Lemon Pea Crostini

These pea crostini layer a zesty lemon-garlic pea spread over crisp toasts for a fresh, springy bite in minutes. Make the mash ahead, then assemble right before serving for the brightest color and flavor.

Gather This

You only need a handful of simple ingredients for this lemon pea crostini. A full list of ingredients with measurements for this recipe is available in the printable recipe card below.

• Frozen peas – I prefer frozen; but you can use fresh- they might need a little more cook time. You can also use canned peas, but it will require less cook time and will likely not be a beautiful vibrant green hue. Canned peas are a usually a muddy green. 

How to Make Pea Crostini (Step-by-Step)

Making this party appetizer is as easy as 1, 2, 3!

1. Combine pea mash ingredients. Combine peas, garlic, parsley, olive oil, salt and water to a medium sauce pan. Bring to a simmer, stirring until parsley is wilted and garlic is starting to soften.
2. Strain and add lemon. Strain, reserving liquid, and add solids to a food processor. Add zest of one lemon, lemon juice and remaining two tablespoons virgin olive oil to mixture and puree. Mixture will be a paste, add reserved liquid until it is a spreadable consistency.
3. Chill. Remove and refrigerate until ready to serve.
4. Spread onto crostinis with toppings. When ready to serve, spread generously on a crostinis. Sprinkle with crushed red pepper and remaining lemon zest. If desired, drizzle with additional virgin olive oil.

Tips and Variations

There are plenty of ways for you to make this pea mash crostini your own. Here are some ideas.

• Zing factor: Add even more zest/juice to taste.
• Herb swap: Mint or basil in place of parsley for a different profile.
• Creamy twist: Pulse in some cheese like ricotta, feta, or mascarpone.
• Protein add-on: Top with shaved Parmesan, prosciutto shards, crumbled bacon or smoked salmon.

How to Make Crostini

You can surely buy store-made crostini to save time, or if you have a loaf, make one of your own. The loaf of bread can be whatever you enjoy.

1. Using a serrated knife, slice into 1/2 inch thick slices. Place them on a rimmed baking sheet and baste lightly with extra virgin olive oil.
2. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Toast the bread for 8-10 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
3. Remove and allow to cool before topping.

Perfect Pairings

I like to serve my pea mash crostini with a glass of crisp white wine. Sparkling, sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio are all great options.

Because it’s an appetizer, it’s best paired with other handheld bites. Check the section below for more inspiration.

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Pair these pea mash crostinis with any number of appetizers! Here are some of our favorites.

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Whip up vibrant pea crostini with lemon, garlic, parsley and olive oil. Fast, fresh, and make-ahead friendly- perfect for parties, snacks, or brunch.

Prep Time: 5 minutes mins

Cook Time: 10 minutes mins

Total Time: 15 minutes mins

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Servings: 20

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Equipment

• Food Processor

Ingredients

• 2 cups frozen peas thawed
• 2 garlic cloves coarsely chopped
• 1/4 flat leaf parsley
• 3 tablespoons virgin olive oil divided
• 1/2 teaspoon coarse sea salt
• 1/2 cup water
• Zest of two lemons divided
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon crushed red pepper
• 20 crostinis
• crushed red pepper flakes
• balsamic reduction , optional
• additional lemon zest
• flakey sea salt (Maldon sea salt)

Instructions

• Combine the 2 cups frozen peas, chopped 2 garlic cloves, 1/4 flat leaf parsley, 1 ½ tablespoons virgin olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon coarse sea salt and 1/2 cup water to a medium sauce pan. Bring to a simmer, stirring for 5-7 minutes or until parsley is wilted and garlic is starting to soften.
• Strain, reserving liquid, and add solids to a food processor. Add the Zest of two lemons and 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, and remaining 1 tablespoon crushed red pepper to mixture and puree. Mixture will be a paste, add the reserved liquid until it is a spreadable consistency.
• Remove and refrigerate until ready to serve.
• When ready to serve, spread generously on a crostinis. Sprinkle with desired toppings including crushed red pepper flakes , balsamic reduction, additional lemon zest , flakey sea salt (Maldon sea salt) or additional olive oil.
• If you've tried this recipe, come back and let us know how it was in the comments or star ratings.

Notes

Adapted from Bon Appetite.

Storage: Store different elements separately. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. 

Freezing: Pea mash can be frozen, but will be a little thinner and more watery when thawed. It is best served after the original preparation. 

Nutrition

Calories: 96 kcal, Carbohydrates: 14 g, Protein: 2 g, Fat: 3 g, Sodium: 196 mg, Potassium: 72 mg, Fiber: 1 g, Sugar: 1 g, Vitamin A: 230 IU, Vitamin C: 6.4 mg, Calcium: 32 mg, Iron: 1 mg

Author: Chef Jessica Formicola

Calories: 96

Course: Appetizer

Cuisine: American

Keyword: crostini recipes, mashed peas, pea crostini

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