Transform a plain baguette into fancy, fun-sized Crostini with five simple steps.
Crostini, meaning “little crusts” in Italian, are thin slices of baguette brushed with olive oil and toasted until crisp and golden. A classic Italian appetizer, they are often topped with a variety of ingredients, from creamy spreads to fresh vegetables and cured meats. These crunchy little toasts have been around since medieval times, when peasants used slices of stale bread as an edible substitute for plates. Crostini remain a crowd favorite, and for good reason. Whether your baguette is fresh or a day old, this recipe turns it into something truly special.
My mom’s side of the family used to make garlic crostini all the time. And it’s no wonder because they are so easy! All you need to do is slice a baguette, brush the slices with olive oil, and rub a fresh garlic clove on top. (She and my grandma always insisted that fresh garlic was superior to garlic powder.) The matriarchs in my family like to leave some tiny chunks of garlic on top as well, but the choice is yours.
Not only can they be a classy appetizer, but they can also be a savory side for nearly any main dish. Regardless of how you serve them, crostini were made to satisfy crispy cravings with bite-sized charm.
Are Crostini Healthy?
Since crostini are simply toasted pieces of bread, they don’t have much nutritional value on their own. However, they can be paired with more nutritious ingredients to balance out those carbs. Dips like Avocado Hummus or Tahini Sauce can add protein, fiber, and healthy fats. Or, you can top your crostini with something simpler like sliced tomatoes and mozzarella, which offer vitamin C and calcium respectively.
What’s The Difference Between Crostini And Garlic Bread?
While both are delicious bread-based Italian treats, crostini and garlic bread are distinct in their own right. Crostini are made with thin slices of baguette rubbed with olive oil, while garlic bread typically features a wider range of bread types and is slathered with butter, garlic, and herbs before baking to golden perfection. Crostini lean toward elegance and versatility, while garlic bread is all about indulgence and comfort.
FAQs & Tips
Once cooled, crostini can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. For longer storage, transfer them to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, place on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes at 350°F. Keep an eye on them to ensure they toast evenly and don’t burn, flipping or brushing with more olive oil if necessary.
Of course! My friends prefer cheesy crostini, so I enjoy layering them with thin slices of mozzarella and a sprinkle of Parmesan. For sharper flavor, use provolone.
The ideal crostini should be crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. The best way to keep the outside crispy and inside soft is to only bake them for about 10 minutes, keeping a close eye on them. Overcooking the bread can cause it to dry out too much, creating more of a cracker-like texture.
Both are Italian-style toasted bread, but the key difference lies in the bread itself. Crostini are usually made from smaller, thinner slices of bread, while bruschetta is made with larger, rustic bread slices and is commonly topped with seasoned tomatoes, garlic, basil, and a drizzle of olive oil.
Serving Suggestions
To create an Italian-American antipasti spread the way my mom used to, serve your crispy crostini with Olive Garden Salad, Italian Sausage Meatballs, Prosciutto and Melon, and Sausage-Stuffed Mushrooms. Otherwise, keep it simple by dishing out some yummy dips for topping your crostini like Tirokafteri, Whipped Feta Dip, or some herbaceous Bread Dipping Oil. Peruse the potentials ’til you find your favorite combo, and dish it out at your next family gathering.
Crostini
Ingredients
- 1 baguette thinly sliced
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1-2 garlic cloves halved
- Flaky sea salt to taste
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 400°F.
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Slice the baguette diagonally into 1/4-inch thick slices and arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet.
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Brush both sides of each baguette slice with olive oil and rub the cut side of the garlic on the bread.
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Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes or until the slices are golden and crispy.
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Remove from the oven and immediately sprinkle with flaky sea salt and any desired toppings.
Nutrition
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