Black Olive Tapenade Crostini

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This Mediterranean-inspired dish features a flavorful spread of black olives combined with capers, anchovies, garlic, and fresh herbs. The mixture is pulsed to create a coarse paste and served atop crisp, golden crostini toasted to perfection. The balance of briny, savory, and citrus notes makes it a delightful appetizer ideal for festive occasions or casual gatherings. Optional anchovies can be omitted for a vegan variation, with the addition of miso or soy sauce to enhance depth. Complement with sparkling wine or dry rosé to elevate the experience.

Updated on Fri, 12 Dec 2025 15:33:00 GMT
Golden crostini topped with vibrant black olive tapenade, a flavorful appetizer perfect for sharing. Save
Golden crostini topped with vibrant black olive tapenade, a flavorful appetizer perfect for sharing. | berrycottage.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.

This tapenade quickly became a family favorite at every celebration we host& it never fails to impress guests with its rich, bold flavors.

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 8–10 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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| berrycottage.com

We always enjoy gathering around the table sharing this flavorful spread while reminiscing about holidays past and making new memories.

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 per serving

Close-up of savory black olive tapenade with fresh herbs, served on crispy, toasted crostini for delicious appetizers. Save
Close-up of savory black olive tapenade with fresh herbs, served on crispy, toasted crostini for delicious appetizers. | berrycottage.com

This tapenade makes a delightful addition to any appetizer menu and is sure to please all palates.

Recipe FAQ

What types of olives work best for the tapenade?

Kalamata or Niçoise olives are preferred for their robust, briny flavor that enhances the spread.

Can I make the crostini ahead of time?

Yes, crostini can be baked up to a day in advance and stored in an airtight container to retain crispness.

How do I make the spread vegan-friendly?

Simply omit the anchovies and add an extra tablespoon of capers plus a bit of miso paste or soy sauce for depth.

What is the best way to toast the crostini?

Brush baguette slices lightly with olive oil and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 8–10 minutes until golden and crisp.

How can I enhance the flavor of the tapenade?

Adding fresh lemon juice and a sprinkle of black pepper balances the briny ingredients; a touch of orange zest adds a lovely citrus twist.

Black Olive Tapenade Crostini

A savory blend of black olives, capers, and herbs served atop crisp golden crostini for sharing.

Prep duration
15 min
Cook duration
10 min
Complete duration
25 min
Created by Lily Anderson


Complexity Easy

Heritage French/Mediterranean

Output 8 Portions

Dietary considerations No dairy

Components

Black Olive Tapenade

01 2 cups pitted black olives (Kalamata or Niçoise)
02 2 tablespoons drained capers
03 4 anchovy fillets in oil, drained (optional)
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

Direction 01

Preheat oven: Set the oven to 400°F and allow it to reach temperature.

Direction 02

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

Direction 03

Bake crostini: Bake the slices for 8 to 10 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden and crisp. Remove and rub the cut side of garlic over the crostini. Let cool.

Direction 04

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

Direction 05

Incorporate olive oil: While processing, slowly drizzle in olive oil until the mixture forms a coarse paste, scraping down the sides as necessary.

Direction 06

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

Direction 07

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

Necessary tools

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

Allergy information

Review each ingredient for potential allergens and seek professional medical advice if you have concerns.
  • Contains gluten (baguette) and fish (anchovies)
  • May contain traces of wheat or fish depending on brands

Nutritional information (per portion)

These values are estimates only and shouldn't replace professional medical guidance.
  • Energy: 190
  • Fats: 11 g
  • Carbohydrates: 18 g
  • Proteins: 3 g