Fresh Strawberry Basil Crostini

Strawberry Basil Crostini are the most delicious way to highlight sweet ripe strawberries at the peak of their season. Toasted slices of Baguette are slathered with Crème Fraîche, then topped with the sweetest, ripest summer Strawberries, fresh Basil, and Pink Peppercorns. Summer in one bite!

Summer Lovin’

Here we are…about a week until the start of summer and my garden is already off to a good start. We’ve had a few scorchers, a few rainy days and some sunny mild days; the best combination for growing a great garden. At one time, I had a large yard garden with a few raised strawberry patches but there’s not enough space at our current home. I really miss growing Strawberries.

How to Pick the Best Strawberries for Crostini

If you have a strawberry patch, you know the best strawberries are small, with a deep red hue. When you pick them, they’re still warm from the sun and if properly ripened, red all the way through to the core. Pop one into your mouth and let the sweet n sour flavours explode over your tongue. Yeah, that’s the good stuff!

Farmer’s Markets are Ripe with Flavour

Of course, not everyone has space for their own backyard strawberry patch. Fortunately you can still find some great strawberries at farmer’s markets during the right time of the year. Sure, you can buy strawberries all year long. However, there’s a huge difference between imported ‘November’ strawberries and the sweet strawberries of June.

Strawberry and Balsamic – A Classic Combo on Crostini

A great balsamic vinegar is like gold in the bank. There’s something about the strawberry/balsamic combo that just really makes your taste buds sing. I think it’s because they both have that special sweet and sour flavour profile. The balsamic vinegar actually intensifies the flavour of the strawberries.

Tomatoes vs Strawberries

You may have caught my little flavour swap trick. In some recipes, strawberries can be used in place of tomatoes. I know it sounds strange but at the peak of their season, both fruits (yes, tomatoes are classified as fruit!) have a similar flavour profile. Try replacing the tomatoes in your next Caprese Salad with Strawberries and you’ll be surprised at how delicious it is.

Strawberry Basil Crostini

This crostini topping is basically a Caprese Salad with the tomatoes swapped with strawberries. I’ve also spread the toasted crostini with a mild  crème fraîche and added some freshly cracked pink peppercorns. If you don’t have crème fraîche, fresh ricotta or even cream cheese will do. Grab your favourite rosé and enjoy these tasty crostini in the summer sun.

Sweet Strawberry Recipes from Dish ‘n’ the Kitchen

Vanilla Roasted Strawberry Rhubarb Dessert

Roasted Strawberry Balsamic Ice Cream

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