Black Olive Tapenade Crostini

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This Mediterranean spread combines pitted black olives with capers, anchovies, garlic, fresh herbs, and lemon juice to create a rich, briny tapenade. Drizzled with extra-virgin olive oil, it offers a robust and savory flavor. Golden crostini slices brushed with olive oil and rubbed with garlic provide the perfect crisp base. Suitable for quick preparation, it makes an elegant appetizer for celebrations or casual gatherings.

To prepare, baguette slices are toasted until crisp and flavored with garlic. The tapenade is coarsely chopped in a food processor to retain texture and seasoned with black pepper and lemon juice. Anchovies add depth but can be omitted for a vegan option. The tapenade is best served fresh alongside the warm crostini, with suggested pairings including sparkling wine or dry rosé for a balanced taste.

Updated on Fri, 12 Dec 2025 12:38:00 GMT
Golden crostini topped with vibrant black olive tapenade ready to be shared and enjoyed. Save
Golden crostini topped with vibrant black olive tapenade ready to be shared and enjoyed. | amberspill.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 has become a favorite at our holiday parties where everyone asks for the recipe.

Ingredients

  • 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
  • Crostini: 1 baguette sliced into 1/2-inch rounds, 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, 1 garlic clove halved for rubbing

Instructions

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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.
Product image
Keeps spices within easy reach while cooking, helping you season dishes quickly during everyday meal prep.
Check price on Amazon
Product image
Keeps spices within easy reach while cooking, helping you season dishes quickly during everyday meal prep.
Check price on Amazon
Savory black olive tapenade: a blended, rich appetizer served on crispy baked crostini. Save
Savory black olive tapenade: a blended, rich appetizer served on crispy baked crostini. | amberspill.com

Our family always gathers around the table to enjoy this spread while sharing stories and laughter.

Serving Suggestions

Pair the tapenade with a crisp sparkling wine or a dry rosé for a perfect complement.

Storage Tips

Store leftover tapenade in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Health Benefits

This recipe provides healthy fats from olive oil and antioxidants from fresh herbs and olives.

Close-up of black olive tapenade with crostini, perfect for a Mediterranean-inspired snack. Save
Close-up of black olive tapenade with crostini, perfect for a Mediterranean-inspired snack. | amberspill.com
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Measure spices, liquids, and baking ingredients accurately for consistent results in cooking and baking.
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This black olive tapenade is always a hit, easy to make, and perfect for any occasion.

Recipe FAQs

What olives are best for this tapenade?

Kalamata or Niçoise olives are preferred for their rich, briny flavor that complements the other ingredients well.

Can anchovies be omitted?

Yes, omitting anchovies creates a vegetarian option. For vegan depth, consider adding extra capers and miso paste or soy sauce.

How should the crostini be prepared?

Slice baguette into rounds, brush with olive oil, bake until golden and crisp, then rub with garlic for extra flavor.

How long does the tapenade keep?

Stored airtight in the refrigerator, it remains fresh for up to 2-3 days, but best enjoyed soon after preparation.

What pairs well with black olive tapenade and crostini?

Crisp sparkling wines, dry rosés, or light white wines complement the briny and savory flavors beautifully.

Black Olive Tapenade Crostini

Festive Mediterranean spread of black olives, capers, herbs, and anchovies served on crunchy crostini.

Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
10 minutes
Overall Time
25 minutes


Level Easy

Cuisine French/Mediterranean

Portions 8 Serving Size

Diet Preferences Vegetarian-Friendly, No Dairy

What You Need

Black Olive Tapenade

01 2 cups pitted black olives (Kalamata or Niçoise preferred)
02 2 tablespoons capers, drained
03 4 anchovy fillets in oil, drained (optional for vegetarian; omit for vegan)
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)

How To Make

Step 01

Preheat oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F.

Step 02

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

Step 03

Bake crostini: Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden and crisp; remove and rub the top of each slice with the halved garlic clove. Set aside to cool.

Step 04

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

Step 05

Emulsify tapenade: With the processor running, drizzle in olive oil slowly until a coarse paste forms; scrape sides as needed.

Step 06

Season tapenade: Season with freshly ground black pepper and adjust lemon juice to taste.

Step 07

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

Equipment Needed

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

Allergy Details

Always check each item in your recipe for allergens. Reach out to a health expert with any concerns.
  • Contains gluten (baguette) and fish (anchovies).
  • May contain traces of wheat or fish depending on ingredient brands.
  • For gluten-free or fish-free option, substitute bread and omit anchovies.

Nutrition Per Serving

Nutritional values are for reference and not a substitute for advice from a doctor.
  • Calories: 190
  • Fats: 11 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 18 grams
  • Proteins: 3 grams