Cheesy Sausage Crostini

These Cheesy Sausage Crostini are so good, they might even become the main meal! A super easy appetizer that comes together in no time at all – and you don’t even have to brown the sausage ahead of time!

Why We Love This Cheesy Sausage Crostini

Besides how good they taste, these Cheesy Sausage Crostini are sure to become a favorite appetizer recipe for so many reasons! This is another family favorite that we’ve been making for years, much like our Aunt’s famous Hanky Panky recipe.

• Easy to make – No pre-cooking the sausage: You don’t even have to brown the sausage ahead of time. It cooks, we promise. All you need to do is mix the ingredients together and spread it onto slices of bread.
• Bite sized for parties and happy hours: These two-bite appetizers are perfect for game days, holidays and happy hours since they only require one hand. One hand free for your drink!
• Feeds a crowd: This appetizer recipe makes about 35 crostini so it’ll feed a decent amount of people, even when they go back for 3 or 4.

How To Make

Step by step photos for how to make this cheesy sausage corstini with brief directions. For complete instructions, head to the recipe card at the end of the post.

• Mix the topping: Add Italian sausage (loose, no casings) to a bowl with shredded mozzarella cheese, grated parmesan cheese, seasonings, parsley and room temperature cream cheese. Mix to combine.
• Spread onto bread and bake: Spread a thin layer of the topping onto sliced bread and bake for 12-15 minutes. Remove from the oven, add another layer of shredded mozzarella and place under the broiler for 3-4 minutes.

Variations

We love appetizer recipes like this crostini because you can make them as the recipe is written or get creative and put your own spin on them. Try adding cooked, diced peppers to the filling for a sausage and peppers vibe. Or you can use chicken sausage, or a spicy variety.

Different cheese options could include a Swiss, gouda or pepper jack. Any type of melting cheese that you like will work.

Can I Make This Appetizer Recipe Ahead Of Time?

This sausage crostini is best cooked right before serving, but you can prepare the sausage topping ahead of time. Honestly, you can even spread the sausage onto the bread and have it ready to pop into the oven.

Since the crostini bakes in the oven and then goes under the broiler, there’s no need to worry about the bread getting soggy. It will be perfectly crispy, cheesy and tasty!

Will The Sausage Be Cooked?

Yes the sausage will be fully cooked! The key is to spread a somewhat thin layer onto the bread. It doesn’t have to be super thin, just not a thick layer or an uneven spread. You can look at the process pictures above for reference.

Just to be sure though, when the crostini is finished, make sure to cut one in half to see that there’s no pink in the center. After the oven and going under the broiler, we’ve never had one that was.

Looking For More Appetizer Recipes?

• Cheesy Taco Crostini
• Whipped Feta Bruschetta
• Italian Sub Bruschetta
• Beer Cheese Dip
• Fried Ravioli Recipe

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