Easy Crostini Recipe (2024)

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Crostini are simply slices of baguette or ciabatta bread that have been brushed with oil and toasted or grilled until golden and crunchy. They make a perfect base for a variety of toppings, dips and spreads and are the perfect light bite for entertaining.

One of my favorites ways to serve appetizers and dips likeGarlic Bread Cheese Dip, Classic Bruschetta is with a classic crostini. I even dip them into my popularTortellini Soup!

Easy Crostini Recipe (1)
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Table of Contents

  1. What is Crostini?
  2. Why We Love This Recipe
  3. How to Make Crostini
  4. Favorite Toppings
  5. Dips that Go with Crostini
  6. Crostini Recipe

What is Crostini?

Italian for “little toasts,” a crostini is a slice of bread that’s been brushed with olive oil and baked in the oven until golden and crispy. They can be topped with veggies or cheese spreads or used as a vessel for a hearty dip.

These little toasty, buttery pieces of bread are just so delicious and so versatile. They won’t break under the pressure of a hearty dip and they are the perfect vessel for just about any topping you can think of.

Sure you can buy them premade and bagged at the grocery store bakery, but they are so easy to make fresh at home and take less than 15 minutes. Why wouldn’t you make them from scratch?

Why We Love This Recipe

  • You only need 2 ingredients, plus some seasoning which is totally optional.
  • It takes about 10 minutes to prepare from start to finish.
  • Crostini is a super versatile appetizer base that goes with just about anything from sweet to savory.
Easy Crostini Recipe (2)

How to Make Crostini

You only need a couple of ingredients and about 15 minutes – that’s it! Be sure to read through my tips for the best results.

  • Start with a thin loaf of bread. A french baguette or ciabatta loaf work best. Slice the bread into 1/2-inch thick slices. Do your best to keep them all the same thickness for even cooking.
  • Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F. Line a large, rimmed baking sheet with nonstick foil, parchment paper or a silicone mat.
  • Lay out the bread slices in a single layer. Place them side by side but not touching. Brush each slice with olive oil and sprinkle with seasoning. I usually just add sprinkle a pinch of salt over the tops but garlic powder or garlic salt is also quite good. Sometimes I’ll rub the bread with the cut end of a clove of garlic to add a hint of garlic flavor before brushing with the olive oil.
Easy Crostini Recipe (3)
  • Slide the sheet pan into the oven and bake for about 7-10 minutes, flipping it over halfway through. Depending on your oven it make take more or less time. You want the toasts to be crispy but not so hard you can’t easily bite into it.
  • Let the bread cool for 10-15 minutes before adding cold toppings. If your dip or topping is warm, no need to wait.

Favorite Toppings

As much as I love serving crostini with a cheesy, creamy dip, my favorite way to serve it is topped with some delicious bruschetta or even guacamole. Here are some more delicious topping ideas.

As much as I love serving crostini with a cheesy, creamy dip, my favorite way to serve it is topped with some delicious bruschetta or even guacamole. Here are some more delicious topping ideas.

Easy Crostini Recipe (4)
  • Smoked salmon, cream cheese and dill
  • Buffalo chicken drizzled with ranch and blue cheese crumbles
  • Marinara, mozzarella and basil
  • Mozarella Bruschetta
  • Caramelized onions and bacon
  • Mushroom Crostini
  • Pimento cheese
  • Blue cheese, pear and honey
  • BLT – Spread with a little mayo and top with lettuce, bacon and diced tomato
  • Ricotta spread and cranberry sauce
  • Creamy Three Cheese Bruschetta
  • Pesto Bruschetta

How to Store

Store leftovers at room temperature for up to 3 days in an airtight container. Do not put it in the fridge, it will dry out. If you have a lot leftover, freeze it and make breadcrumbs later.

Easy Crostini Recipe (5)

Dips that Go with Crostini

  • Chicken Crack Dip
  • BLT Dip
  • Spicy Italian Sausage Dip
  • Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Dip
  • Hot Mexican Corn Dip
  • Creamy Jalapeno Artichoke Dip

Recipe

Easy Crostini Recipe (6)

Crostini

4.50 from 8 votes

Kristin Maxwell

Crostini are crispy slices of bread that are brushed with oil and toasted. A perfect light bite for parties topped with veggies, spreads or for dipping.

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 7 minutes mins

Total Time 27 minutes mins

Servings 8 servings

Print RecipeReview Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 large baguette (12-15-inches)
  • 1/4 cup olive oil for brushing
  • salt

Instructions

  • Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Line a large, rimmed baking sheet with nonstick foil, parchment paper or a silicone mat.

  • Slice the baguette into 1/2-inch thick slices. Straight across or on the bias – your choice.

  • Arrange the bread side by side but not touching. Brush with olive oil and sprinkle with salt.

  • Bake for 7-10 minutes, flipping it over halfway through. Depending on your oven it make take more or less time. You want the crostini to be crispy but not so hard you can't easily bite into it.

  • Let the bread cool for 10-15 minutes before adding cold toppings. If your dip or topping is warm, no need to wait.

Notes

Store leftovers at room temperature for up to 3 days in an airtight container. Do not put it in the fridge, it will dry out. If you have a lot leftover, freeze it and make breadcrumbs later.

Nutrition

Calories: 131kcalCarbohydrates: 16gProtein: 3gFat: 6gSaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 192mgPotassium: 34mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gCalcium: 24mgIron: 1mg

Keyword crostini

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Easy Crostini Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is the difference between bruschetta and crostini? ›

Crostini is usually toasted because the bread is much smaller and thinner than bruschetta. Therefore, not much is required to get the bread to a crispy level. For bruschetta, the main method of choice is grilling. After all, bruschetta is derived from the Italian word meaning “to roast over coals”!

What bread is crostini made from? ›

The Best Bread for Crostini

A baguette is ideal for crostini, its small surface area is just the right size for these appetizer toasts. Or use a long Italian loaf. The bread doesn't have to be fresh—you're going to dry it out in the oven—so if you have a day-old baguette use it!

What is the rule of thumb for adding crostini toppings? ›

The bread can be toasted a few hours in advance of serving. I would not recommend adding the toppings until 10-15 minutes before serving. This way, the bread won't get soggy from the toppings. If you are planning a party where guests will be arriving at different times, you can always make a crostini bar.

How do you keep crostini from getting hard? ›

To avoid hard crostini, don't overcook the bread slices. They should be crisp on the outside edges but still just slightly tender in the middle. If your crostini seem a bit too hard, put the toppings on a bit in advance. The topping will soften the crostini.

What can I use instead of bread for crostini? ›

Thick, round slices of apples make a quick and crispy alternative to bread. They pair well with cheese, slices of beef, herb yogurt spreads, and even a simple drizzle of honey. Best of all, they can be prepared ahead of time or right when your friends arrive. Of all four options, the sweet potatoes take the most work.

How long can you keep crostini and how do you store? ›

Follow the recipe instructions to make crostini up to 5 days ahead and store it in an airtight container at room temperature. Pop them in a toaster for a few minutes to crisp, if needed.

What part of the meal is crostini typically served? ›

Crostini use suggestions: canapés with toppings, for dips (especially excellent with Baked Brie), side dish for meals such as Acqua Pazza (Italian Fish in Tomato Sauce), dunking into Soups and stews! “Crostini” means “l*ttle crusts” (ie.

What happens if crostini toppings are too wet? ›

BUT, if you're serving a larger portion of crostini--a plated one that requires a fork and knife to eat--go ahead and pile on the goods. Wet topping = soggy bread. Use a slotted spoon when working with a wet topping (tomatoes, etc.) so that extra liquid is left behind.

What qualities one looks for in crostini bread? ›

Texture is very important–it shouldn't be too dense. The bread needs to be thin enough to bite, but thick enough to support toppings -1/2-inch thick is just right. Brush olive oil on each piece before toasting it.

What is the origin of crostini? ›

Crostini are believed to have originated during the Middle Ages, when poor Italian peasants used to eat their food off of bread instead of plates. The bread was often stale, so it had to be soaked in a liquid such as wine to make it edible.

What's the difference between a crostini and a baguette? ›

Crostini, “l*ttle toasts,” are thinner, smaller slices of bread (usually from a baguette) that are always toasted then piled with various toppings, such as vegetables, savory spreads, and cheeses. Start by slicing a good quality baguette into ½ inch pieces and set on a large cookie pan.

How do you revive stale crostini? ›

The trick is to heat the bread up so that water can be reabsorbed into the starch granules once again so it can revert to its springy, fresh-bread state. Now, if you have sliced bread you want to do this too. You can simply pop it into the toaster for a few seconds.

What's the difference between toast and crostini? ›

Crostini: Meaning "little toasts" in Italian, crostini are small, thin slices of toasted bread, which are usually brushed with olive oil. The word also describes canapés consisting of small slices of toast with a savory topping such as cheese, shrimp, pâté or anchovies.

What is the fancy name for bruschetta? ›

According to the International Culinary Center, the term bruschetta is sometimes used interchangeably with crostini and the Tuscan dish fettunta. In Tuscany, fettunta is usually served without toppings, especially in November, to taste the first oil of the season.

What does crostini mean in Italian? ›

Crostini: Meaning "little toasts" in Italian, crostini are small, thin slices of toasted bread, which are usually brushed with olive oil. The word also describes canapés consisting of small slices of toast with a savory topping such as cheese, shrimp, pâté or anchovies.

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