Learn how to make crostini! Topped with fresh garnishes or a creamy spread, these crisp, golden little toasts are the perfect party appetizer.
If you ask me, everyone should learn how to make crostini. These little Italian toasts are at home at any party or gathering, and they’re an absolute breeze to make. Thinly slice a baguette, brush the slices with olive oil, and toast them in the oven until they’re crisp and golden. Once they’re toasted, they’re the perfect base for all kinds of toppings. Creamy spreads, fresh veggies, herbs, fruit, or cheese… You’ll find over 10 crostini recipes in our recipe index and another 4 in my cookbooks. What can I say? The crostini topping possibilities are endless!
How to Make Crostini
Like I said, this crostini recipe is quick and easy to make. You’ll need
- crusty bread, preferably a baguette,
- olive oil,
- and flaky sea salt.
The great thing about crostini is that the bread doesn’t even have to be fresh. You’re going to dry it out in the oven, so if it’s a bit stale, it’s no big deal.
Use a sharp serrated knife to cut the bread into thin slices. I like to slice the bread on the bias to maximize each slice’s surface area. (More surface area=more room for toppings!)
Brush both sides of the bread slices with olive oil. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet, and bake at 400°F until golden and crisp, 10 to 12 minutes.
Sprinkle with flaky sea salt, and serve with whatever toppings you like!
Find the complete recipe with measurements below.
Crostini Topping Ideas
Now for the fun part: the crostini toppings! Really, just about anything is delicious on top of a crostini, so try experimenting with different spreads, cheeses, and veggies. Here are a few tasty combinations to get you started:
- Eggplant caponata and fresh basil
- Pesto and roasted tomatoes
- Cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil with balsamic reduction
- Whipped feta, blackberries, mint, and honey
- Homemade labneh, peaches, and dukkah
- Creamy goat cheese, roasted butternut squash, crispy sage leaves, and black pepper
If you don’t feel like assembling a million crostini, you can also set out the toasts with your favorite dip. They’d pair perfectly with my spinach artichoke dip, olive tapenade, white bean dip, or creamy avocado dip. You could even serve them with a homemade compound butter, baked brie, or a fruit and cheese platter like this burrata with peaches and heirloom tomatoes.
Store leftover crostini in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Enjoy!
More Favorite Easy Appetizers
If you love this crostini recipe, try one of these easy appetizers next:
How to Make Crostini
Serves 6 to 8
This easy crostini recipe is a great addition to a party appetizer spread. Dress up the crisp, golden toasts with flavorful toppings, or serve them with your favorite dip. Find topping suggestions in the post above.
- 1 baguette, thinly sliced on the bias
- Extra-virgin olive oil, for brushing
- Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling
- Desired toppings, for serving
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Preheat the oven to 400°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
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Arrange the baguette slices in a single layer on the baking sheets and brush both sides with olive oil.
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Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until golden and toasted.
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Sprinkle with flaky sea salt and serve with desired toppings. Find suggestions in the blog post above.
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Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.