Crostini
Crisp, golden little toasts brushed with olive oil and kissed with garlic. These bite-sized Italian bread rounds are the perfect canvas for any topping — from creamy cheese to juicy tomatoes. A quick 15-minute appetizer that feels effortlessly elegant.
For 4 servings
- prep · ~2 min
Preheat the oven and slice the baguette.
1.Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).2.Using a serrated knife, slice the baguette diagonally into 16 half-inch-thick rounds. - prep · ~3 min
Brush the bread with olive oil.
1.Arrange the bread slices in a single layer on a baking sheet.2.Using a pastry brush, lightly brush both sides of each slice with olive oil.3.Sprinkle the tops lightly with a pinch of salt. - bake · ~10 min
Bake until golden and crisp.
Bake in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping the slices halfway through, until they are golden brown and crisp at the edges. Keep a close eye during the last 2 minutes — they can go from golden to burnt quickly.
- prep · ~1 min
Rub with garlic while warm.
As soon as the crostini come out of the oven, rub the top side of each toast gently with the cut side of the halved garlic cloves. The heat and rough surface will melt the garlic right into the bread.
TIPDon't press too hard — just a light rub. Raw garlic is potent and you want a whisper, not a shout. - serve · ~3 min
Cool slightly and serve.
Transfer the crostini to a wire rack to cool for 2-3 minutes so they stay crisp. Serve warm or at room temperature with your favorite toppings.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For evenly sized slices, cut the baguette on a sharp diagonal — this also creates more surface area for toppings.
- 2Use a good quality extra-virgin olive oil; its flavor really comes through on the bare crostini.
- 3Don't skip flipping the slices halfway through baking — this ensures both sides are evenly golden and crisp.
- 4Rub the garlic on the crostini while they are still hot so the heat releases the oils and mellows the raw punch.
- 5Store leftover crostini in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days; re-crisp in a 350°F oven for 3 minutes.
Adapt it for your goals.
Gluten-free
Substitute a gluten-free baguette or thick slices of gluten-free sourdough; bake for a slightly shorter time as gluten-free bread crisps faster.
herb infusedHerb-infused
Add 1/2 teaspoon of dried oregano or rosemary to the olive oil before brushing for an herby undertone that complements Mediterranean toppings.
no oilNo-oil
Brush the bread with water or tomato juice and bake — still crisp but with less fat; best paired with juicy, acidic toppings.
whole wheatWhole wheat
Use a whole wheat baguette for more fiber and a nuttier, earthier flavor that pairs well with robust toppings like roasted vegetables or sharp cheese.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Heart-Healthy Fats
Made with olive oil, which is rich in monounsaturated fats linked to supporting cardiovascular health.
Low in Added Sugar
This base recipe contains no added sugar, making it a smart choice for a neutral, savory appetizer.
Source of Complex Carbs
Baguette provides carbohydrates for quick energy, especially when paired with protein-rich toppings.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, thick slices of ciabatta, sourdough, or even a rustic Italian loaf work well just adjust bake time as thickness varies.
