh basil.
- Serve and enjoy, friends.
Notes
- Pipe the spread. While you can simply spread the pesto onto the bread, piping it creates a beautiful presentation. Transfer the spread to a piping bag, then pipe a generous amount onto each slice for a polished look.
- Prep ahead. Make entertaining easier by preparing everything in advance. Toast the French bread and store it in an airtight container at room temperature. Make this spread up to 2 days ahead and storeit in the refrigerator. Assemble just before serving.
- Store leftovers. If you have any canapés left (unlikely!), place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
