Brown Butter Radish Crostini Recipe

Introduction

Brown Butter Radish Crostini is a simple yet elegant appetizer that combines the nutty richness of brown butter with the crisp, peppery bite of fresh radishes. These toasted baguette slices, topped with fragrant thyme and a hint of lemon, create a delightful bite-sized treat perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

• Ice
• Water
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 baguette, sliced into 1″ pieces
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 12 small red radishes, sliced very thin (preferably on a mandoline)
• Flaky sea salt, for serving
• Fresh thyme leaves, for serving
• 1/4 lemon, for serving

Instructions

1. Step 1: Fill a large bowl halfway with ice water, then place a medium bowl inside it. Ensure the inner bowl stays completely dry. The water in the large bowl should come up to just below the top of the medium bowl.
2. Step 2: Make the brown butter by melting the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Lower the heat to medium-low and cook, stirring frequently, until the butter smells nutty and the milk solids turn golden, about 5 minutes.
3. Step 3: Carefully pour the hot butter into the prepared medium bowl. Add the kosher salt and whisk constantly until the butter thickens and lightens in color, about 3 minutes.
4. Step 4: Prepare the bread by moving the oven rack to the top position and turning on the broiler. Arrange the baguette slices in a single layer on a baking sheet. Broil until lightly golden on one side, about 1 minute, then flip and broil the other side until golden.
5. Step 5: To assemble the crostini, spread a generous layer of the whipped brown butter on each toasted baguette slice. Season with freshly ground black pepper, then top with thin radish slices, a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, fresh thyme leaves, and a squeeze of lemon juice.

Tips & Variations

• Use a mandoline to slice radishes evenly thin for the best texture and presentation.
• Substitute fresh basil leaves for thyme to add a different herbal note.
• Try adding a small spread of cream cheese under the brown butter for a creamy contrast.
• Serve immediately to keep the crostini crisp, or toast bread just before serving if preparing ahead.

Storage

Store any leftover brown butter in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before using to restore its whipped texture. Toasted baguette and assembled crostini are best enjoyed fresh but you can store toasted bread separately in a sealed container for up to 2 days. Keep radish slices refrigerated and assemble just before serving to maintain crispness.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of bread?

Yes, any crusty bread such as ciabatta or sourdough sliced into rounds works well. Just ensure it toasts nicely to hold the toppings.

What if I don’t have fresh thyme?

You can substitute with other fresh herbs like basil, oregano, or chives, or omit the herbs entirely if needed. They add a nice aromatic finish but are not essential.

Brown Butter Radish Crostini Recipe

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Brown Butter Radish Crostini is a delightful appetizer featuring thinly sliced fresh radishes atop toasted baguette slices spread with rich, nutty brown butter. Finished with a sprinkle of sea salt, fresh thyme, and a touch of lemon juice, this recipe combines crisp textures and bright flavors for a simple yet elegant starter.

• Author: Lara
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 12 crostini 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Broiling
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Brown Butter

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt

Crostini

• 1 baguette, sliced into 1-inch pieces
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 12 small red radishes, sliced very thin (preferably on a mandoline)
• Flaky sea salt, for serving
• Fresh thyme leaves, for serving
• 1/4 lemon, for serving
• Ice (for ice water bath)
• Water (for ice water bath)

Instructions

1. Prepare Ice Water Bath: Fill a large bowl halfway with ice water, then nest a medium-sized bowl inside it, ensuring the inner bowl stays completely dry. The water level should be a couple of inches below the top of the inner bowl to create a cooling setup for the brown butter later.
2. Make Brown Butter: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook, stirring frequently, until the butter develops a nutty aroma and the milk solids turn golden, about 5 minutes.
3. Whisk Butter: Carefully transfer the hot butter to the prepared medium bowl nestled in the ice water. Add the kosher salt and whisk constantly until the butter thickens, lightens in color, and achieves a whipped texture, about 3 minutes.
4. Toast the Bread: Position your oven rack to the top and turn on the broiler. Arrange the baguette slices in a single layer on a baking sheet. Broil each side until lightly golden, approximately 1 minute per side, flipping carefully with tongs.
5. Assemble the Crostini: Spread a generous amount of the whipped brown butter onto each toasted baguette slice, season with freshly ground black pepper, and top with the thinly sliced radishes. Finish each crostini with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, fresh thyme leaves, and a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.

Notes

• Be cautious when broiling bread to prevent burning; watch closely as it can toast quickly.
• Using a mandoline to slice radishes ensures an even, thin texture for the best bite.
• The ice water bath helps cool the brown butter quickly, giving it a creamy, whipped texture.
• Fresh thyme adds a subtle herbal note that complements the nutty butter and peppery radishes.

Keywords: Brown Butter, Radish, Crostini, Appetizer, Broiled Bread, Easy Appetizer, Party Snack