How To Make Crostini

Stop spending your money on store-bought and learn how to make your own Crostini with only bread, olive oil, and an oven. Top with your favorites and have always an easy and inexpensive snack seconds away!

What is crostini

Crostini (that literally means little crusts) is an Italian appetizer that consists of small slices of toasted bread with a topping.

Basically, a fancy name (because everything in Italian sounds so fancy to me) for toast with something on top of it.

Why should you make it

A bag of Crostini usually cost like 5 dollars 10 slices in the supermarket. It’s like paying 50 cents per slice of baguette. It’s just me who thinks this is a bit overpriced?

Using homemade baguette or bread bought at your favorite bakery, you can have approximately 50 crostini for about 5 dollars.

Learning how to make it will save you a lot of many, and as a bonus you can make it with your favorite bread.

What bread should you use

I prefer using baguettes. They are easy to slice and have just the perfect size for an appetizer - but any small artisan white bread will do. Ciabatta is also a great option.

You can also make it with Italian bread, but the slices will be bigger than the size we aim for a crostini. I usually cut the slice into 3 smaller pieces if using a bigger bread for crostini.

If you’re wondering if you can use fresh bread for making crostini, the answer is yes. But I prefer using stale bread, as this recipe works great for using leftover baguettes that got too dry to eat.

How to make it

That’s probably the easiest recipe I have! Get your bread, bread knife and olive oil, preheat your oven and let’s crush it!

Slice the bread. Slice it into ¼-inch-thick slices. Try to cut them all the same size, so they will toast evenly. Use a bread knife to make your work easier.

Brush with olive oil. Place the slices on a baking sheet and brush each one with olive oil.

Bake them. Bake at 400°F for 12 to 16 minutes. If you’re afraid top and bottom won’t crisp evenly, you can turn them over half-way through cooking.

Take the crostini out of the oven when ready, add the toppings you love and enjoy. And that’s it!

Tips for making the best crostini

• When cutting the baguette, make sure the slices are not too thin or too thick. A crostini too thin may not support the topping and break, and a thick one won’t be easy to bite.

• Crostini will be extra crispy if baked for 16 minutes. If you prefer a softer crostini, bake it for 12 to 14 minutes. I usually bake for 7 minutes, turn them over and bake for 7 more.

• Don’t substitute olive oil for cooking oil. The flavor would be different, and the crostini will feel a lot more oily if doing so.

• You can add an extra layer of flavor to your crostini if using something other than plain olive oil. Try substituting olive oil for butter, or use a flavored olive oil, like a garlic-infused one.

Storing and Freezing

Crostini is best when fresh from the oven, but if stored correctly, the slices can maintain its crispness for about 5 days.

Crostini bread can be made ahead of time. If making ahead, let the slices cool completely (for about 2 hours) before storing. Store in an airtight container, away from direct sunlight, at room temperature.

When using, if slices are not as crispy as desired, pop them into a preheated oven (400°F) for about 5 minutes.

Don’t forget to add the toppings only minutes before serving, or you’ll risk ending up with soggy bread.

You can freeze crostini bread: let them cool, then place slices inside a freezer-safe bag and store in your freezer. Make sure the bag is sealed before freezing. They’re good for up to 3 months.

Crostini toppings

These are the perfect little snacks for a party, or a small gathering with friends. I always have some on my freezer for a surprise visit.

Here are some of my favorite toppings for crostini:

• Onion chutney and brie;
• Eggplant caponata;
• Rosted Garlic;
• Fresh diced tomatoes with olive oil, basil and salt;
• Blue cheese and honey;
• Guacamole.

Ready to raise your snack game?

Breads for crostini

Baguette Bread
Sandwich Rolls
Sourdough Bread
Dutch Oven Beer Bread