Black Olive Tapenade Crostini

Featured in: Party Food Ideas

This black olive tapenade combines Kalamata olives, capers, anchovies, garlic, fresh herbs, and lemon juice, blended into a coarse, flavorful paste. Served atop warm, crisp crostini rubbed with garlic, it offers a perfect balance of briny, herbal, and citrusy notes. Ideal for festive occasions, this easy-to-prepare spread brings Mediterranean flair to your appetizer table with just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time. Customize with vegan options by omitting anchovies and adding miso or soy sauce for umami depth.

Updated on Fri, 12 Dec 2025 09:36:00 GMT
Golden crostini topped with vibrant black olive tapenade, a savory appetizer for sharing. Save to Pinterest
Golden crostini topped with vibrant black olive tapenade, a savory appetizer for sharing. | chomzo.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.

I first served this tapenade at a holiday party and it was a huge hit with family and friends

Ingredients

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

Instructions

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
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| chomzo.com

This recipe always brings my family together to chat and enjoy the flavors during celebrations

Required Tools

Food processor baking sheet pastry brush sharp knife

Allergen Information

Contains gluten (baguette) fish (anchovies) May contain traces of wheat or fish depending on brands

Nutritional Information (per serving)

Calories: 190 Total Fat: 11 g Carbohydrates: 18 g Protein: 3 g

Close-up of a bowl of black olive tapenade served alongside toasted, golden crostini. Save to Pinterest
Close-up of a bowl of black olive tapenade served alongside toasted, golden crostini. | chomzo.com

Enjoy your homemade tapenade as a festive appetizer that delights every guest

Common Questions

What olives work best for this spread?

Kalamata or Niçoise olives give the tapenade its characteristic briny and rich flavor, making them ideal choices.

Can anchovies be omitted?

Yes, leaving out anchovies makes it vegetarian. For a vegan twist, replace anchovies with extra capers and a splash of miso or soy sauce for depth.

How do I prepare the crostini?

Sliced baguette rounds are brushed with olive oil, baked until crisp and golden, then rubbed with garlic for extra flavor.

How long can the tapenade be stored?

Stored in an airtight container, it can be kept refrigerated for up to 3 days while maintaining its vibrant taste.

What beverages pair well with this dish?

Crisp sparkling wines or dry rosés complement the tapenade’s briny and herbal notes nicely.

Black Olive Tapenade Crostini

Briny black olives and herbs blended into a savory spread served over crisp, golden crostini.

Prep Duration
15 minutes
Cook Duration
10 minutes
Time Needed
25 minutes
Author Maya Brooks


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Type French/Mediterranean

Makes 8 Portions

Dietary Info No Dairy

Required Ingredients

Black Olive Tapenade

01 2 cups pitted black olives (Kalamata or Niçoise)
02 2 tablespoons capers, drained
03 4 anchovy fillets in oil, drained (optional)
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)

Preparation Steps

Step 01

Preheat oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).

Step 02

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

Step 03

Toast crostini: Bake the baguette slices for 8 to 10 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden and crisp. Remove from the oven and rub the cut side of the garlic clove over the top of each crostini. Set aside to cool.

Step 04

Combine tapenade ingredients: In a food processor, combine black olives, capers, anchovy fillets if using, garlic, parsley, lemon juice, and thyme. Pulse several times until coarsely chopped.

Step 05

Incorporate olive oil: With the processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the mixture forms a coarse paste. Scrape down the sides as needed.

Step 06

Season tapenade: Adjust seasoning with freshly ground black pepper and more lemon juice if desired.

Step 07

Serve: Transfer the tapenade to a serving bowl and serve alongside the prepared crostini.

Tools Needed

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

Allergy Details

Look at the ingredient list to spot allergens. If you have questions, ask a healthcare provider.
  • Contains gluten (baguette) and fish (anchovies).
  • May contain traces of wheat or fish depending on ingredient brands.
  • Check labels or substitute gluten-free bread and omit anchovies to avoid allergens.

Nutrition Details (each portion)

These facts are just for your reference and not substitute for medical guidance.
  • Energy: 190
  • Fats: 11 g
  • Carbohydrates: 18 g
  • Proteins: 3 g