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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 favorite ways to serve appetizers and dips like Garlic Bread Cheese Dip or Whipped Ricotta, but Classic Bruschetta is with a classic crostini. I even dip them into my popular Tortellini Soup!
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.
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.
- 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.
- Smoked salmon, cream cheese, and dill
- Buffalo chicken drizzled with ranch and blue cheese crumbles
- Marinara, mozzarella, and basil
- Mozzarella Bruschetta
- Caramelized onions and bacon
- Mushroom Crostini
- Pimento Cheese
- Olive Tapenade
- 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.
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
Crostini
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
Nutrition
Nutritional Disclaimer Kristin Maxwell of “Yellow Bliss Road” is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. For accurate calorie counts and other nutritional values, we recommend running the ingredients through your preferred online nutritional calculator. Calories and other nutritional values can vary depending on which brands were used.
