Spiced Pumpkin Sage Crostini
Let's Get This Vegan Fall Appetizer Party Started!
Ever stared into your fridge, wondering what to whip up for a fall get-together? I have! Let's make something delicious: Spiced Pumpkin & Sage Crostini! Seriously, these little bites are packed with autumn flavor.
They're perfect vegan fall appetizers for party .
Why These Crostini Are Totally Awesome
These aren't just any appetizers. They're a delicious blend of fall flavors. Think warm spices, creamy pumpkin, and fragrant sage.
It's like a hug in every bite! They’re also super easy, which is always a win.
These vegan Thanksgiving appetizers have some serious cultural significance. The pumpkin and sage? It's practically autumn in a bite. This recipe is easy , even for kitchen newbies.
It takes about 35 minutes total. This makes around 24 crostini enough for a small gathering. I've made this before, and honestly, it's gone in minutes!
The Benefits? Oh My Gosh, There Are So Many!
Pumpkin is packed with vitamins. We love it! Plus, these are perfect for any fall occasion. I'm thinking bonfire night, Thanksgiving pre-dinner snacks, or even just a cozy evening in.
What makes them special? The flavor combo is just unreal. They're also really pretty.
Ready to dive in? Next up, let's talk about what you'll need. Trust me, it's a pretty straightforward list for creating these plant based fall party snacks .
Alright, let's dive into what you'll need to whip up these amazing vegan fall appetizers for party ! This spiced pumpkin and sage crostini recipe is pretty straightforward.
Honestly, the most challenging part is probably just resisting the urge to eat all the pumpkin puree before it even makes it onto the bread, you know?
Ingredients & Equipment: Getting Ready to Rumble
Main Ingredients: The Stars of the Show
Here's a breakdown of what you'll need, with both US and metric measurements, because why not?
- For the Crostini:
- 1 baguette, sliced into ½-inch thick rounds (about 24 slices)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Pinch of sea salt
- Pinch of black pepper
- For the Pumpkin Puree:
- 1 (15-ounce / 425g) can pumpkin puree. Important: Make sure it's puree , not pumpkin pie filling. Big difference!
- 2 tablespoons vegan cream cheese, softened. Kite Hill or Tofutti work great, if you were wondering.
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup. Go for the real stuff, it's worth it!
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- For the Topping:
- 12 fresh sage leaves, roughly chopped. Fresh is best here!
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze. I usually buy mine, but you can totally make it from scratch if you're feeling fancy.
Seasoning Notes: Autumn in a Bite
The spice combo is key here. Pumpkin pie spice is your best friend for that warm, autumnal vibe. But don't be afraid to play around.
A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg will also do the trick! It will give an extra warm sense to your vegan Thanksgiving appetizers .
If you don't have fresh sage, dried sage will do, but honestly, the fresh sage makes such a difference. Think about substitution when planning plant based fall party snacks .
Also, balsamic glaze is the perfect tangy counterpoint to the sweetness of the pumpkin and maple syrup. It's like a little hug for your taste buds! You can even make this a seasonal vegan crostini toppings .
These spices add some serious punch and aroma to these fall harvest vegan appetizers .
Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple
- Baking sheet. For toasting the bread.
- Small saucepan. If you're making balsamic glaze.
- Mixing bowl. For the pumpkin puree.
- Small skillet. To sauté the sage.
- Measuring cups and spoons. Obvs.
Honestly, that’s about it. Don’t go overthinking things, you know? If you don't have a skillet, a frying pan works just as well! This is also useful for easy vegan appetizer recipes .
Now, go forth and create some deliciousness! These vegan autumn finger foods are great for vegan party food ideas fall .
I am sure that everyone will love these dairy-free fall appetizers . You got this!
Cooking Method: Toasting Your Way to Autumn Bliss (Vegan Crostini Style!)
Alright, so you wanna wow your guests with some vegan fall appetizers for party ? Honestly, who doesn't love a good crostini? They're like tiny slices of heaven! Today, we're tackling how to perfectly toast those baguette slices for our Spiced Pumpkin & Sage Crostini with Balsamic Glaze .
This isn't rocket science, but a few little tricks will take you from soggy bread to crunchy perfection.
Prep Steps: Get Your Mise En Place On!
First things first: mise en place! Sounds fancy, right? It just means getting everything ready before you start. Slice your baguette into ½-inch rounds.
Get your olive oil, salt, and pepper within easy reach. Preheat your oven to 375° F ( 190° C) . This prep ensures you're not scrambling around when the oven's hot! For vegan Thanksgiving appetizers , that pre-planning is a life saver!
step-by-step: Toasting Like a Pro
Here's the nitty gritty:
- Arrange those lovely baguette slices on a baking sheet. Don't overcrowd them; give 'em some space to breathe!
- Drizzle evenly with olive oil. I'm talking about 2 tablespoons for the whole batch.
- Sprinkle generously with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. Season generously, my friend!
- Pop the baking sheet into the preheated oven for 8- 10 minutes .
- Flip the slices halfway through. This ensures even browning and prevents burning on one side. Keep an eye on these vegan autumn finger foods .
Pro Tips: The Secret Sauce to Crostini Success
Want that bakery quality crunch? Brush the bread with garlic infused olive oil for an extra special fall harvest vegan appetizers .
Don't be tempted to crank up the heat. Low and slow is the way to go for even toasting. You're looking for a beautiful golden brown color not a charred disaster! If you are a newbie in this game, you might want to search for " easy vegan appetizer recipes ".
Honestly, you will get results as easy as this one!.
One common mistake? Overcrowding the pan. If your bread slices are too close together, they'll steam instead of toast. Speaking of which, these pumpkin sage crostini are perfect with a chilled glass of Prosecco.
You know?
These toasted slices can be made a day ahead. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature. This dairy-free fall appetizers strategy will make your life so much easier the day of your party.
So, go ahead, unleash your inner baker and get toasting! These seasonal vegan canapés will be gone in minutes, I promise! Remember those vegan party food ideas fall ? They're now within reach!
Recipe Notes
Alright, so you're ready to make these Spiced Pumpkin & Sage Crostini! Before you get started on these incredible vegan fall appetizers for party , let's chat through some important bits.
Think of this as your friendly heads-up before you dive into the fun. You know, a bit of behind the-scenes gossip before the big show.
Serving Suggestions
Want to make these look extra special? Honestly, presentation is half the battle. Think about arranging them on a rustic wooden board.
Scatter a few extra sage leaves around for that "just picked from the garden" vibe, a delightful fall harvest vegan appetizers idea.
As for drinks, a crisp apple cider or even a sparkling cranberry juice would be smashing. For a complete vegan Thanksgiving appetizers spread, serve with a bowl of warm butternut squash soup.
Storage Tips
If you end up with leftovers (highly unlikely!), here's the lowdown. Keep the pumpkin puree separate from the crostini. The puree will happily sit in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
The crostini themselves are best eaten fresh. But, if you must , you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for a day, but they'll lose some of their crispness.
Reheating isn't really recommended, but a quick 350° F ( 175° C) oven for a couple of minutes might revive them.
Variations
Fancy a little twist? These dairy-free fall appetizers are ripe for experimentation. If you're feeling adventurous, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the pumpkin puree for a bit of a kick.
Nut allergy or not a fan? Skip them! Use sunflower seeds! Want even more vegan crostini toppings? Add some vegan pesto for even more plant based fall party snacks ! It could even be a pumpkin sage crostini .
And for a gluten-free version, just swap out the baguette for a gluten-free one - easy peasy. These are the kinds of easy vegan appetizer recipes that are so versatile! If you want vegan party food ideas fall , you can try more ideas for seasonal vegan canapés .
Nutrition Basics
Okay, so these are delicious. But what about the healthy stuff? Well, each serving (about 2 crostini) clocks in at around 120 calories .
They've got about 2 grams of protein , 7 grams of fat , and 14 grams of carbohydrates . The fiber is at around 2 grams , which is always a bonus.
Most importantly, they are packed with vitamins from the pumpkin. Remember this is an estimate and will depend on the exact ingredients you use.
So there you have it. These vegan autumn finger foods are a fantastic treat. Don't stress too much about perfection! Just enjoy the process. Get creative and have fun. You've got this.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these vegan fall appetizers for party ahead of time? I'm dreading being stuck in the kitchen when guests arrive!
Absolutely! You can definitely get ahead. The pumpkin puree can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the fridge. I'd recommend toasting the baguette slices on the day, though, to keep them nice and crisp.
Just assemble right before serving for the best texture and flavour nobody wants a soggy bottom, à la Bake Off!
I'm not a huge fan of sage. What else can I use to top these spiced pumpkin crostini?
No worries, sage isn't everyone's cup of tea. You could try using fresh thyme or rosemary instead just sauté them in olive oil like the sage. Toasted pecans or walnuts would also add a lovely autumnal crunch and flavour. Or, for a sweeter twist, a sprinkle of candied pecans would be absolutely scrummy!
My local shop doesn't stock vegan cream cheese. Is there anything else I can use in the pumpkin puree?
Bother! That's a bit of a pickle. You can substitute the vegan cream cheese with cashew cream (soaked cashews blended with a little water and lemon juice) for a similar creaminess. Alternatively, a tablespoon of tahini or even a touch of mashed avocado can add richness and depth to the pumpkin puree.
Just adjust the seasoning to taste you're aiming for a smooth, spreadable consistency.
Are these spiced pumpkin and sage crostini gluten-free adaptable?
Yes, they are easily adaptable! Simply use gluten-free baguette slices for the crostini. Many supermarkets now offer decent gluten-free bread options, so keep an eye out on your next trip to the shops.. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so you're good to go.
Just double check the balsamic glaze if you're using store-bought, as some brands may contain sneaky gluten containing additives.
How long will leftover crostini keep, and what's the best way to store them?
Ideally, these are best eaten fresh, but any leftover assembled crostini can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours. However, the baguette might soften a little. For optimal texture, store the pumpkin puree separately from the toasted baguette slices, and assemble just before serving.
That way, you can nibble on them for a day or two.
I'm watching my waistline! What are the nutritional considerations for these vegan fall appetizers for party?
Great question! Each crostini is estimated to be around 60 calories, but this can vary depending on the size of your baguette slices and how generously you apply the pumpkin puree.
To keep things lighter, use a whole wheat baguette, go easy on the balsamic glaze (it's high in sugar!), and consider using a lighter vegan cream cheese alternative. Portion control is key - and you can always add a side of salad to feel even better!
Spiced Pumpkin Sage Crostini
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 120 calories |
|---|---|
| Fat | 7g |
| Fiber | 2g |
