Crostini

Crostini isn’t available in every grocery store and it can be expensive, but it’s so easy to make using fresh or even slightly stale baguette. Crostini are the perfect accompaniment to cheese trays and appetizers, and can be enjoyed alone or topped with fruits, veggies, meat and herbs.

This crostini is my favorite way to use “old” bread that would otherwise go to waste. (And let’s be honest, I don’t like to let bread go to waste!) However, you can also make crostini using fresh bread. I most frequently use take and bake bread – prepackaged bread you bake, then slice.  However, whatever bread you choose, this recipe yields delicious, crunchy Crostini every time!

What is Crostini?

Italian for “little toasts” they are thin slices of toasted bread {or grilled}, usually cut from a baguette and topped with olive oil. It is also the equivalent of a crouton for soups and salads, just thinner. They are generally served as an appetizer, atlhough there are some versions that are certainly sweet enough to be considered a dessert course. Is your mouth watering yet? Mine is! 

You don’t have to be Martha Stewart to whip this easy crostini recipe up! However, you’ll look and feel like Martha when you serve it! It’s true, because these are perfect for entertaining. They make the prettiest accompaniment to any appetizer, and if you have any leftovers, there are a variety of ways you can use them throughout the week. They are the perfect addition to salads and soups! 

What’s The Difference Between Bruschetta And Crostini? 

First of all, both are delicious. They certainly have a lot of similarities and are used in a similar way. Bruschetta is generally made with thick slices of rustic Italian bread or even sourdough. On the other hand, crostini is made from a smaller bread (often, baguettes) in thin slices with a finer crumb. Consequently, this makes them perfect for spreads and dips of all kinds.

PLEASE TAKE ME TO THE CROSTINI RECIPE…

Just to clarify, you can always head straight to the recipe! I receive a lot of questions about my recipes so I always prefer to give a lot of detail in my posts. If you’d rather skip my tips and tricks, essential cooking information and recipe ideas and get straight to this easy recipe, you certainly can!  Simply scroll to the bottom of the page where you can find the printable recipe card.

What Readers Are Saying About This Crostini

• Anna says “I had NO idea you could make this at home and it was so easy. YUM!!”
• From Steph: “I could eat crostini with every meal! It is so delicious!” Steph, I SO agree.
• Tori says: “I loved these!! And I love how easy it is to make!”

Favorite Tools to Use:

• baking sheet
• bread knife
• pastry brush

What Type of Bread do I need to Make Crostini?

• baguette
• ciabatta
• french bread
• artisan bread
• bagels {also sliced}

How to Make Crostini

• Preheat oven.
• Slice a baguette (or bread slices of your choosing) into thin slices at an angle.
• Line crostini on baking sheets.
• Using a pastry brush, coat with good quality olive oil.
• Optional: season with salt and pepper or herbs.
• Another option: try a flavored olive oil for a little extra enhancement.
• Broil 1 – 1 1/2 minutes until just toasted and crunchy.

Serving Suggestions:

• goat cheese spread
• pesto
• hummus and olive oil
• peach and ricotta
• goat cheese and fig
• as an accompaniment to a cheese platter
• crushed on a salad
• top with a little sun dried tomato and cream cheese
• pimento cheese

How to Store Crostini

They always taste best straight from the oven! However, you can store crostini in an airtight container or plastic bag for up to five days at room temperature. If the air is humid, you can recrisp by broiling for just one minute. This makes your party prep so easy! In fact, I often make crostini ahead of time and give it an extra little crisp under the broiler so it’s a touch warm when guests arrive. In short, what could be easier? 

Crostini Recipe and Printable Recipe Card

5 from 17 votes

Print

Crostini

Sure, you can purchase Crostini, but they're so easy to make, why not? Crostini are the perfect accompaniment to cheese trays and appetizers, can be enjoyed alone or topped with fruits and herbs.

Course Appetizer

Cuisine American

Keyword christmas, easy recipe, entertaining, snack, spread, thanksgiving

Prep Time 5 minutes

Cook Time 1 minute

Total Time 6 minutes

Servings 16

Calories 57 kcal

Author Julie Blanner

Ingredients

• 1 baguette
• 2 Tbsp olive oil
• 2 tsp sea salt

Instructions

1. Slice a baguette into thin slices at an angle.
2. Line crostini on a baking sheet.
3. Using a pastry brush, coat with olive oil.
4. Optional: add a fresh crack of sea salt, black pepper or herbs.
5. Broil 1 - 1 1/2 minutes until just toasted and crunchy.

Recipe Notes

use fresh cracked pepper, sea salt or herbs to customize your crostini

optional: rub with garlic clove for added flavor

They taste best straight from the oven, but you can store crostini in an airtight container or plastic bag for up to 5 days at room temperature. If air is humid, you can recrisp by broiling for just one minute.

Nutrition Facts

Crostini

Amount Per Serving

Calories 57 Calories from Fat 18

% Daily Value*

Total Fat 2g 3%

Sodium 386mg 16%

Potassium 17mg 0%

Total Carbohydrates 7g 2%

Protein 1g 2%

Calcium 1.2%

Iron 2.6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

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