National Dish Monaco: Crostini aux Anchois (Recipe)
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Discover Crostini aux Anchois, one of Monaco’s most charming little bites! Crisp rounds of toasted bread carry the deep, salty punch of fresh anchovies, lifted by good olive oil and a whisper of garlic. They are the sort of nibble that suits a festive spread as easily as a quiet glass of wine on the terrace. A handful of ingredients is all it takes to bring a slice of the Côte d’Azur into your own kitchen.
About Crostini aux Anchois
Crostini aux Anchois is far more than a simple snack — it is an expression of the Mediterranean way of living. These crisp little bites bring together the intense, briny flavour of anchovies and the delicate crunch of freshly toasted bread. They shine as an appetiser at celebrations, but work just as happily as an everyday nibble alongside a glass of chilled wine. The recipe is straightforward, forgiving and endlessly repeatable, which is precisely why it has stayed a favourite along the coast for so long.
Ingredients (serves 1–2)
- 4 slices ciabatta or baguette
- 8–10 fresh anchovies
- Olive oil, to taste
- 1 clove of garlic
- Freshly ground pepper, to taste
- Optional: fresh herbs such as parsley or basil
Shopping for the ingredients
To make crostini aux anchois properly, you want fresh, good-quality ingredients. When buying anchovies, look for genuinely fresh fish or fillets preserved in a decent oil rather than anything watery or over-salted. Visit your local market or a delicatessen for ciabatta or baguette that is at least a day old — slightly stale bread toasts far better and holds its shape under the topping. Fresh herbs make a noticeable difference too and are well worth picking up.
Preparing the dish
Getting ready for crostini aux anchois is quick and rewarding. Begin by heating your oven to 180°C while you slice the bread. Crush the clove of garlic lightly to release its oils, which gives the toast a far more fragrant note than chopping alone. Have every component to hand before you start baking, as the whole process takes only a few minutes once the oven is up to temperature and there is little room for hunting through cupboards.
Step-by-step instructions
- Preheat the oven to 180°C.
- Cut the bread into slices about 2 cm thick.
- Rub the garlic clove over one side of each slice.
- Brush the slices with olive oil and arrange them on a baking tray.
- Bake for around 8–10 minutes, until lightly golden.
- Take the bread out of the oven and let it cool slightly.
- Top each slice with 1–2 anchovies.
- Add freshly ground pepper and, if you like, fresh herbs.
- Serve the crostini warm with a glass of wine.
Gluten-free / lactose-free version
For a gluten-free version of crostini aux anchois, simply reach for gluten-free bread. Many bakeries now offer flavourful loaves that toast beautifully and hold up well under a topping. Do check the remaining ingredients carefully as well, since hidden gluten can lurk in prepared oils and marinades. Lactose is no concern at all here — the recipe contains no dairy whatsoever, much like the classic Anchoiade it is closely related to.
Tips for vegans and vegetarians
If you would rather avoid fish, crostini aux anchois adapts without difficulty. In place of anchovies, look for vegan alternatives that deliver a similar umami depth, such as chopped olives, capers or slow-roasted tomatoes. A spoonful of plant-based cream cheese with herbs stirred through it gives the toasts body and a pleasant tang. These swaps keep the dish every bit as satisfying and just as suited to a Mediterranean table.
More tips and tricks
To get the best from your crostini aux anchois, avoid over-toasting the bread — a few minutes too long and it turns brittle rather than crisp. Experiment with different oils to vary the flavour, for instance garlic- or chilli-infused olive oil. Briefly frying the anchovies in a pan before serving brings out an appealing warm, nutty aroma. Keep a small selection of toppings nearby so you can offer guests a little variety on the same platter.
Adapting the recipe to your taste
Crostini aux anchois can be steered in all sorts of directions. If you like heat, scatter over a pinch of chilli flakes. Seasonal produce or regional specialities are easy to fold in and give the dish a personal signature. You can also build the toasts up further with fresh tomato or avocado, in much the same generous spirit as a Pan Bagnat.
Ingredient substitutions
If anchovies are not to your liking, plenty of alternatives work here. Hummus, roasted peppers or even feta cheese make a fine base for your crostini. For something sweeter, try fig jam paired with goat’s cheese — an unexpected but excellent match against the salty toast. Tapenade made from black olives is another reliable option and echoes the flavours of the coast.
Drink pairing ideas
Crostini aux anchois pair beautifully with a range of drinks. A cool, dry rosé or a lively sparkling wine cuts cleanly through the salty anchovies. For anyone staying alcohol-free, a Mediterranean citrus smoothie makes a refreshing choice, as does simple sparkling water with lemon. Try a few combinations to find the pairing that suits your own palate best.
Serving and presentation ideas
Presentation can make all the difference with crostini aux anchois, particularly when you are entertaining. Serve the bites on an attractive platter and finish them with fresh herbs or a little lemon zest for brightness. Small skewers make them easier to pick up and add a touch of polish. Aim for a colourful arrangement that underlines the Mediterranean mood, perhaps alongside a wedge of Pissaladière.
A bit of history
Crostini aux anchois grew out of the traditional Mediterranean kitchen and represent simple, delicious everyday eating. In Monaco they stand for fresh ingredients and the rich culinary heritage of the region, a hallmark of Monaco cuisine. Often served at celebrations, they are a much-loved small plate across many Mediterranean countries. Their popularity reaches back to antiquity, when the bounty of the surrounding waters was celebrated at every table.
More recipe ideas
Summary: Crostini aux Anchois
Crostini aux anchois are a delicious, uncomplicated snack that brings the French flair of Monaco straight into your kitchen. With their crisp texture and the bold savour of the anchovies, they make a perfect appetiser for any occasion. The recipe gives you plenty of freedom to adjust it to your own taste, so every bite lands exactly as you like it. Let your creativity run and invite a little Mediterranean living into your home.
