Crostini (2024)

By:Nagi

A quick recipe for how to make crostini, crispy little pieces of toast ready for you favourite toppings, dunking and scooping!

Crostini use suggestions: canapés with toppings, for dips (especially excellent with Baked Brie), side dish for meals such as Acqua Pazza (Italian Fish in Tomato Sauce), dunking into Soups and stews!

Crostini (1)

“Crostini” means “little crusts” (ie. “little toasts”) in Italian and that’s exactly what they are: Thin slices of bread, brushed with olive oil, sprinkled with salt then baked until crisp. It’s typically used to pile on toppings though I’m a fan of using crostini for dunking and scooping at every opportunity.

This is just a short and sweet tutorial for how to make crostini which I decided to publish separately because I’ve been using it quite regularly for recipes I’ve been sharing. Saves me writing the same recipe in the notes over and over again!

How to make crostini

To make crostini, just brush thinly sliced bread with olive oil, sprinkle with salt then bake for 10 minutes at 180°C/350°F until crispy.

For optional extra deliciousness, lightly rub the hot crostini with the cut face of a garlic clove. This is an Italian secret that makes bruschetta so delicious!

Crostini (2)

Best bread for crostini

The best bread to use for crostini is one that’s got a bit of structure and heft to it, such as:

  • ciabatta

  • pane di casa / pain de campagne

  • stone-baked loaf

  • sourdough.

If you use the soft white baguettes, the crostini will soak through immediately once sauced and just become soggy. You want it to stay crispy even once sauced so you can pile it up with the fish and vegetables – it’s the best eating experience!

Crostini (3)

Bread size – I use the thin baguettes, then I slice them differently depending on what I’m using the crostini for.

  • Long crostini – slice on an extreme angle for long ones. I typically use long crostini when I’m using crostini as a dunker or serving on the side of a meal.

  • Short / small crostini – cut on less of an angle to make smaller pieces when you want to use the crostini for bite size canapés.

What to use crostini for

  • Crostini (4)
  • Crostini (5)
  • Crostini (6)

No video today, because it’s a quick and easy recipe. 🙂

Enjoy! – Nagi x

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Crostini (7)

Crostini – toasted bread for toppings and dunking

Author: Nagi

Prep: 5 minutes mins

Cook: 10 minutes mins

Appetizer

5 from 1 vote

Servings2

Tap or hover to scale

“Crostini” means “little crusts” (ie. “little toasts”) in Italian and that’s exactly what they are:Thin, small slices of bread, brushed with olive oil, sprinkled with salt, toasted until crisp and then piled with toppings or used for for dunking.

Rubbing with garlic is optional – but it really does add that special touch!

See in post for ideas for toppings and other dishes ideal for serving with crostini.

Ingredients

  • 1 crusty baguette , thin
  • salt
  • 1 – 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (depends how many crostini you're making)

Optional garlic flavour (recommended!)

  • 1 garlic clove , halved (for rubbing, optional)

Instructions

Slice bread:

  • Small crostini (for canapes) slice bread 0.5cm / 1/4-inch thick on the diagonal.

  • Large crostini (for serving on the side of dishes) Cut on a diagonal, 1cm / 1/3" thick.

Bake:

  • Preheat oven (all types):

    – Small crostini to 160°C/325°F

    – Large crostini to 180°C/350°F

  • Brush olive oil lightly on bread, sprinkle with a bit of salt. Flip and repeat. Bake 10 minutes, turning halfway, or until fully crispy.

  • Rub bread lightly on one side with cut face of garlic. Use warm if serving with a dish, or cool if piling on toppings.

Recipe Notes:

1. Bread type – Best to use a bread that’s got a bit of structure and heft to it: ciabatta, pane di casa / pain de campagne, stone-baked loaf or a sourdough. If you use the soft white baguettes, the crostini will soak through immediately once sauced and just become soggy. You want it to stay crispy even once sauced so you can pile it up with the fish and vegetables – it’s the best eating experience!

Crostini size –depends on the use. Cut them small if you want bite size canapés (see here for toppings), or on an extreme diagonal if you want long pieces (for example, if using to scoop things up when serving with a main dish like Acqua PazzaItalian Poached Fish).

2. Storage – Baked, cooled crostini can be stored in an airtight container for 5 days, sometimes even longer.

3. Nutrition per serving, assuming 2 slices of crostini. Shave off 62 cal per serving by reducing cooking olive oil from 2 tbsp down to 1 tbsp.

Nutrition Information:

Calories: 599cal (30%)Carbohydrates: 36g (12%)Protein: 43g (86%)Fat: 26g (40%)Saturated Fat: 4g (25%)Trans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 90mg (30%)Sodium: 1233mg (54%)Potassium: 1443mg (41%)Fiber: 5g (21%)Sugar: 7g (8%)Vitamin A: 924IU (18%)Vitamin C: 49mg (59%)Calcium: 199mg (20%)Iron: 5mg (28%)

Keywords: Crostini

Did you make this recipe?I love hearing how you went with my recipes! Tag me on Instagram at @recipe_tin.

Life of Dozer

No crostini for Dozer, garlic is bad for dogs! And no cake for you, either.

Crostini (8)

Hi, I'm Nagi!

I believe you can make great food with everyday ingredients even if you’re short on time and cost conscious. You just need to cook clever and get creative!

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5 Comments

  1. Crostini (12)Pam says

    I have been waiting to make these, but sardines haven’t been available.
    Found some !! Tomorrow is the day !!!! Yummy

    Reply

  2. Crostini (14)Mike says

    Crostini (15)
    Double bake these (like you would biscotti), let them cool completely and store in the fridge – they last for weeks and weeks and still taste awesome just lightly toasted.

    Reply

Crostini (2024)

FAQs

What is the difference between crostini and bruschetta? ›

The main difference between these two toasts is that crostini is often thinly sliced, while bruschetta is usually served in thicker slices and drizzled with olive oil before it's toasted. The standard topping is diced tomato mixed with olive oil, garlic and Italian herbs—delicious, but a little boring.

What are crostinis made of? ›

Crostini is Italian for toasts. These simple toasts are generally made with sliced white bread, brushed with olive oil, and lightly toasted until crisp. Once toasted, crostini are ready to top with all kinds of fresh, grilled, or roasted vegetables, creamy spreads, cheese, fruit, sliced meats, and more.

Why is it called crostini? ›

Crostini: Meaning "little toasts" in Italian, crostini are small, thin slices of toasted bread, which are usually brushed with olive oil. The word also describes canapés consisting of small slices of toast with a savory topping such as cheese, shrimp, pâté or anchovies.

Should crostini be hard or soft? ›

If the crostini is too hard, it will hurt your guests' mouths and flake all over their clothes. The ideal texture: crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. To achieve it, grill or broil bread over high heat, making sure to toast both sides.

Is A crostini a cracker? ›

Crostini originated in Medieval times when Italian peasants would eat their meals on slices of bread instead of using plates. Extra virgin olive oil is used to flavor this cracker.

What qualities one looks for in crostini bread? ›

Texture is very important–it shouldn't be too dense. The bread needs to be thin enough to bite, but thick enough to support toppings -1/2-inch thick is just right. Brush olive oil on each piece before toasting it.

What is the Spanish name for bruschetta? ›

Pan Con Tomate (Spanish Bruschetta)

What is crostini in english? ›

Translation of crostino – Italian–English dictionary

crouton [noun] a small piece of fried or toasted bread, served in soup etc.

What is the rule of thumb for adding crostini toppings? ›

The bread can be toasted a few hours in advance of serving. I would not recommend adding the toppings until 10-15 minutes before serving. This way, the bread won't get soggy from the toppings. If you are planning a party where guests will be arriving at different times, you can always make a crostini bar.

What is the French version of crostini? ›

The French call them tartines, the Americans Toasts and the Italians Bruschetta. The Webster Dictionary defines them as: an open sandwich, one with a rich or elaborate topping. No matter what you call them, we all seem to love them!

Is crostini a crouton? ›

Crostino in Italian means crouton – small pieces of toasted bread. Crostini are thin slices of toast smeared with a pate or a spread of some kind. Crostini may be served either hot or cold. Bruschette, on the other hand, are quite different.

Does crostini get soggy? ›

Add toppings immediately prior to serving; otherwise the crostini will get soggy. Crostini taste best when they are freshly toasted, but you can make the crostini toasts up to 3 to 4 days in advance. Cool completely and store in an airtight container. Be aware, they might get slightly more crunchy/hard as time goes on.

How to keep crostini fresh? ›

Storage – Baked, cooled crostini can be stored in an airtight container for 5 days, sometimes even longer. 3. Nutrition per serving, assuming 2 slices of crostini.

How do you revive stale crostini? ›

(If you have stale sliced bread you are better off making toast, crostini or bruschetta.) Spread the stale snacks out on a cookie sheet and place in a 350o F oven. Let them bake for about 10 minutes and then remove from the oven and let cool completely. Once cooled the snacks should be crispy and refreshed.

Is bruschetta a crostini? ›

Cooking. Believe it or not, the differences between crostini and bruschetta come all the way down to how they are cooked! Crostini is usually toasted because the bread is much smaller and thinner than bruschetta. Therefore, not much is required to get the bread to a crispy level.

Is Melba toast the same as crostini? ›

Both are cut from a loaf of bread and toasted. However: Melba toast is toasted dry, saving calories. Crostini are brushed with olive oil, and can be thicker than Melba toast.

How many calories are in crostini? ›

Each crostini: 36 calories; 99 mg sodium; 0 cholesterol; 1 gram fat; 7 grams carbohydrates; 1 gram protein; 0.30 gram fiber. Arrange toasted bread on broiler pan or baking sheet.

What's the difference between a baguette and a crostini? ›

Crostini, meaning "little crusts" in Italian, are small, thin slices of toasted baguette. These bite-sized toasts are drizzled or brushed with oil, then toasted in the oven until they achieve a glorious golden color and crispy texture.

What is the plural of crostini? ›

Crostini is plural in Italian, so this Anglicized plural form may be avoided by some speakers.

What qualifies as bruschetta? ›

In its most simple form, bruschetta is a tasty tomato topping for toasted slices of crusty Italian bread. Traditionally, it's made with red ripe tomatoes, chopped herbs and extra virgin olive oil, but really, there are so many variations of bruschetta to fall in love with.

What do Italians call bruschetta? ›

What is Bruschetta? Bruschetta is pronounced 'brusketa' in Italian. Most people think bruschetta is referring to the tomato topping but it's actually referring to the toasted bread which is typically served with tomatoes or a variety of toppings like our Roasted Pepper Bruschetta.

What's another name for bruschetta? ›

According to the International Culinary Center, the term bruschetta is sometimes used interchangeably with crostini and the Tuscan dish fettunta. In Tuscany, fettunta is usually served without toppings, especially in November, to taste the first oil of the season.

What do the French call bruschetta? ›

The French call their creations tartines, which may include breakfast servings of toasted baguettes slathered with butter and jam. The Italians are best known for bruschetta — thick slices of toasted bread brushed with garlic and olive oil, often topped with a tumble of sweet tomatoes and bright basil.

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