Italian Sausage Crostini Recipe with Fennel Seed

Experience the delicious simplicity of this easy and rustic Sausage Crostini recipe. This crowd-pleasing appetizer seamlessly blends the robust flavors of Italian sausage, the satisfying crunch of toasted sourdough bread, the aromatic notes of fennel seeds, and the creamy goodness of melted mozzarella cheese. This recipe is great for the holiday season (a perfect appetizer for Christmas Eve) and game days.

Quick to whip up and universally loved, this versatile dish effortlessly transitions from a flavorful pre-dinner snack to a hearty lunch paired with a crisp salad. With just the right balance of salt and pepper, our sausage crostini is a straightforward yet impressive addition to your cooking lineup, sure to satisfy any gathering or craving. This great appetizer is quick to make; you can use any type of sausage, including pork sausage, for the recipe. It’s the perfect part appetizer sure to wow your guests. If you’re a fan of sausage recipes, I suggest trying my Pumpkin Tortellini Soup with Chicken Sausage and Kale.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• It’s fast – This recipe comes together in 30 minutes and is an easy, no-mess recipe. All you need is one bowl and a baking sheet and you’re good to go!
• It’s flavorful, but made with simple ingredients – This sausage crostini recipe has big flavors but is simple to make with easy-to-find ingredients from the grocery store.
• It’s versatile – I originally envisioned this crostini recipe as an appetizer for a crowd, but you can also serve these (one whole slice, prepared) as an entree! Add a bright, colorful salad and this is the perfect meal prep!

Ingredients

• Italian sausage removed from the casing – Infuses the dish with robust and savory flavors, creating a hearty and satisfying base. I tend to use chicken sausage for a leaner option, but you can use whatever you’d like! Just make sure this is the type of sausage that crumbles.
• Sourdough bread – Toasted to perfection, the crispy slices serve as the ideal canvas for the seasoned Italian sausage, adding a delightful crunch to each bite of the sausage crostini.
• Mozzarella cheese – Generously melted ontop of the crostini, the gooey texture of mozzarella enhances the dish, creating a harmonious balance with the other ingredients.
• Fennel seed – The aromatic depth of fennel seeds in the Italian sausage adds a distinctive and fragrant element to the crostini, elevating the flavor profile.

Substitutions

• Add vegetables – Make this dish a bit heartier, with the addition of vegetables. You could add sautéed onions or wilted greens for an extra kick.
• Switch up the cheese – Instead of an all-mozzarella mix, you can use part Fontina or another cheese you like. Just make sure you are using a shredded or crumbled cheese.
• Make it spicy – If your guests are fans of spicy food, you can add crushed red pepper flakes to kick it up a notch. Either way, this is a great recipe!.
• Different sausage types – Nowadays, there are so many delicious types of sausages on the market. For this usage crostini recipe, you could use various flavored sausages.
• Make it vegetarian – Substitute plant-based sausage or opt for a mix of grilled vegetables and flavorful spreads for a delicious vegetarian alternative.

Step by Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350 ° Fahrenheit. Add the crumbled sausage (removed from casing), cheese, fennel seed, salt, and pepper to a mixing bowl.

Step 2: Mix the ingredients well so they are combined.

Step 3: Place the slices of bread on a rimmed baking sheet.

Step 4: Spread the sausage mixture on each slice of sourdough bread.

Step 5: Make sure to split the sausage mixture evenly between the slices of bread so that they cook correctly.

Step 6: Bake the crostini for 15 minutes, then broil for 3 minutes. Watch carefully while you broil – you don’t want to burn the crostini. You want to brown the tops until they are golden. If serving as an appetizer, cut in halves. Serve immediately while hot!

Tips and Notes

• Quality sausage selection – Choose high-quality Italian sausage with a good balance of spices for a rich and savory flavor profile in your crostini. Ensure the sausage you pick can be removed from the casing and crumbled. I love chicken sausage for this sausage crostini recipe!
• Balanced seasoning – Ensure an awesome taste by carefully seasoning the sausage mixture with fennel seeds, salt, and pepper.

Recipe FAQs

Serving Suggestions

• Wine Pairing – Pair your sausage crostini with a medium to full-bodied red wine such as Chianti or Sangiovese. The wine’s robust character complements the savory sausage and balances the dish’s flavors. Try a crisp Pinot Grigio for a refreshing contrast for a white wine option.
• Make it a meal -Serve alongside a fresh arugula salad with a lemon vinaigrette. The crisp greens complement the richness of the sausage crostini.
• Antipasto platter – Include your crostini on an antipasto platter with various olives, cheeses, and marinated vegetables for a diverse and satisfying spread.
• Tomato bruschetta – Add a burst of freshness by serving tomato bruschetta on the side. The bright flavors of tomatoes and basil balance the savory notes of the sausage. You could also serve this with my baked ricotta dip!

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Storage

• Refrigeration – If you have leftoves, allow them to cool to room temperature. Place them in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap.
• Refrigerator shelf life – Stored properly, sausage crostini can be refrigerated for up to 2 days. Beyond this timeframe, the bread may lose its crispiness.

Reheating

• Oven method – Preheat your oven to 350° Fahrenheit (175° Celsius). Place the crostini on a baking sheet and bake for 5-8 minutes, or until heated. This helps maintain the bread’s crispiness.
• Avoid the microwave – While the microwave is a quick option, it may make the bread soggy. If using a microwave, do it quickly to prevent excessive softening.

Remember, the key is to strike a balance between reheating thoroughly and preserving the original crispness of the bread. Adjust the reheating time based on your preference for a crunchy or softer texture.