Crostini is incredibly easy to make at home. Anyone can make these, so there’s no need to spend extra dollars buying them at the store. You only need a few ingredients, your broiler, and about 15 minutes to make your own crispy, delicious homemade crostini. Serve them with your favorite dip or use them as base for other appetizers.
Post originally published 6/18/2019. Updated 2/19/2024
Why make homemade crostini?
- Homemade crostini simply tastes better than anything you can buy in the store.
- You can bypass ingredients you don’t want on your crostini, or you can use less – like the amount of salt added.
- You can change up the flavor a bit by using different spices and seasonings to suit your taste and the other foods you’ll be serving it with.
- It’s budget friendly, both in time and money. Crostini takes very little time to make and, aside from the baguette, most people have the other ingredients on hand.
- Homemade crostini is a great way to use up a day-old or stale baguette.
- This toasted crostini is super easy to make, and requiring very little effort for delicious rewards.
What ingredients are needed for homemade crostini?
- Baguette – Baguettes make the perfect small-sized crostini, and they’re easy to find in most grocery stores. And it’s perfectly find if it’s a little stale. In fact, that often makes the best crostini because it’s already dried out some. And if you can find a whole grain baguette, that adds to the nutritional value as well.
- Olive oil – Aside from the baguette this is the other truly essential ingredient, though adding the seasonings below make it even better. Choose a good quality olive oil. While I do often use California Olive Ranch olive oil, I also use Colavita Roasted Garlic Olive Oil for people who can’t tolerate fresh garlic. It’s certified low FODMAP and a great choice for those who need low FODMAP alternatives.
- Salt – The choice to use salt or not is entirely up to you! I find adding a small sprinkle of kosher salt prior to broiling enhances all the other flavors and makes this seasoned crostini oh so good! I prefer using kosher salt over table salt. It’s easier to control the amount and adds a punch of flavor with even a few grains on a slice of crostini.
- Pepper – There’s nothing like adding a bit of fresh ground cracked pepper to bring a dish to life. Adding it to this homemade crostini is no exception. But if you don’t care for pepper, you can certainly leave it off.
- Garlic – Garlic is typically added to crostini by cutting in half lengthwise and then rubbing the cut side against the already oiled sliced bread. This too is optional, but know it does add lots of flavor. If you don’t have garlic on hand, you can use a small sprinkling of garlic powder. Or simply use the roasted garlic olive oil mentioned above.
How to make crostini:
- Step 1 – Turn on your broiler and gather your ingredients.
- Step 2 – Slice your baguette, lay the slices on a sheet pan and brush with olive oil. Rub the cut side of a clove of garlic over the slices and sprinkle with a little fresh ground pepper and sea salt.
- Step 3 – Toast your baguette slices under the broiler for a couple minutes. Then flip the slices over, brush with oil, and return to the oven to finish toasting. Watch closely as they toast quickly and can burn if left unattended.
- Step 4 – Remove from the oven when slices are golden brown and serve while warm or cool. Store in a cool, dry place and use within a day or two.
Tips on how to make crostini
- For smaller slices, cut straight across instead of at an angle as suggested in the recipe. I prefer mine angled, but you can cut them without angling as well.
- Feel free to brush both sides of the untoasted bread with olive oil before broiling. That way all you have to do is flip them and continue to broil.
- Watch the crostini closely during the cooking time to prevent burning! I also find it helpful to move the pan around every 30 seconds or so to promote more even browning.
- This recipes uses garlic, pepper, and salt for seasonings, but feel free to add a touch of grated parmesan and basil, oregano, thyme, or whatever flavor profile you prefer.
- Try making homemade crostini with different types of salt to add interest in texture and flavor. Just be sure not to add too much!
- To refresh day old crostini, simply toast in a hot oven, around 375 degrees farenheight, for a few minutes till warm and crispy.
What to serve with crostini
Not sure what to serve with crostini? Try a tomato and basil bruschetta, your favorite hummus, or spinach and artichoke dip. My family likes it with our homemade Basil Pesto or Guacamole. For a heartier and super tasty appetizer, try our Roast Beef, Fig, and Blue Cheese Crostini. I also think it would be divine with our Fresh Strawberry Salsa or Cucumber Mango Salsa. Even if you don’t have a dip or topping, you can always enjoy this crostini all by itself. Enjoy!
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How to Make Crostini
You only need a few ingredients, your broiler, and about 10 minutes to make your own crispy, delicious crostini. Serve them with your favorite dip or use them as base for other appetizers.
Servings: 15
Calories: 44kcal
Ingredients
- 1 baguette preferably whole grain
- 2 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
- 1 clove garlic peeled and sliced in half length-wise (optional)
- 1/4 tsp. sea salt optional
- 1/4 tsp. fresh ground black pepper optional
Instructions
- Turn on your oven’s broiler to high. Cut baguette at an angle into slices, each about 1/4 inch thick and lay flat on a sheet pan.
- Brush cut sides of baguette slices lightly with olive oil. Rub cut side of garlic on top of each baguette slice and sprinkle with a little pepper and salt.
- Place pan in oven about 4 inches from broiler and toast for about 2 minutes, checking at 1 minute and turning the pan if needed to promote even browning.
- Remove from oven and carefully flip over the baguette slices. Be careful as they will be hot! Brush with remaining olive oil. Rub slices with garlic again if desired.
- Return to oven, again about 4 inches from the broiler and toast another 1 to 1 1/2 minutes till edges are golden brown. Check often and watch carefully to prevent overcooking and burning. Remove from oven immediately. Serve warm or cool with your favorite dip.
Notes
Yields 30 to 40 slices. Serving size is 2 slices.
This recipe worked out great!
I’ll never prepare crostini toasts any other way. Thanks!
Thank you so much! Glad you enjoyed it!