Learning how to make crostini is an easy way to up your party appetizer game! They are easy to make ahead of time, store well, and are delicious! Let me show you how to make them with step-by-step instructions and photos!
WHY I MAKE CROSTINI FOR APPETIZERS
There’s nothing like a perfectly crisp piece of crostini. If it’s cooked right, it’s crunchy but not going to break a tooth, it has the right amount of olive oil without being greasy, and when salted just enough, it’s perfection without anything on it.
Clearly, I love crostini.
I recently started making crostini for most of my parties. I find that having something a little crunchy makes for a perfect tool for dipping into dips (it’s not a party without a dip, am I right?) and most importantly assembling canapés ahead of time.
They are a nice and easy way to mix up your appetizer spread without breaking the bank.
TWO IMPORTANT INGREDIENTS
The most important thing to know when learning how to make crostini is that it is SO EASY! You only really need two ingredients (maybe three if you season them with flake salt).
YOU NEED BREAD
You’ll need some bread, preferably a baguette. I like to pick up the sourdough baguette from Trader Joe’s. I like the flavor of the sourdough more than their standard french baguette.
When I can, especially if I’m planning on making crostini on a Sunday, I love picking up a fresh baguette from the baker stand at my local farmer’s market. It’s so good!
You can absolutely use any other bread, but know that the quality and variety of bread you use will give you varying results.
YOU NEED OLIVE OIL
Secondly, you need some olive oil! Before you brush that olive oil all over your bread, ask yourself how long you’ve had that bottle of oil.
If it’s been open for longer than a couple of months, there is a chance that it’s gone rancid. The flavor of your crostini is highly dependant on the flavor of your olive oil. So, especially if you’ve had that oil for a while, give it a double check before using it in the recipe.
Not sure how to test if that oil is still good? Here’s an article from Southern Living all about it!
HOW TO MAKE CROSTINI STEP-BY-STEP
Ready to learn how to make crostini for your next party? Here are the instructions along with step-by-step photos to help you along the way!
Step 1: Thinly slice your baguette about ¼-inch thick. Do your best to keep the slices the same thickness to help them cook evenly.
I like to slice the baguette on a slight bias because more toppings can fit on one piece that way!
If you want to get more pieces out of that baguette, feel free to slice it straight across. You can also get crazy and slice it on an extreme bias to fit ALL THE TOPPINGS! Have fun with it!
Step 2: You’ll need to either use two baking sheets or cook the crostini in batches.
Either way, place the baguette slices on the baking sheets and lightly brush with olive oil on both sides!
Make sure you don’t go overboard with the oil on each piece because you’ll end up needing to use more and they can get greasy that way.
Step 3: Place those baking sheets into the oven and bake until they are golden!
Season with flake salt and serve! Check out my favorite toppings below!
HOW TO MAKE CROSTINI RECIPE TIPS
Making crostini is not rocket science, and I KNOW that you’ll rock it every time you make them!
To help you out, even more, I’ve got some extra tips for making crostini ahead of time, topping ideas, and my favorite tool for this easy recipe.
CAN I MAKE CROSTINI AHEAD OF TIME & HOW TO STORE IT
The awesome answer is YES! Yes, you can make crostini ahead of time. Make it up to 1 week before serving. This is great because you can make a batch and save yourself time when prepping apps for your next gettogether!
To store crostini, once they are fully cooked and cooled, toss them in an airtight container and keep them in a cool dark place. Easy peasy!
CROSTINI TOPPING IDEAS
Basically, you can top crostini in so many things! Here are some of my favorites:
- Easy Tomato Basil Bruschetta
- Brie and honey
- Butter and radishes
- Salmon and cream cheese
- Olive tapenade
- Buratta and herbs
YOU NEED A GOOD KNIFE
Slicing the baguette is the most time-consuming part of the recipe. You want to make sure that you are able to cut the baguette into even slices and do it easily and as quickly (and safely!) as possible.
The best way to do that is with a really good serrated knife. I use this Wustoff serrated knife and have been using it for years.
It’s my favorite serrated knife that I use on professional food styling gigs and when I need to slice any type of bread. It’s a really great knife and if you need a new one, I highly recommend investing in it!
UP YOUR APPETIZER GAME
Alright, you!
Are you going to up your appetizer game by making these crostini! When you do, make sure to tag me on Instagram with your pic!
I love seeing you rock it with your party cooking skills!
How to make Crostini for Party Appetizers
Ingredients
- 1 baguette about 10 ounces
- ¼ cup olive oil
- ½ teaspoon flake salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- Thinly slice the baguette, about a ¼-inch thick, on a slight bias.
- Evenly place on two baking sheets and lightly brush both sides with olive oil.
- Bake until golden, about 20 minutes.
- Season with salt and allow to cool before topping or storing.
- Enjoy these crispy crostini with your favorite toppings!
Notes
MORE PARTY FOOD RECIPES
Looking for more party food recipes? Don't worry, I've got you with these delicious apps and cocktails!
Parmesan Scallion Toasts - Perfect party canapes! Kirsch Rose Cocktail - A classy cocktail for ladies night! Black Bean Cheese Dip - Make a big batch for your next party!
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