Crostini

Crostini are crispy, golden slices of toasted French bread often found on charcuterie boards and appetizer platters. These easy homemade crostini are ready in less than 20 minutes and make the perfect base for bruschetta, creamy cheese spreads, olive tapenade, and other delicious appetizers.

Easy Homemade Crostini

Making crostini at home is so simple, and you only need two ingredients! The bread gets lightly toasted and golden, with just enough crunch to hold your favorite toppings without being too hard to bite into.

I love making a batch of these for an appetizer platter with my Whipped Feta Spread, Olive Tapenade, fresh tomatoes, and basil.

They’re also great for parties because you can toast the bread ahead of time and let everyone add their favorite toppings.

Ingredient Tips

• French bread: A loaf of French bread works well for this recipe. Slice it diagonally into pieces about ½-inch thick. A baguette is another good option if you prefer smaller crostini.
• Olive oil: Use a good olive oil and brush it lightly over the bread. You don’t need much to get nicely toasted, golden slices.
• Optional garlic: For extra flavor, rub a cut garlic clove lightly over the warm crostini right after baking.

How to Make Crostini in the Oven

Preheat the oven to 375°F.

Slice the French bread diagonally into approximately ½-inch thick slices. Arrange them in a single layer on an ungreased baking sheet.

Lightly brush the slices with olive oil, then bake for 8 to 10 minutes, until the bread is lightly golden and crisp.

Remove from the oven and let cool before adding your favorite toppings.

Tip: Keep an eye on the bread during the last few minutes of baking. Thinner slices will toast more quickly, and you want the crostini crisp without getting too hard.

What to Put on Crostini

There are so many delicious ways to serve crostini! Here are a few of my favorites:

• Whipped feta: Spread with creamy whipped feta and top with fresh tomatoes and basil.
• Olive tapenade: Spoon olive tapenade over the toasted bread for a flavorful, savory appetizer.
• Bruschetta: Top with chopped fresh tomatoes, basil, olive oil, and a little balsamic vinegar.
• Creamy cheese: Spread with goat cheese, cream cheese, or ricotta and add your favorite toppings.
• Sweet and savory: Try brie or ricotta with a little fig jam or honey.

For more topping ideas, see my How to Make Bruschetta post. It’s an easy way to put together an appetizer platter with several different flavors.

Make-Ahead and Storage

Crostini are great for making ahead of time, especially when you’re preparing appetizers for a party.

Toast the bread as directed and let it cool completely. Store the plain, untopped crostini in an airtight container at room temperature. They’re best enjoyed within 1 to 2 days.

If they lose a little crispness, you can warm them in a 350°F oven for a few minutes to crisp them up again.

For the best texture, wait until just before serving to add spreads and toppings so the bread doesn’t become soggy.

More Appetizer Ideas

How to Make Bruschetta
Whipped Feta Spread
Olive Tapenade
Red Beet Hummus

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