If you ask me, everyone should learn how to make crostini. These little Italian toasts are at home at any party or gathering, and they’re an absolute breeze to make. Thinly slice a baguette, brush the slices with olive oil, and toast them in the oven until they’re crisp and golden. Once they’re toasted, they’re the perfect base for all kinds of toppings. Creamy spreads, fresh veggies, herbs, fruit, or cheese… You’ll find over 10 crostini recipes in our recipe index and another 4 in my cookbooks. What can I say? The crostini topping possibilities are endless!
How to Make Crostini
Like I said, this crostini recipe is quick and easy to make. You’ll need
- crusty bread, preferably a baguette,
- olive oil,
- and flaky sea salt.
The great thing about crostini is that the bread doesn’t even have to be fresh. You’re going to dry it out in the oven, so if it’s a bit stale, it’s no big deal.
Use a sharp serrated knife to cut the bread into thin slices. I like to slice the bread on the bias to maximize each slice’s surface area. (More surface area=more room for toppings!)
Brush both sides of the bread slices with olive oil. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet, and bake at 400°F until golden and crisp, 10 to 12 minutes.
Sprinkle with flaky sea salt, and serve with whatever toppings you like!
Find the complete recipe with measurements below.
Now for the fun part: the crostini toppings! Really, just about anything is delicious on top of a crostini, so try experimenting with different spreads, cheeses, and veggies. Here are a few tasty combinations to get you started:
Store leftover crostini in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Enjoy!
More Favorite Easy Appetizers
If you love this crostini recipe, try one of these easy appetizers next:
Obtaining A Crisp Crust On A Baguette
FAQ
How long to crisp up baguette in oven?
How do we get the crispy crust on a baguette?