When you need an elegant appetizer that serves as a blank canvas for countless toppings, Crostini delivers versatility and sophistication in every crispy bite. These thin slices of toasted Italian bread transform ordinary baguettes into golden, crunchy platforms that can support both simple and elaborate flavor combinations. The name literally means “little toasts” in Italian, and these delightful morsels have been gracing tables across Italy for generations. Whether topped with fresh tomatoes and basil, creamy spreads, or seasonal vegetables, crostini offer the perfect balance of texture and flavor that makes them irresistible at parties, casual gatherings, or as a light meal.
Serves: 6-8 people (makes approximately 24-30 pieces)
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 22 minutes
For the Basic Crostini
- 1 French baguette or Italian bread loaf (about 18 inches long)
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, halved
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Classic Topping Suggestions
Tomato Basil Topping:
- 4 ripe tomatoes, diced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Ricotta and Honey:
- 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 1/4 cup chopped pistachios
- Fresh thyme sprigs
Mushroom and Herb:
- 8 oz mixed mushrooms, sliced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme
Preparation Steps
Selecting and Slicing the Bread
Choose a day-old baguette or Italian bread that feels firm to the touch. Fresh bread can become soggy when toasted, while day-old bread provides the ideal texture. Using a sharp serrated knife, slice the bread diagonally into pieces about 1/2 inch thick. Diagonal cuts create larger surface areas for toppings and look more elegant than straight cuts. You should get about 24-30 slices from one standard baguette.
Preparing for Toasting
Preheat your oven to 400°F. Arrange the bread slices in a single layer on two large baking sheets, making sure pieces don’t overlap. Overlapping prevents even browning and can result in some pieces being perfectly toasted while others remain pale and chewy.
Creating the Oil Mixture
In a small bowl, combine the olive oil with salt and pepper. Using a pastry brush or small spoon, lightly brush one side of each bread slice with the seasoned oil mixture. Don’t oversoak the bread, as too much oil can make crostini greasy rather than crispy. A light, even coating is all you need.
Toasting to Perfection
Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and toast for 10-12 minutes, rotating the pans halfway through cooking for even browning. The crostini are ready when they turn golden brown and feel crisp when tapped lightly. They should sound hollow rather than dense. Remove from oven and let cool on the baking sheets for 2-3 minutes.
Adding Garlic Flavor
While the crostini are still warm, take the halved garlic cloves and gently rub the cut side across the surface of each toasted slice. The rough texture of the toasted bread acts like a grater, releasing garlic oils that infuse each piece with subtle flavor. This traditional technique adds depth without overwhelming the toppings you’ll add later.
Cooling and Storage
Allow the crostini to cool completely on wire racks before adding any toppings. This prevents toppings from sliding off or making the bread soggy. Properly cooled crostini will stay crispy for several hours and can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Preparing Classic Toppings
For Tomato Basil Topping: Dice ripe tomatoes and combine with chopped fresh basil, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Let this mixture sit for 15 minutes to allow flavors to blend before spooning onto crostini just before serving.
For Ricotta and Honey: Whip ricotta cheese until smooth and creamy. Spread onto cooled crostini, drizzle with honey, and top with chopped pistachios and fresh thyme. This combination offers sweet and savory balance.
For Mushroom and Herb: Sauté sliced mushrooms in butter until golden and tender. Season with salt, pepper, and fresh herbs. Spoon warm mushroom mixture onto crostini for a rich, earthy topping.
Assembly and Serving
Top crostini just before serving to maintain maximum crispiness. Use a small spoon to add toppings evenly, leaving a small border of visible bread around the edges for an attractive presentation. Arrange on serving platters with small napkins for easy handling.
Make-Ahead Tips
The bread base can be prepared up to 2 days in advance and stored in airtight containers. Most toppings can be prepared several hours ahead, but assemble the final crostini no more than 30 minutes before serving to prevent sogginess.
Variations and Creative Ideas
Try spreading crostini with goat cheese and fig jam, or top with smoked salmon and cream cheese. Roasted red pepper and olive tapenade make excellent vegetarian options. For holidays, consider cranberry and brie combinations or prosciutto with melon.
Serving Suggestions
Crostini work beautifully as appetizers for dinner parties, components of antipasto platters, or light lunch options when served with salad. Plan on 3-4 pieces per person for appetizer portions, or 6-8 pieces if serving as a main course with accompaniments.
