How to Make Crostini – Jessica Gavin

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By Ghuman

Introduction

Crostini are a delicious and versatile appetizer that can be served as a snack or as part of a larger meal. They are easy to make and can be customized to suit any taste. This guide will provide step-by-step instructions on how to make crostini, including tips on how to choose the right bread, how to toast it, and how to top it with a variety of delicious ingredients. With a few simple steps, you can create a delicious and impressive appetizer that will be sure to please your guests.

How to Make Crostini – Jessica Gavin

Crostini are a delicious and versatile appetizer that can be served with a variety of toppings. They are easy to make and can be customized to fit any flavor profile. This recipe from Jessica Gavin will show you how to make the perfect crostini every time.

Ingredients:

  • 1 baguette, sliced into 1/4-inch thick slices
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Arrange the baguette slices on a baking sheet. Brush the tops with olive oil.
  3. In a small bowl, combine the garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle the mixture over the baguette slices.
  4. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the crostini are golden brown and crispy.
  5. Serve warm with your favorite toppings.

Crostini are a great way to add a little something special to any meal. With this easy recipe, you can make delicious crostini in no time. Enjoy!

Crostini is a quick and easy appetizer with thin baguette slices lightly toasted until golden brown and crispy. Customize this fancy handheld snack to your liking with various toppings.

crostini on a platter with various toppings
Table of Contents
  1. What is crostini?
  2. Bread selection
  3. Fresh vs. stale bread
  4. Slicing
  5. Add seasoning
  6. Toasting the bread
  7. Dips and spreads to serve with
  8. Crostini topping suggestions
  9. FAQ
  10. Easy Crostini Recipe Recipe

Transform a crusty loaf of bread into a tasty appetizer. This easy crostini recipe uses toasted baguette slices, which are seasoned and baked until light and crisp. This method yields maximum texture contrast for crunchy bites.

The slices are sturdy enough to be topped for a versatile antipasto or used for dipping in your favorite spread. It only takes a few minutes to prepare and about 10 minutes to toast! Make a tray ahead of time to serve as a quick snack or hors d’oeuvres for a party. Check out my delicious serving options to wow your guests.

ingredients to make a crostini

What is crostini?

They are thinly sliced pieces of bread that are toasted or grilled to yield a crisp texture. These Italian-inspired antipasti are called “little toasts” as they are meant to be small, flavorful appetizers.

You typically brush them with olive oil before cooking, which boosts the taste and crispiness. I like to serve them on the side of dips and spreads or topped with cheese, vegetables, fruit, seafood, or other protein.

Bread selection

Use a baguette or crusty French bread that is slender in shape. You’ll need to cut larger loaves in half to make smaller pieces. The length should be about 2 1/2 to 3-inches and about 2-inches wide. Any larger and it becomes a meal like avocado toast, rather than a two to three bite appetizer. 

I find that the lighter loaves, instead of dense and chewy, yield crisp and brittle texture after toasting, similar to croutons but not completely dried out. It’s easier to eat, although if you enjoy more chew, go with artisan loaves.

Fresh vs. stale bread

You can use either a freshly baked loaf or one that’s a few days old—the staler the bread, the dryer, and easier to cut. Making crostini is a great way to use up old bread.

Slicing

Cut slices of baguette crosswise into just under ½-inch thick to give even rounds. This size makes it much easier to bite into but still has a sturdy structure. You can also cut on a bias or diagonal to give slightly more surface area. I recommend using a serrated knife as their teeth help to cut through the crusty surface.

Add seasoning

Brush both sides with a good quality extra-virgin olive oil with a fruity taste that will add flavor to the surface. The fat also helps make it crisper when toasting. I like to season with kosher salt and pepper before baking. The seasoning sticks better to the oil, and the heat enhances the flavor better than applying afterward. 

The sodium granules dissolve, and black pepper becomes more fragrant. You can keep it simple with just olive oil. Alternatively, some garlic or onion powder will give it an earthy allium note.

slices of bread with oil and seasoning

Toasting the bread

For even cooking, bake the slices in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet. I use a moderate temperature of 350ºF (177ºC). The goal is to dry out as much moisture in the crumb as possible while achieving a lightly browned surface. 

It takes about 5 minutes per side, flipping halfway through. To further gently dry out the bread, leave it on the warm sheet pan until cooled down. Your little crostini toasts are now the perfect base for topping or dipping.

Dips and spreads to serve with

Crostini topping suggestions

dipping a crostini into a small white bowl

FAQ

What’s the difference between bruschetta and crostini?

Both are Italian antipasti served with a variety of savory or sweet toppings. Crostini are smaller pieces of little toasts often topped or served with a dip. Bruschetta means “roast over coals” or “to toast,” usually thicker pieces of grilled bread for a more charred flavor or baked at a higher temperature. Slices of fresh garlic are rubbed on the surface for more robust aromas. It’s popular to top with fresh tomatoes.

Can you grill the bread?

Yes! Heat the barbecue or a grill pan over medium-high heat for a smoky flavor on the toast. Once hot, toast until light char marks form. This process will take about 2 to 4 minutes per side.

Can you make crostini in advance?

Yes, the toasts can be made about 5 to 7 days before serving. Make sure to store in an airtight container at room temperature. You can also freeze and defrost them before use. It’s best to top right before serving and enjoy within an hour. Alternatively, they can be topped 2 to 3 hours before serving and refrigerated. Any longer or chilling overnight will soften the bread.

Can crostini be served hot or cold?

The toast is typically cooled down before use. However, it could be enjoyed when warm out of the oven. Cold toppings like cream cheese and smoked salmon work well for a chilled appetizer. Warm toppings like caramelized onions or sauteed mushrooms make for an excellent savory starter.

serving platter of different types of crostini

How do you keep crostini from getting soggy?

Brushing olive oil on the bread slices before toasting acts as a lipid barrier to moisture. You can also add a spread on top that contains fat like goat cheese, cream cheese, mashed avocado, or aioli to prevent juices from wet ingredients making the toast soggy.

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  • Set the oven rack to the middle position. Heat to 350ºF (177ºC).

  • Brush each side of bread slices with olive oil. Sprinkle both sides with salt and pepper (if using).

  • Arrange slices in a single layer on a large rimmed baking sheet. Bake until dry, lightly browned, about 10 to 12 minutes. Flip halfway through baking. Cool on the sheet tray.

  • Serve with desired dips, spread, or toppings.

  • Storing: Toasts can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 5 to 7 days. It can be frozen for up to 30 days and defrosted before use. Refrigerate crostini with toppings for up to 2 to 3 hours. Sitting any longer or chilling overnight will make the bread soggy.

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Nutrition Facts

Easy Crostini Recipe

Amount Per Serving

Calories 48
Calories from Fat 27

% Daily Value*

Fat 3g5%

Saturated Fat 1g5%

Polyunsaturated Fat 1g

Monounsaturated Fat 2g

Sodium 112mg5%

Potassium 12mg0%

Carbohydrates 5g2%

Fiber 1g4%

Sugar 1g1%

Protein 1g2%

Vitamin A 1IU0%

Calcium 8mg1%

Iron 1mg6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Tried this recipe?

Tag @jessica_gavin on Instagram. I’d love to see how it turns out!

Tag @jessica_gavin



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