Homemade Crostini Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Homemade crostini is the perfect base for appetizers, snacks, or even a light meal. Crispy, golden, and delicious, these toasted slices of bread are ideal for topping with your favorite spreads, cheeses, or even a simple drizzle of olive oil. This recipe is quick, simple, and versatile—crostini can be topped with anything from tomatoes and basil to creamy goat cheese and honey. Whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a quiet evening, homemade crostini adds a touch of elegance to any occasion.

Ingredients

• 1 baguette (or any crusty bread)

• 1/4 cup olive oil

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)

• 1/4 teaspoon dried rosemary (optional)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup.

2. Prepare the bread: Slice the baguette into 1/4-inch thick slices. You can slice at an angle for longer pieces or straight for smaller, round shapes.

3. Brush with olive oil: Arrange the bread slices on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Brush both sides of each slice with olive oil using a pastry brush or drizzle the oil over the bread.

4. Season the bread: Sprinkle the bread with salt, garlic powder (if using), and dried rosemary (if using) for extra flavor. Feel free to adjust the seasoning according to your taste.

5. Bake the crostini: Bake the bread in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, or until the crostini are golden brown and crispy. You may want to flip the slices halfway through baking to ensure they toast evenly.

6. Cool and serve: Once the crostini are baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly. Serve them warm or at room temperature with your favorite toppings.

Servings and timing

• Servings: About 20 crostini (depending on the size of the baguette)

• Prep time: 5 minutes

• Cook time: 10-15 minutes

• Total time: 20 minutes

Variations

• Cheesy crostini: After baking, top the crostini with grated cheese (Parmesan, mozzarella, or goat cheese) and bake for an additional 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

• Herb-infused: Add fresh or dried herbs like thyme, oregano, or basil to the olive oil before brushing it on the bread for a more fragrant crostini.

• Spicy kick: Sprinkle a pinch of red pepper flakes over the bread before baking for a spicy version of crostini.

• Sweet crostini: For a sweeter version, drizzle honey or balsamic glaze over the baked crostini, and top with fresh fruit or mascarpone cheese.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover crostini in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: To refresh the crostini, reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes until they become crispy again.

FAQs

Can I use other types of bread?

Yes, you can use any crusty bread for crostini, such as a baguette, sourdough, or ciabatta. Just ensure the bread is firm enough to hold toppings without getting soggy.

Can I make crostini ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the crostini ahead of time and store them in an airtight container. They are best eaten within a few days, but they will stay crispy for up to 3 days at room temperature.

How thick should I slice the bread?

Slice the bread about 1/4 inch thick for the perfect balance of crunch and texture. If you slice too thick, the crostini may be too chewy; too thin, and they might burn easily.

Can I grill the crostini instead of baking them?

Yes! If you prefer to grill the crostini, heat a grill pan or outdoor grill over medium heat. Grill the bread slices for about 2-3 minutes on each side until golden and crispy.

Can I freeze crostini?

Yes, you can freeze the baked crostini for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes until crispy.

Can I make flavored crostini with other oils?

Absolutely! You can infuse your olive oil with garlic, chili, or even lemon zest for a unique flavor. Simply warm the oil slightly and let the flavors infuse for 15-20 minutes before brushing it on the bread.

Conclusion

Homemade crostini is a simple, versatile, and delicious snack or appetizer that can be paired with a wide range of toppings. With a golden, crispy texture and a slight hint of olive oil and seasoning, crostini are the perfect bite-sized treat to elevate any gathering or meal. Customize them with your favorite flavors and enjoy the endless possibilities of this easy recipe!

Homemade Crostini Recipe

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Homemade Crostini is a simple, crispy, and flavorful snack that can be topped with various spreads, cheeses, and vegetables. This versatile recipe is perfect for appetizers, snacks, or light meals.

• Author: Catherine
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10-15 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: About 20 crostini (depending on the size of the baguette)
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

• 1 baguette (or any crusty bread)
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
• 1/4 teaspoon dried rosemary (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
2. Prepare the bread: Slice the baguette into 1/4-inch thick slices.
3. Brush with olive oil: Arrange the bread slices on the baking sheet and brush both sides with olive oil.
4. Season the bread: Sprinkle the bread with salt, garlic powder (optional), and dried rosemary (optional).
5. Bake the crostini: Bake for 10-15 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Flip halfway through for even toasting.
6. Cool and serve: Let the crostini cool slightly and serve warm or at room temperature with your favorite toppings.

Notes

Cheesy crostini: Top with grated cheese and bake for an additional 2-3 minutes until melted and bubbly.Herb-infused: Add fresh or dried herbs like thyme, oregano, or basil to the olive oil before brushing.Spicy kick: Sprinkle red pepper flakes over the bread before baking for a spicy twist.Sweet crostini: Drizzle honey or balsamic glaze on top for a sweet variation.Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2 crostini
• Calories: 100
• Sugar: 0g
• Sodium: 250mg
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 1g
• Cholesterol: 0mg