Name: Simple Crostini
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 baguette (8 to 10 ounces), sliced ¼ inch thick (about 60 slices); 0.75 cup extra-virgin olive oil; Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper; White-Bean and Caper Crostini; Tomato-Basil Crostini; Artichoke-Dill Crostini; Salami-Ricotta Crostini; Pesto-Bocconcini Crostini; Goat Cheese and Sun-Dried Tomatoes Crostini

Simple Crostini

3.2

(455)

3 Reviews

These easy toasts are the perfect base for all kinds of appetizers, from chopped fresh tomatoes and basil to creamy spreads.

Martha Stewart Test Kitchen

Updated on August 21, 2023

Prep Time:

10 mins

Total Time:

30 mins

Yield:

Crostini couldn't be simpler to make or more versatile to use. Meaning "toasts" in Italian, they are the perfect base for your pick of toppings—and once you learn how to make crostini, they’ll become your go-to appetizer for cocktail parties, cookouts, and more.

All you need to make crostini is a loaf of white bread, such as a simple Italian loaf or a baguette. Slice it evenly, brush with a little olive oil on both sides, and toast just enough to crisp, not darken, the slices. You can make crostini ahead and then pair with one (or more) of our favorite toppings for your next party.

What Is Crostini?

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.

Crostini vs. Bruschetta

Bruschetta is another type of Italian toast and the terms are often used interchangeably but generally crostini are smaller (jus right for a couple of bites as an appetizer) and are baked, while bruschetta are often larger, thicker, and grilled.

The Best Bread for Crostini

It’s just not crostini if you toast regular sliced white bread or a rich loaf like brioche or challah. A baguette is ideal for crostini, its small surface area is just the right size for these appetizer toasts. Or use a long Italian loaf. The bread doesn’t have to be fresh—you’re going to dry it out in the oven—so if you have a day-old baguette use it!

Ingredients

1-2 baguettes (8 to 10 ounces), sliced ¼ inch thick (about 60 slices)
¾ cup extra-virgin olive oil
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper

Toppings

Directions

Ingredients Simple Crostini — Rachel Marek

Preheat oven and brush bread with oil:

Preheat oven to 350°F. Arrange baguette slices on two large rimmed baking sheets; brush both sides with oil, and season with salt and pepper.

Rachel Marek
Bake:

Bake, rotating sheets halfway through, until golden, 15 to 20 minutes (if undersides are not browning, turn crostini over once during baking). Let cool on baking sheets.

Rachel Marek
Top and serve:

Top crostini with desired toppings, and serve.

Rachel Marek

Variation

For an extra layer of flavor, use a garlic- or herb-infused oil in place of the olive oil.

Making Crostini Ahead

To plan ahead for a party, bake the crostini toasts up to a week in advance, and top just before serving. To store, keep at room temperature in a resealable plastic bag, up to one week.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you serve crostini hot or cold?

Crostini are usually served cold (and can be made ahead) but there’s no reason you can’t make them and eat them while they are still warm with a room temperature topping like chopped fresh tomatoes and basil, or spread with creamy goat cheese.

What is the ideal texture of a well-toasted crostini?

When baking crostini, remember that you aren’t looking to color the bread as much as dry it out so it makes a crispy base for toppings. The ideal texture is crisp on the outside so that toppings don’t soak into the bread too much—with a little softness to the interior.

More Crostini Topping Ideas

Try a favorite spread or pâté, sliced tomatoes and a fresh herb, or spread a soft cheese, add some black pepper and a drizzle of olive oil. These are some of our other favorite ways to top crostini: