Crostini is so easy to make using fresh (or even stale) bread. These little mini toasts make the best easy hors d’oeuvres. They are perfect for cheese trays, delicious with dips, and can also be topped with fruits, veggies, thinly sliced meat or herbs. The options are truly endless for this incredibly versatile party appetizer. Plus, this crostini recipe is ready in just minutes!
This crostini is my favorite way to use “old” bread that would otherwise go to waste. Let’s be honest, I don’t like to let bread go to waste! Of course I love making crostini with fresh bread as well. It’s a great way to serve a variety of dips, spreads or toppings for parties. Depending on the crostini topping, sometimes, we even call it dinner!
My catering career taught me lots of important things… like the secrets to amazing crostini. They pack the perfect crunch and have amazing flavor! Crostini are prettiest accompaniment for all of your party appetizers!
What is Crostini?
Crostini is Italian for “little toasts”. They are thin slices of toasted (or grilled) bread, usually cut from a baguette and topped with olive oil. It is the equivalent of a crouton for soups and salads, just thinner.
They are generally served as an appetizer, although there are some versions that are certainly sweet enough to be considered a dessert course. Is your mouth watering yet? Mine is!
Ingredients
- Bread – Use whatever you have on hand. My favorite is a crunchy French baguette!
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil – Substitute melted butter, canola oil or infused olive oil.
- Herbs and Seasonings – Thick flakes of black pepper, sea salt, rosemary, thyme, the options are endless! Rub with garlic clove for amazing flavor.
How to Make Crostini
Slice Bread – Using a serrated knife, cut the bread into thin slices at an angle.
Brush with Olive Oil – Lay your bread slices out on a sheet pan and use a pastry brush to coat with olive oil. For extra crisp crostini, brush both sides!
Add Optional Toppings – While this is optional, it does add flavor to your homemade crostini. Sprinkle with salt, cracked pepper, herbs, or rub the cut sides with a clove of garlic.
Cook and Serve – Broil your crostini for 1 – 1½ minutes until golden brown and delicious.
Best Bread for Crostini
Almost any bread (aside from sandwich bread) will work! Use whatever you have on hand – even day old bread. I most frequently use take and bake bread, which is a prepackaged bread from the bakery department of our local grocer that you bake at home, then slice.
- Baguette
- Ciabatta
- French bread
- Artisan bread
- Bagels (also sliced)
- Take and bake bread
Tip From My Test Kitchen
Ideal texture is crispy on the outside and perfectly tender inside. Do not over-bake!
Serving Suggestions & Topping Ideas
Crostini pair well with an array of toppings. These are a few of my favorite ways to enjoy them!
Crostini
Ingredients
- 1 baguette
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 teaspoons sea salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to broil.
- Slice a baguette into thin slices at an angle.1 baguette
- Line crostini on a baking sheet.
- Using a pastry brush, coat with olive oil.2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- Optional: add a fresh crack of sea salt, black pepper or herbs.2 teaspoons sea salt
- Broil 1 – 1½ minutes until just toasted and crunchy.
Julie’s Tips
Make Ahead
Store them at room temperature in an airtight bag. Re-crisp or warm in the broiler, if needed. Serve or top just before serving.To Store
Store in an airtight container or plastic bag at room temperature for up to a week. If the air is humid, you can re-crisp by broiling for just one minute. This makes your party prep so easy! Do not refrigerate. To freeze crostini, place in a Ziploc style freezer bag, press to remove any air, and then wrap tightly with aluminum foil. Remove from the freezer approximately an hour before serving.Video
Estimated nutrition information is provided as a courtesy and is not guaranteed.
So easy. I’ll be making my own from now on!
I love not wasting bread too. So smart to make this instead using it.
This looks so easy!
This recipe is so easy and we love it. Thank you so much!
Love a good crostini, these look perfect!