Make your own fresh Crostini at home in three no-fuss steps, and you won’t believe how delicious, quick, and incredibly easy they are to make. You can add different dried herbs and spices to complement the flavor of the accompanying recipe.
These homemade crostini are so darn easy and perfect for so many appetizers. I love to serve them with so many of my dips and use them as croutons in my French onion soup.
They are dependable, delicious, and incredibly versatile. These little toasts only take about 5 minutes to prep and about 10 minutes to cook. They make the best finger food for parties. I love to serve them with shrimp dip and spinach artichoke dip.
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
- Bread: baguettes are ideal, but an elongated crusty French bread will work
- Butter: unsalted or salted
- Seasonings: garlic powder, onion powder, seasoned salt, or dried herbs.
How to make Crostini
Start by slicing your day-old baguette into 1/3-1/2 inch thick slices with a serrated knife. In a small bowl, stir together the butter, olive oil, and garlic powder. Then, brush both sides of the bread with the butter mixture and place in a single layer on a baking sheet covered with parchment paper.
Bake in a preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until crisp. Store at room temperature in an airtight container or zipper bag for up to a week. Top with ingredients right before serving.
Preparation Tips
- Line your baking sheet with parchment paper and leave a little space between the crostinis so that the heat can brown the bread adequately.
- Cooking time will vary depending on the size and moisture content of the bread. One to two days old bread works well. You can also use fresh bread, although it takes a little longer to crisp it in the oven.
- For larger crostini, cut the bread diagonally with a serrated knife.
- There is no need to flip the toasts while baking. They will turn golden brown on both sides.
- Cook until crisp all the way through. To check this, I taste one. If it is not crispy all the way through, I cook it a few minutes longer.
Topping Ideas
Try different combinations of these ingredients to make a big, bold beautiful platter of appetizers.
- A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese or Feta cheese
- Cream cheese, warm brie and jam, creamy goat cheese, herb cheese, or any spreadable cheese.
- Olives, cherry tomatoes, capers, salmon, strawberries, pears.
- Drizzle of honey, balsamic glaze, or fresh pesto.
- Bruschetta, hummus, or olive tapenade
Seasoning Variations
Of course, not all at once but maybe 2-3 to complement any cold or hot dip that you are serving them with.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley or 1/2 tablespoon fresh parsley
- a touch of salt and fresh ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano or 1/2 tablespoon fresh oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil or 1/2 tablespoon fresh basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme or 1/2 tablespoon fresh thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- a couple pinches of crushed red pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
Dip recipes to serve these with
Easy Crostini Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 day old baguette
- 2 tablespoons butter melted
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4-1/2 teaspoon garlic powder see notes
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Cover baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cut bread into 1/3-1/2 inch thick slices using a serrated knife. In a small bowl stir together butter, olive oil and garlic powder. Brush both sides of the bread slices with butter mixture. Place on prepared baking sheet. Bake for
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown.
Video
Notes
- Line your baking sheet with parchment paper and leave a little space between the crostinis so that the heat can brown the bread adequately.
- Cooking time will vary depending on the size and moisture content of the bread. One to two days old bread works well. You can also use fresh bread, although it takes a little longer to crisp it in the oven.
- For larger crostini cut the bread on a diagonal with a serrated knife.
- There is no need to flip the toasts while baking. They will turn golden brown on both sides.
- Cook until crisp all the way through. To check this, I taste one. If it is not crispy all the way through, I cook it a few minutes longer.
Nutrition
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Jan Moser
Can you make ahead and freeze?
Beth Pierce
Yes you can. Double bag and remove as much air as possible.
Emily
This recipe was so simple, yet so delicious! My family came over for dinner and we topped the crostini with your bruschetta recipe. It was delicious. We will be making it again.
Jen Schreiner
This is such a simple recipe. I can’t wait to make it. We end up with day-old bread all the time. I make homemade. This is a great way to use up older bread.
Beth Pierce
Yes it really is!
Elaine
Can these be made a day ahead? How would you store them to retain crispness?
Beth Pierce
Yes they can. Store in a ziploc bag with any excess air removed.