Crostini—crispy, golden, and oh-so-versatile! Whether served as a starter, snack, or appetizer, these little toasts are the perfect base for any topping your heart desires. With a crunchy texture and a subtle richness from the olive oil, crostini make an ideal canvas for all kinds of spreads, cheeses, veggies, or meats. They’re simple to make and can elevate any meal, from casual gatherings to fine dining.
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If you’ve ever found yourself staring at a loaf of bread, wondering how to turn it into something extraordinary, crostini is your answer. Let’s get into why you’re going to love this recipe!
Why You’ll Love Crostini
Versatile:
Perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, serving it as a starter, or pairing it with soup, crostini are easy to make and endlessly customizable.
Quick and Easy:
Made in minutes, crostini are the ultimate go-to when you need something tasty and quick. Just slice the bread, toast, and top—you’re ready to impress!
Crowd-Pleasing:
Everyone loves a crunchy bite of crostini, especially when topped with delicious combinations like goat cheese and honey, or roasted garlic and tomato. They’re sure to be a hit with guests.
Customizable:
You can make your crostini as simple or fancy as you want. Think whipped ricotta with fresh herbs, or prosciutto with fig jam—endless possibilities!
Ingredients in Crostini
Crostini are made with just a few ingredients, but it’s all about how you build it:
Baguette: The base. Sliced into rounds, this crispy bread will hold any topping beautifully.
Olive Oil: A light drizzle of olive oil is the secret to golden, crispy crostini with just the right amount of flavor.
Salt and Pepper: To season the bread. Just a pinch for that perfect savory crunch.
Optional Toppings:
From creamy spreads to tangy cheeses, the toppings are where the magic happens. Go classic with a mix of bruschetta or mix it up with things like whipped ricotta, tomato, basil, and mozzarella, or smoked salmon.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Ready to make the easiest, most delicious crostini? Let’s get started!
Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get the perfect toasty crunch.
Prepare the Bread:
Slice your baguette into thin rounds. Aim for about ½-inch thickness for that perfect balance of crunch and chew.
Brush with Olive Oil:
Place the bread slices on a baking sheet and drizzle each piece with a little olive oil. Lightly season with salt and pepper to enhance the flavor.
Toast to Perfection:
Pop the baking sheet into the oven for about 10-12 minutes, or until the crostini are golden brown and crispy. Flip them halfway through for even toasting.
Top and Serve:
Once your crostini are done, the fun begins! Top with your favorite ingredients like cheese, tomato, or herbs—get creative and make each bite a little masterpiece.
Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your crostini warm and fresh, and enjoy the crispy, flavorful bites!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: [Number of servings]
Calories per serving: [Calorie count per serving]
Preparation Time
Prep Time: [Time to prepare ingredients]
Cook Time: [Time to cook or bake]
Total Time: [Total time needed]
How to Serve Crostini
Crostini are endlessly versatile, and you can serve them in a variety of ways:
Cheese Platter:
Serve crostini alongside a selection of cheeses—think creamy goat cheese, sharp cheddar, or brie.
Bruschetta:
Top crostini with tomato, basil, garlic, and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar for a fresh, classic Italian bite.
Charcuterie:
Pair crostini with prosciutto, salami, or smoked salmon for a savory and satisfying snack.
Dips and Spreads:
Serve crostini with creamy dips like baba ganoush, hummus, or artichoke dip.
Soup:
Serve alongside a bowl of creamy tomato soup or a hearty vegetable soup for a comforting combo.
Additional Tips
Make Ahead:
You can make crostini ahead of time. Toast the bread and store it in an airtight container. When you’re ready, just add the toppings and serve!
Topping Ideas:
Experiment with different spreads, such as pesto, whipped feta, or fig jam, and top with fresh herbs for extra flavor.
Dietary Adjustments:
For a gluten-free version, simply swap in gluten-free bread. You can also make it dairy-free by using plant-based cheeses or toppings.
Storage Tips:
Store leftover crostini in an airtight container for up to 3 days. To refresh, toast them for a few minutes in the oven.
Double the Batch:
Crostini are so easy to make in large batches. Double or triple the recipe to ensure there’s plenty to go around.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use a different type of bread for crostini?
A1: Yes! While a baguette is traditional, you can use any crusty bread you like, such as sourdough or ciabatta.
Q2: Can I make crostini ahead of time?
A2: Absolutely! Toast the bread, store it, and then top it right before serving for that fresh crunch.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. For extra crispness, toast again briefly in the oven.
Q4: Can I freeze crostini?
A4: Yes, you can freeze the toasted bread for up to a month. When you’re ready, toast it again and top as usual.
Q5: Can I make crostini without olive oil?
A5: You can! Brush with melted butter or a bit of garlic-infused oil for a different flavor.
Q6: Can I double the recipe?
A6: Yes, simply toast more slices and top with your favorite ingredients to serve a crowd.
Q7: How can I make crostini more flavorful?
A7: Add a little garlic to the olive oil before brushing it on, or top with herb-infused oil.
Q8: What’s the best way to serve crostini at a party?
A8: Set up a crostini bar with various toppings like cheeses, meats, spreads, and fresh herbs. Let guests build their own!
Q9: Can I serve crostini as a main dish?
A9: Definitely! Top crostini with heartier options like chicken salad, roast beef, or avocado for a satisfying meal.
Q10: What’s the best way to reheat crostini?
A10: Pop them back in the oven for a few minutes to restore their crispiness.
Final Thoughts
Crostini are the perfect snack or appetizer to elevate any meal. They’re easy to make, endlessly customizable, and always a hit. With just a few simple ingredients, you can turn your bread into something magical! Try this recipe next time you need a quick, tasty bite and watch everyone go for seconds.
Print
Crostini
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2O slices
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
Learn how to make the perfect crostini—oven-baked to golden, crunchy perfection, ready to be topped with all your favorite ingredients. Whether for appetizers, snacks, or entertaining, these crostini are a versatile and delicious base.
Ingredients
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1 crusty baguette
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2-3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (or as needed)
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Flaky sea salt (as needed)
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1-2 cloves of garlic (optional)
Instructions
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Preheat the oven:
Preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C fan forced) / 400°F. Line a large baking sheet with baking paper. -
Slice the baguette:
Slice the baguette on a slight diagonal into roughly 1cm (⅖ – ½ inch) thick slices. (See notes if you prefer thinner slices.) -
Prepare the crostini:
Brush each side of the baguette slices lightly with olive oil and place them onto the prepared baking sheet. -
Bake the crostini:
Sprinkle a little flaky sea salt over each slice, then bake for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
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Optional garlic rub:
For an extra burst of flavor, rub the hot crostini with a cut garlic clove after baking. Simply peel the garlic and rub the cut side over the toasts.
Notes
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Thinner slices: If you prefer thinner crostini, slice the baguette thinner and adjust the baking time accordingly.
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Storage: Store leftover crostini in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 60Kcal
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 50g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.5g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg