How to Make Crostini
This crostini recipe is the easiest way to make perfectly crisp, golden little toasts that are ready for any topping. With just 3 ingredients, you'll learn the best way to transform fresh bread into elegant, bite-sized appetizers you can serve at any party!
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What's the Difference Between Crostini and Bruschetta?
The Italian word crostini translates to "little crusts" or "little toasts", referring to small, thin slices of bread that are toasted until crisp.
Bruschetta, on the other hand, typically features larger slices of rustic, crusty bread, like a French baguette or Italian loaf, grilled and rubbed with fresh garlic.
While the two are often confused, crostini are smaller, more delicate, and usually oven-toasted rather than grilled.
Crostini make the perfect base for all kinds of toppings, from creamy spreads and salty toppings to seasonal vegetables or cheese and honey. Crostini are also great served alongside a charcuterie board, with your favorite dip or even as a crunchy side to soup.
It's one of those bite-sized appetizers that never goes out of style!
I like using a lower baking temp so the bread toasts evenly all the way through without burning. Slice the bread thin enough to stay crisp and easy to bite, but thick enough to support whatever you decide to pile on top. Store-bought versions are available, but making your own with good bread from your local bakery is super simple and tastes infinitely better.
Want more similar recipe ideas? Try this cozy Pan con Tomate, these fresh buttered Radish Toasts, or a sweet Apple Tartines with blue cheese.
Why This Recipe Works
- A standardized technique for making evenly toasted crostini.
- A great base recipe that can be topped with endless combinations.
- Comes together quickly with just a few simple ingredients.
Ingredient Notes
Bread - Use a good quality baguette or Italian loaf, but avoid anything too tough or crusty or the crostini will turn out hard. Day-old bread or stale baguette works great since it crisps evenly.
Olive oil - Use a flavorful, high-quality extra virgin olive oil such as the kind featured in my Italian Olive Oils guide. Brush lightly with a pastry brush to coat both sides of each slice for even toasting.
Salt and pepper - Just a light sprinkle on each toast gives them the right amount flavor. You can also use other seasonings like garlic powder, paprika or Italian seasoning if you want, depending on how you plan to use them.
*Find the full ingredient list in the recipe card below!
Helpful Equipment
- Serrated knife
- Pastry brush
- Sheet pan
- Parchment paper
- Cooling rack
- Bread knife
- Good skillet or cast iron pan (optional)
- Large serving platter
How to Make Homemade Crostini
- Preheat the oven to 325°F.
- Slice the baguette into ½-inch to 1-inch thick pieces on a slight diagonal to create longer slices of bread.
- Brush both sides of the bread with a little olive oil, then sprinkle with kosher salt and black pepper. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for about 10-15 minutes, turning once halfway through, until golden brown and crisp on both sides.
- Let cool completely before serving. Store at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Tips for Success
- For a punchy flavor, rub the cut side of a clove of fresh garlic on the sides of the bread as soon as they come out of the oven.
- To infuse a mellow flavor, mix a little chopped garlic or garlic powder into the olive oil before brushing.
- Add grated cheese like Parmesan, Pecorino Romano, or mozzarella before baking for cheesy crostini.
- Sprinkle paprika into the oil for a warm color and subtle smoky flavor.
- Slice with a sharp serrated knife to get even, clean cuts through the crust.
Crostini Topping Ideas
All of these recipes are ideal crostini toppings:
- Eggplant Caponata for a sweet and tangy bite.
- Cherry Tomato Confit for juicy, slow-roasted flavor.
- Italian Long Hot Peppers for a spicy kick.
- Caramelized Onions for deep, savory sweetness.
- Sicilian Pesto with tomatoes and almonds.
- Roasted Red Peppers for smoky sweetness.
- Spinach and Walnut Pesto for a green, rich spread.
Crostini Variations
- Grilled Zucchini Bruschetta for a summery twist.
- Roasted Plum Crostini with burrata and prosciutto.
- Roasted Mushroom Crostini with goat cheese for an earthy, savory depth.
- Fava Bean Crostini with pecorino and mint for spring gatherings.
- Tomato Feta Toasts for a Mediterranean-inspired version.
Serving Suggestions
Serve crostini with a comforting bowl of soup, like classic French onion soup, New England style Clam Chowder, authentic Italian Wedding Soup, my cozy Minestrone Recipe, hearty Pasta e Fagioli or Tuscan Ribollita Soup.
Crostini make a great addition to a cheese plate or charcuterie board. Arrange them on a large tray with veggies and crackers for the perfect party appetizer spread!
You can also try serving them with dips such as this creamy Cannellini Bean Dip, garlicky Greek Skordalia, smoky Charred Eggplant Dip or this cheesy baked Bacon Dip.
Storage Tips
The best crostini are always fresh. If you have leftovers, let them cool completely, then store in an airtight container at room temperature. They'll stay crisp for up to 3 days.
If they start to soften or go stale, place them on a baking sheet and warm in a low oven for about 5 minutes to bring back their crunch. Avoid refrigerating, since the moisture will make them chewy.
FAQs
Yes, day-old bread is actually the best bread for this recipe. It's a great way to use up stale bread or baguettes while ensuring a crisp, even texture after baking.
Cut into thin slices of bread, around ½-inch thick. This gives you sturdy but easy-to-bite pieces that hold their toppings well.
After baking, let the crostini cool completely on a wire rack before storing. Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature.
Yes. Reheat them on a sheet pan at 300°F for about 5 minutes until warm and crisp again.
A fresh baguette, Italian loaf, or any good bread with a tender crumb works great. Avoid bread that's too tough or crusty, as it can become hard after oven toasting.
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Easy Homemade Crostini Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 baguette or long Italian loaf
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F.
- Slice the baguette into ½-inch to 1-inch thick slices on a slight diagonal to make longer pieces.
- Brush both sides lightly with olive oil, then sprinkle with salt and a pinch of black pepper. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet.
- Bake for about 10-15 minutes, turning once halfway through, until crisp and lightly golden on both sides.
- Let cool completely before serving. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Notes
- For a punchy flavor, rub the cut side of a clove of fresh garlic on the sides of the bread as soon as they come out of the oven.
- To infuse a mellow flavor, mix a little chopped garlic or garlic powder into the olive oil before brushing.
- Add grated cheese like Parmesan, Pecorino Romano, or mozzarella before baking for cheesy crostini.
- Sprinkle paprika into the oil for a warm color and subtle smoky flavor.
- Slice with a sharp serrated knife to get even, clean cuts through the crust.
