Bake up a batch or two of this easy crostini recipe for a quick, bite-sized appetizer everyone will love. With warm toasted bread brushed with olive oil, sprinkled with salt, and a touch of garlic, these crisp little slices are perfect for dipping, dunking, or piling high with your favorite toppings, from simple to fancy.
What are Crostini?
Crostini means ‘little toasts’ in Italian, which are basically bite-sized slices of toasted bread that serve as vehicles for any variety of savory toppings or dips.
Why We Love This Recipe:
- Crostini can be used in so many ways! Top them with any variety of spreads, meats, cheeses, or veggies, or use them as crunchy croutons for soups and salads.
- Make Crostini ahead of time using easy and affordable baguettes, and keep them on hand for last-minute entertaining.
Pantry Staple Ingredients
- Baguette: Choose baguettes with a round diameter of about 3”, and cut in ½-inch thick rounds. For the best bite, look for thinner, longer baguettes because they are denser and have fewer holes than the ‘French bread’ style loaves.
- Olive Oil: Brushed on each slice so the bread toasts golden and flavorful. Replace with melted butter, avocado oil, or another neutral oil for the best flavor!
- Seasonings: A sprinkle of salt and a swipe of garlic give crostini a bit of flavor. Then finish with chopped parsley or your favorite fresh herb!
Favorite Variations
- Swap the classic baguette for sourdough, whole wheat, or any artisan-seasoned baguette. Or DIY your own crostini using this no knead bread recipe and shape the boules into baguettes.
- Change up the flavor by sprinkling on a DIY Italian dressing mix or this everything bagel seasoning before toasting.
How to Make Crustini
- Slice a baguette and place it on a baking tray.
- Brush with oil and sprinkle with salt.
- Bake until lightly toasted (full recipe below).
- Rub a cut clove of garlic over the crostini and garnish with parsley.
What Goes with Crostini?
What doesn’t go with crostini? Here are a few of my favorites to get started:
- Ricotta and tomato toasts have all the bright flavors of spring right at your fingertips.
- Sautée chopped mushrooms and sliced green onions, then smear over tart goat cheese. Delish!
- Cream cheese seasoned with dill and cracked black pepper makes an elegant appetizer with a slice of smoked salmon, prosciutto, fig, or roast beef.
- Top crostini with a tapenade made from diced kalamata olives and red bell peppers.
- Make mini avocado toasts, or thicken a jar of basil pesto with cream cheese, and garnish the tops with toasted pine nuts.
- Drain a can of white beans and puree them with a zesty Greek dressing. Then simply pipe the spread over crostini and garnish with sun-dried tomatoes.
- Or keep it classic and dip homemade crostini into garlic hummus, tzatziki, or hot spinach dip.
Leftovers
Keep leftover crostini that haven’t already been topped in a zippered bag at room temperature for about a month. If they get a little soft, crisp them up under the broiler before using.
Other Delicious Appetizers
Did you enjoy this Crostini Recipe? Leave a rating and comment below!
Crostini Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 baguette
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 clove garlic optional
- 1 Tablespoon chopped fresh parsley finely chopped, optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400˚F.
- Slice baguette into ½ inch slices*. Place in a single layer on a baking tray. Bake in batches if more than one baking tray is needed.
- Brush with olive oil and sprinkle with salt.
- Bake for 6-9 minutes, until lightly toasted.
- Cut garlic clove and rub over the toasted bread if desired. Sprinkle with parsley if using. Cool before serving.
Notes
- *May slice ¼ inch slices if you prefer a thinner crostini. ¼ inch slices will take closer to 6 minutes.
- Keep leftovers (non topped) in a zippered bag at room temperature for about a month.
- Crisp up any crostini that has become soft under the broiler.
Nutrition Information
Nutrition information does not include optional ingredients or garnish and is an estimate. It may change based on actual ingredients and cooking methods used.
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