This easy Homemade Crostini Recipe is part of my “basics” series, where I share simple recipes to help you learn how to be the best you can be in your kitchen. Learn to make bone broth, or learn how to cook pasta perfectly. I share my amazing recipe for chocolate buttercream frosting too, which I think everyone should have in their recipe box! Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned pro, this recipe for homemade crostini will help you improve your cooking skills, and give you a fail-proof recipe that will make it so simple for you to create all types of delicious crostini appetizers.
What is Crostini?
Crostini are small slices of bread that have been toasted until crispy. Generally, the bread is topped with cheese, meat, or spreads and served as an appetizer. In Italian, the word crostini means “little toasts”, and that’s exactly what we’re making today!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Making homemade crostini at home is an inexpensive DIY recipe! At my local grocery store, they make crostini from yesterday’s bread, and charge more than double for it! You can skip paying for that service, and easily make your own crispy bread slices in just a few minutes. You’ll also have all the control when it comes to the type of bread, the amount of salt, and the size of your crostini. Lastly, knowing how to make homemade crostini will make you an expert in creating quick and easy appetizers! All you need is this recipe and one or more simple crostini toppings. Try my homemade bruschetta or homemade ricotta cheese on your crostini!
Ingredients In Homemade Crostini
Here’s what you need to make these simple crispy bread slices:
Baguette – If this is your first try at making crostini, I suggest picking up a fresh, crusty baguette. These are easy to find at the supermarket and always make the best crostini. You can also try ciabatta, or any other type of sturdy, crusty bread that you like. Olive Oil – This gives the crostini flavor and helps it to get wonderfully crisp in the oven. Salt – Flaky sea salt, sprinkled on the bread after it’s toasted, is the easiest way to make your bread tast amazing.
Complete list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the recipe card below.
How To Make Homemade Crostini
To get started, preheat your oven to 375°F/190°C, and line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
Crostini Recipe Tips
Pick the right bread. Choose bread that is firm and does not fall apart or crumble as you slice it. French baguette is commonly used since it’s long and thin. You can also try ciabatta or hearty Italian loaf, cut into smaller pieces. 1/2-inch slices are perfect for crostini. Any thicker than that and they won’t get crispy all the way through. Thinner slices will cook much more quickly.If you’re cooking outside, try grilling crostini! Preheat the grill to 375°F/190°C, and add the sliced bread right to the grill grates, over indirect heat.To make garlic crostini, rub a peeled clove of garlic over the warm, crispy bread right after you pull it out of the oven. The heat from the crostini will release oils from the garlic. To Store: Keep leftovers in a sealed container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the crostini for up to 1 month.
Storing Tips
These are easy to make ahead of time! Let the crostini cool completely, then store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. You can also freeze crostini for up to 1 month.
Crostini Topping Ideas
Once you know how to make perfectly crispy crostini, the sky is the limit when it comes to topping them! Start with these delicious ideas, then try making your own amazing crostini appetizers.
Homemade Ricotta Cheese is amazing on its own, but even more delicious topped with a drizzle of honey, fruit spread, or grilled vegetables. Spread crostini with Roasted Red Pepper Hummus and sprinkle with chopped tomatoes and parsley. Add sliced tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and basil leaves to create caprese salad crostini. Try it with a layer of pesto too!Cream cheese, smoked salmon, and pickled red onionCream cheese, thinly sliced cucumber, and dill.Olive TapenadeGuacamoleBruschettaVegan Cream Cheese and Everything Bagel Seasoning
Be sure to add toppings to the crostini right before serving so that the bread doesn’t get soggy. Simple, crispy, toasted crostini are quick to make and the perfect base layer for delicious appetizers. Save this recipe for the next time you’re hosting a get-together! © Little Sunny Kitchen
