Pan-Seared Anchovy and Garlic Butter Crostini
Toasted baguette slices topped with pan-seared anchovies in garlic butter, finished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and lemon zest for a bright, umami-rich appetizer. This mediterranean-inspired snacks ready in about 25 minutes turns fillets anchovy fillets in oil, unsalted butter, garlic cloves, minced into a satisfying snack for between meals, packed lunches, or game-day spreads — minimal active time and easy to scale up for a crowd. Each serving lands at about 180 calories and feeds 6, so it fits into lunchboxes, road trips, or an afternoon-energy gap without derailing the day. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 8 fillets anchovy fillets in oil
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 12 slices baguette, sliced 1/2-inch thick
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- to taste salt
- to taste black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat a large skillet over medium heat and add 3 tbsp unsalted butter along with 3 minced garlic cloves. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant and butter is foaming but not browned.
- Step 2: Add 8 anchovy fillets in oil to the skillet, cooking for 2-3 minutes until the anchovies break down and infuse the butter with flavor, gently stirring to combine.
- Step 3: Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 375°F. Brush 12 baguette slices with 1 tbsp olive oil and arrange on a baking sheet. Toast in the oven for 6-8 minutes until edges are golden and crisp.
- Step 4: Remove toasted baguette slices from oven, and spoon the anchovy garlic butter mixture evenly over each slice. Sprinkle with 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, 1 tsp lemon zest, and season with salt and black pepper to taste. Serve warm.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Seared Anchovy and Garlic Butter Crostini take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Pan-Seared Anchovy and Garlic Butter Crostini?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for crisp items, or in the fridge for anything dairy- or produce-based, for up to 3–5 days. Re-crisp baked snacks in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes if they soften.
Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Anchovy and Garlic Butter Crostini?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Pan-Seared Anchovy and Garlic Butter Crostini for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Pan-Seared Anchovy and Garlic Butter Crostini?
Mediterranean snacks like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
