Toasted, crisp crostini topped with fresh blueberries, creamy mint mascarpone, crunchy almonds and sweet honey. These Blueberry Mascarpone Crostini are the perfect snack, appetizer or starter for summer!
I have a confession to make: I am a huge klutz. Scratch that. Capitalize it- KLUTZ. How I ever made it through culinary school, without seriously injuring myself, beats the H-E-double hockey sticks out of me! I am lucky, on a daily basis, if I don’t run into a wall, door or inanimate object. My family doesn’t call me, “Gracie” for nothing!
However, when it comes to the kitchen, I am pretty graceful. Or maybe I am just super careful, or lucky. Or both? Well, luck was not on my side yesterday. I was chop, lockin’ and droppin’ pounds of fresh veggies and fruit like it was my job (well it kind of is I suppose, because of this blog), and got ‘er all diced and done with style ‘n grace. Then, I moved on to the uber-fun part of the kitchen, cleaning the mess (<–said dripping with sarcasm), when I sliced my thumb on my chef’s knife. Deep.
Meeeoooo-owwwwchie! I muttered a bunch of expletives and panicked for a minute. However, I wasn’t panicking at the blood gushing from the huge gouge on my thumb, but at the thought that I may need to go to the ER. I don’t do hospitals. Or doctors, no offense if you are one! I am sure you are quite lovely! 🙂
But, don’t cry for me Argentina, after a good 45 minutes of endless blood and constant pressure applied to the wound, it stopped bleeding. And my finger is still attached to my body! #ThankYouJesus.
What does this, me being a klutz, have to do with today’s post? Not a thing, aside from the fact that my finger is throbbing as I am typing this out. (Pity party- table of one)
With that said, let’s get to it and discuss these little lovelies – Blueberry & Whipped Mint Mascarpone Crostini {with Almonds & Honey}. You guys, these are amazingly simple and seriously delicious!
These crostini are a winning combination of sweet and savory. They are crunchy on the bottom, minty and creamy in the middle, bursting with sticky, juicy, honey covered blueberries on top and finished with salty, toasted slivers of almonds and lemon zest for a touch of zip.
These blueberry babies are also versatile. Since they are both sweet and savory, they are perfect for brunch, appetizers, as a snack or dessert. And they are customizable. Want to add delicious, festive flare to your 4th of July menu? You can make these crostini with strawberries, raspberries, blackberries or a combination of two (or three) on the top. Or, you could do a row of red fruit topped crostini, followed by a row of blue. Or, you can be (cool) like me and stick to just one fruit. Either way, I know you and your party goers are bound to love these.
Until next time, warm wishes for a fabulous 4th of July, my friends! I hope it is filled with lots of fun and fantastic food! Cheers!
-xoxo-
Cheyanne
P.S. Don’t forget to add these to your 4th of July menu as well!
Bourbon & Brown Sugar Baked Beans with Candied Bacon
And, check out my buddy, Kevin @ Kevin is Cooking! He has a great 4th of July Recipe RoundUp on his blog!
Blueberry & Whipped Mint Mascarpone Crostini {with Almonds & Honey}
Ingredients
- 1 Baguette – sliced into ¾-1’’ thick slices
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil , for drizzling
- 8-9 oz Mascarpone Cheese (can substitute Ricotta)*
- 1 tsp Honey , plus more for drizzling on top
- 3 TBS Heavy Whipping Cream (can substitute Half-and-Half)
- 1/3 Cup Fresh Mint Leaves – finely chopped, plus more to garnish
- 1 Pint Blueberries
- ½ Cup Almonds – thinly sliced
- Pinch salt
- 1 Lemon ,Zested
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line a large baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy clean up.
- Prepare the Whipped Mint Mascarpone: In the bowl of a stand mixer, affixed with the whisk attachment, whip together the mascarpone, honey and the heavy whipping cream until thick, light, and slightly fluffy soft peaks start to form. Fold in the fresh mint leaves. Set aside.
- Arrange slices of baguette on prepared baking sheet. Use a pastry brush to generously apply olive oil to tops of bread. Sprinkle with sea salt.
- Place in the oven and bake slices of bread until toasted and golden brown, about 3-5 minutes. Remove from oven, transfer to a wire rack or clean work surface and allow to cool.
- Toast the Almonds: Place a dry skillet over medium heat. Add almond slices and toast, stirring frequently, until golden brown, about 8-10 minutes. Transfer to a plate, bowl or clean work surface.
- For the Crostini: Spread each slice of bread with some of the whipped mint mascarpone. Top with blueberries and almonds. Drizzle with Honey and garnish with a mint leaf. Enjoy!
Notes
*Yield: 16-18 Crostini
these are so pretty! and they looks absolutely delicious! 😉
Thank you so much, Michele! Cheers to a stellar weekend! 🙂
This looks too good to be true. Can you ship me some?
Thanks so much, Chi! I’ll make you a deal- I will MAKE these for you, if you come pack my boxes! I know that YOU know, first hand, how much moving stinks… so I am going to assume thats a no deal 😉 Tell you what, instead you can come visit me at my new place and I will make these for you. Just let me unpack first! lol Cheers, my friend! <3
Wow I love all the flavors, looks so delish!!
Thank you so much, Manali!! 🙂 Cheers!
Is that a thumb I see laying in the background of that one photo? Hah! I kid! I’m glad you didn’t have to go to the hospital. Knife cuts are bound to happen when you cook a lot, but you’re always so annoyed at yourself when they do happen! (At least I am…) Either way, I love the mascarpone base on this crostini. I don’t use mascarpone enough. I need to correct this problem…soon. Also, I love that you said chop, lockin’ and droppin’. Hah!!
HA, David! Thank you for that giggle! Love it. You are so right, cuts are bound to happen in the kitchen, you kinda have to just KNOW at some point you are going to burn, cut, gouge yourself. I have my fair share of culinary wounds from both the professional kitchen and culinary school…. but when it’s from something as stupid as washing your knife? Maaaannnn… I can’t even tell a cool story with that! lol 🙂 Anyways, you totally must use more mascarpone! Weather it’s crostini inspired or straight from the tub. You need more of it! Cheers, buddy!
These look absolutely perfect for a summer party 🙂
Thank you so much, Phi! Cheers to a fantastic day- and hopefully a wonderful summer party in the near future! 😉
I know what you mean, those are the worst cuts and you are like: ‘will I ever stop bleeding?’
Glad you manage to finish those beautiful things. Berry and mascarpone are just to die for!
Good job
Right, Emanuele!? Its super annoying because you can’t really do anything while you are sitting and waiting on your darn finger to bleed! *yawn! 🙂 However, nothing EVER gets in my way of food. Blood, no blood… Don’t stand between me and my nom-noms! lol. Cheers buddy!
OH MY WORD! These look amazing! What a great combo of fresh flavors!! SO delicious and tasty! Perf for a warm summer day!
Thank you so much for the kind words and stopping by, Cailee! Cheers and warm wishes to a fabulous day!! 😉
Yummy winner here! I love pretty much anything on a crostini but this combo sounds especially delicious! A little fruit, a little nuts, a little zest – so much goodness in one bite! Also, very glad to hear you didn’t have to go to the ER AND still have a full finger. 😉 I’m sure it’ll happen to me soon enough – I pay more attention when chopping and less when washing…. Hm, hello, danger!
Hope you had a fabulous 4th! XO
Thank you, Kathryn!! You can’t go wrong with anything on a slice of toasted bread- right!? 😉 I certainly hope you don’t pull a me and cut yourself while cleaning up. Scratch that. I hope you don’t cut yourself PERIOD!! My fourth was filled with packing, so I certainly hope yours was much more enjoyable than mine!! Cheers, my dear- to a beautiful day!
I always think of crostini as being savory – never though of a sweet version. Love the idea of a blue row and then a red row. Looking forward to trying this!
Thank you, Geraldine! I like my crostini to be a mix of savory and sweet- but, then again, I like everything to be that combination… with a bit a spice 🙂 If you do try these, I hope you enjoy them as much as we did! Cheers and thank you so much for stopping by and commenting! <3
Hahaha you don’t know how many plates I’ve broken in the 15 years that I’ve been on this planet!!!!
I need this!!! I mean it looks so refreshing and colorfull that I’m going to make it the next time I have all the ingredients!!!
Lol, Anne! Your blog is super impressive- ESPECIALLY for someone who is 15- therefore I think you get a free pass to accidentally break all the plates on the planet! Thanks for stopping by, and Cheers! 🙂
love this and love your style of writing. You bring us right in and want to know more . Keep it up your doing an amazing job !
Thank you, Teri! Huge compliment coming from you, because your writing style is elegant perfection! I’m a little more silly and less than “refined” in my writing. Hope you and your family are having a beautiful weekend! Cheers, pretty lady!
These crostini look amazing! I’ve been really into this type of dish lately so it is right up my alley!
Thank you, Shelby! Little bites of delish are right up my alley too — perfect because you can bite, eat, and repeat 😉 Hope you are having a fantastic weekend! Cheers!
Yum!! I love mascarpone and bet it’s perfect with blueberries, almonds, and mint! What a perfect appetizer.
Thank you, Becky!! Mascarpone is pretty dang perfect on its own, so it didn’t really need a lot of help to make this appetizer delicious! 🙂 Hope you are having a wonderful weekend!! Cheers!
I’m picturing you as a ballerina in the kitchen 😉 I think you found your calling because everything you make is not only incredible, it’s inspiring! Love this simple yet elegant crostini and such a beautiful presentation too!
LOL, Kathleen!! Me, a ballerina? Ha- maybe a different lifetime? 😉 Thank you SO much for the seriously sweet comment- you totally just made my day! Cheers, pretty lady! Warm wishes for a wonderful 4th of July!
Holy gorgeousness!! I love the combo of flavors and textures here! So sorry about your thumb – I hope it heals quickly!!
Thank you, Sam! Cheers and warm wishes for a fab. weekend! 😉
I am a super klutz, too! Seriously. I can fall over when I’m standing still. It’s that bad. I’m sorry about your knife wound! But it sounds cool to say it. Like, “Hey, I have a knife wound.”
These look amazing. The perfect combo of salty, cheesy, crusty, sweet!
Lol, Mir! Super Klutzs Unite! I don’t know how it’s possible to do have the clumsy a$$ sh*+ I do, but I manage. So, I don’t find it hard to believe you fall over standing still! 🙂 I’m totally going to say “Hey, I have a knife wound… and you should see the other girl” <--or is that too far?!? Anyways, thanks for the kind words about the crostini and for stopping by! Cheers to a wonderful holiday weekend!!
Haha this post cracked me up! This crostini looks sooooo good. So so soo good. Totally making! Careful with those knives ;).
Lol, thanks Annie. I’m glad me injurying myself makes you laugh! 😉 HA kidding! I’m totally going to be more careful from now on, when it comes to cleaning up– I’m just going to have my husband do it. #Winning #EvilGenius Hope you and the Hubs have a wonderful 4th of July Weekend, my sweets!
Ooh, Cheyanne, I know what you mean about clean up 🙁 It not only sucks, but it also tends to be the time I injure myself. Last week I had a knife that was sticking straight up in the dishwasher, and I didn’t see it when I went to place another utensil in the same section, and got poked bad enough that I was cursing the knife for the rest of the day. I also cut into the base of my thumb when I was struggling to put the clear case/cover over my grater…so annoying, especially because they’re just dumb occurrences!
But more important than all of this is the gorgeous crostini you’ve created here! I’m such a big fan of cheese and honey to dress up a crostini, and I love that you did that here. I also love that you incorporated fresh blueberries with mint; I can imagine it would really wake up the crostini and make them look and taste so vibrant. Fantastic, Cheyanne! (P.S. I would love to see you chopping up all those fruits and veggies. I’m absolutely captivated watching professional chefs do that!)
Oh, no! You too, Beeta?? I thought I was the only klutz who hurt themselves in the clean up-dumb-annoying-process! I have come very, very close to poking myself with a knife sticking up in the dishwasher- I can’t imagine how bad that hurts! I am super thankful though, that your injury wasn’t worse!! That knife could have totally went right through your hand! And the grater, I have had that accident- that one stings. for sure! One of these days, if we ever get to meet in person, we will totally have to swap kitchen horror stories… as we cook up something delish of course! (<- and you can watch me chopping fruit and veggies... even though i'm boring and soooo not captivating!! lol) Thank you so much for the sweet words about these crostini! I'm a HUGE fan of honey and cheese too- SO good! I hope you have a fantastic weekend, pretty lady! Cheers and hugs!
Oh no! I’m hope you’re ok. I’m a big klutz as well and already got hurt 3 times this year: fell in the bathroom, broke 2 toes (by kicking the couch) and broke a tooth! lol So I feel ya! These crostini, though… Holy cow! I’m a crostini addict and I can totally see them in my near future. *major drool*
Thanks, Olivia! I’ll be okay! I’m just thankful I didn’t injur myself seriously! #Blessed! I couldn’t help but giggle at all your accidents this year (no offense!)… I only laugh because you totally sound like me!! I’m always falling over, breaking stuff, bruising myself.. total bull in a china shop! I haven’t broken a tooth though! (knock on wood!!!!) OUCH! That does NOT sound pleasant!!! I hope you are okay! So weird you said that though because hubbs is a dental technician… so he like makes teeth (in a nut shell). Lemme know if you need some made! lol. All jokes aside. I hope you don’t break anything else this year – or at least, Cheers to hoping! 🙂 xo
Yikes, hope your finger is okay girl. I’m such a klutz too. Love this crostini you made though. The blueberries, mascarpone and honey drizzle look and sound amazing!
Thank you, Kelly! I am fairly certain I will survive 😉 I might need my husband to wash all the dirty dishes from now until the end of time though! (<--- I'm sneaky!) Cheers, my dear and warm wishes for a fab weekend!
I love crostini. And I love everything about this crostini! I mean who can resist the fresh berries and cheese. And that honey drizzle is just to die for! YUMM! Loved these stunning pictures too !
Thank you, Anu! I absolutely must confess that I could not resist these… but I didn’t eat TOO many becuase my husband was hogging them! 😉 Cheers, girlie! And warm wishes for a beautiful weekend!
The crostini look superb! Everything works in perfect harmony. You are a much tougher woman than I am. I would have gotten myself to the doctors after 20 minutes of bleeding. I hope you heal quickly!
Thanks, Thao! I’m not sure if I am tougher than you or more of a wimp than you! I didn’t go to the doctor because they scare me! Lol… so I think that you actually may be a tougher lady! 😉 Cheers and warm wishes for a wonderful weekend, my friend!
I LOVE crostini!!! it’s one of my fave things to munch on. . LOVE the whipped mint mascarpone and the blueberries. . I die!! looks so good!!!
Thank you, Alice! Crostini are the perfect snack, totally agree! 🙂 Hope you and your beautiful family have a wonderful 4th of July weekend!
Wow, I love everything about this crostini! The blueberries, mascarpone and honey drizzle look and sound amazing. I’m glad to hear your ok after your slip with the knife!
Thank you, Ashley! It’s kind of hard to go wrong with the combo of blueberries, mascarpone and honey… honestly you could just mash em together, throw them in a bowl and I’d be happy! 🙂 Hope you have a great holiday weekend! Cheers!
Yikes, sorry to hear about your slip with the knife, glad to hear that you still have all of your digits!
These crostini are absolutely stunning, seriously! Beautiful photos!
Thanks, Sam. Having all my digits still in place is kinda awesome.. won’t lie 😉 Thanks for the kind words!!! Hope you have a beautiful 4th of July weekend, girlie!
Oh. My. Gosh. My taste buds just fell off my head at the sight of these! I mean blueberries? YES. Mint? YES x 2 and mascarpone? HELLO CREAMY GOODNESS. I want ALL the crostini in my face NOW.
Lol Taylor, you always crack me up. 🙂 Hope you have a wonderful 4th of July weekend, my sweets (with lots and lots of delicious food up in yo face!)
Funny thing, I’m not really a klutz in everyday life, and even when I’m in the kitchen I’m pretty graceful. However, the kitchen is where all of my klutz moments have happened. I have had so many burns, cuts, and broken pans it’s not even funny. I remember my first major cut (I was 18) happened while I was cutting sweet potatoes. I took a huge chunk of skin off the tip of my thumb and the blood was unreal. I called my dad to help me and him cleaning the wound was incredibly painful! I fell your pain girl – I hope it heals fast!
OUUUCHHHH, Keri! Girl, I know that sweet potato had to have gotten chucked across the kitchen after that cut! I cringed when I was reading your comment, because sweet potatoes aren’t soft, so I know you had to have been applying a lot of pressure to that knife! Glad your Dad was there to help you! (Dad’s are the best, aren’t they!?)
Hope you have a wonderful 4th of July weekend, girlie- and a safe one! 😉
I am such a klutz, too! My husband always makes fun of me for it! 🙂 This crostini looks absolutely gorgeous, Cheyanne! I love the blueberry and mint combo. What a perfect appetizer for the summer! Hope you have a great 4th! 🙂
Husbands can be so insensitive sometimes! lol (mine totally makes fun of me too!) Mint and blueberries are seriously yummy together, I could live off that combination mixed in some ice cream 🙂 (my hips might hate me for that though!). I hope you and your family have a wonderful 4th of July, Gayle! Cheers, my friend!
I need these in my life. Whole plate of them for dinner, maybe……and then lunch the next day! Love love love this flavor combo and what ISN’T better when you put it on toast – right? ; )
Thanks, Trish! Boy was eating a plateful of these BEFORE dinner! I totally agree, putting anything on toast is like putting an egg on something. Just.GIMME! 🙂 Cheers, girlie!
Girl! I love this recipe and all about it! great pictures! Gracie?? hahahaha still laughing LOL
Thanks, G! Hey, I guess you can call me G too! lol 😉 Cheers, my sweets! xo
I totally feel you with the klutz thing – Yesterday I spilled a brand new container of cream all over the floor. The dog loved it, but I did not. At any rate, these look fab! I want some now!
Oh no, Sarah! That stinks! I can picture your pup loving the cream, I know mine would have! (<--- also hope your dog digested it okay and it wasn't a huge disaster when it came out the other end!!). Thanks for the kind words- Cheers to a beautiful day! 🙂
Lacking of grace, we’re kind of soul mates, ha-ha! But who cares what’s going on outside of the kitchen, right? Indeed, even if you’re not that gracious in the kitchen as well (and now we now that doesn’t apply in your case), I couldn’t care mush as far as you make so elegant food. Lovely crostini – the topping is the best! Good job!
Ben, I’m pretty sure we might be foodie friend soul mates 🙂 Thanks for the kind words and always bringing a smile to my face! Cheers, buddy! *hugs*
I had no idea you went to a culinary school, how cool! I had a taste of it doing a school ROP class in restaurants and the kitchen which really sparked the bug. I’m also very happy you still have all 10 digits. I literally gripped my thumb as you mentioned the cut as I have done countless times, but the worse was on a mandoline, buh-bye thumb tip! Horrible and what a mess. So, it looks like we are kitchen cut survivors and I hope it doesn’t ruin your holiday weekend. Have one of these beauties and I’m sure you will be fine Chey – they sound WONDERFUL!
I’m glad I still have 10 digits too, Kevin! Culinary school was fun, it was a lot of work (and $!), but I learned a lot! I’m sure the ROP class was a lot of fun and obviously something sparked the food bug in you, because your blog rocks! I’ve cut myself on the mandoline too- that one definately HURTS!!! Hope your thumb tip is better and now you use the guard on the mandoline (wink wink. wait I should take my own sarcastic advice!). Cheers to being a kitchen survivor! And to a wonderful 4th of July weekend! 🙂
Hey! You know what they say…great minds… Crostini must have been in the air this week and I am loving yours! So bright and sweet and just perfect for the 4th!! Beautiful photos!! Have a great weekend, Cheyanne!
Crostini love sure is in the warm summer air, Annie! I saw yours and they look fabulous! Too bad we don’t live closer, we could have had a crostini party! Both would be so perfect to enjoy out on the deck with a nice glass of wine and good company! Hope you have a fantastic 4th of July, pretty lady! I KNOW it’s going to be filled with lots of fabulous food! Cheers! xo
Girl, I totally sympathize with the klutz situation. I’m right there with you. Remember my bike wrecks? Lordy. I’m really glad your thumb is still attached! I have a bunch of blueberries and strawberries in my fridge and have the house to myself tonight. I think I’m going to make this crostini, grab a bottle of wine, park myself on the couch and binge watch General Hospital. Don’t judge me. 🙂 Cheers and happy 4th!
Rachelle, I TOTALLY remember you mentioning you are a klutz! #CoolKidz are klutzs! I’m super excited my thumb is still attached too, I’d look weird without one (well, weirder than I already do!). Guzzling a bottle of wine while watching G.H and noshing on these sounds like the perfect day! No judgement here! Cheers and Happy 4th back at ya! xo 🙂
Oh man, I love, LOVE, berries with cheese or anything savory really. These pretty apps are so up my alley!
Thank you, Tori! Me too!!! Cheers to a wonderful 4th of July Weekend!! 😉