Quick and Easy Homemade Crostini for Bruschetta – Ready in 15 Minutes!
This simple crostini recipe is great for holding your favorite bruschetta toppings or as a crunchy side for soups, salads, and cheese boards. With just a few ingredients, you can make tasty, golden crostini that are better (and cheaper!) than store-bought ones in just 15 minutes. They also pair well with hearty toppings or creamy dips. Whether having friends over or enjoying a cozy night, this is a great way to use your leftover bread for a satisfying crunch to any meal. Plus, you can make and store them in an airtight container, so you’re always ready with a great appetizer!
Crostini For Bruschetta
Equipment
- Bread knife
- 2 Baking sheets
- Pastry brush
Ingredients
- 1 baguette (slightly stale is fine!)
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 1 pinch coarse salt (optional)
Instructions
- Prep. Preheat your oven to 425°F. Then, position two racks in the oven to make sure even baking.
- Slice the baguette. Using a bread knife, slice the baguette diagonally into ¼-inch thick pieces. Then, arrange the slices in a single layer on two baking sheets.Tip: The slices can be close together but should not overlap.
- Brush. Generously brush each slice with olive oil, covering the entire surface. If you want, sprinkle a pinch of coarse salt on top for extra flavor.
- Bake. Bake for 10 minutes or until the slices are golden brown and crisp around the edges.Tip: For even browning, rotate the baking sheets halfway through the baking time.
Notes
Homemade crostini always makes my meals feel a bit more special. This easy recipe doesn’t take long and gives me crispy, golden slices perfect for topping with fresh tomatoes, creamy cheeses, or anything else I like. I brush them lightly with olive oil and bake until they’re crunchy. They go great with everything from classic bruschetta to charcuterie boards. They’re also handy for last-minute get-togethers or to make a cozy night feel extra special, adding that nice homemade touch to any dish.
If you want to make your baguette, this baguette tools and techniques guide from King Arthur Baking] covers everything you need to know.
I hope it becomes a favorite for you, too.
Key Ingredients and Tools
Here are some important tools and ingredients that will help your bread successfully. While some may seem simple, each is key to achieving the right texture and flavor.
- Baguette: A fresh or slightly stale baguette is great for crostini because it cuts easily and gives you uniform rounds with a nice crust. A fresh or slightly stale baguette works best. If you want to make your own, try this recipe for Easy Sourdough Baguettes. If a baguette isn’t unavailable, you can use any crusty bread, like French or Italian.
- Olive Oil: Brushing the bread with olive oil is crucial for that golden, crisp finish. Regular olive oil works well, but garlic-infused or herb-infused olive oil can add extra flavor. Melted butter or neutral oil, like vegetable or avocado oil, can replace a different taste if unavailable.
- Coarse Salt: A sprinkle of coarse salt on each slice enhances the flavor of the crostini. Sea salt or kosher salt adds a nice crunch, but use a light touch if you only have table salt.
- Bread Knife: A serrated bread knife is perfect for cutting the baguette evenly without squishing it. This type of knife is especially useful for softer bread since it slices through easily.
- Pastry Brush: Using a pastry brush to apply the olive oil ensures each slice gets an even coating. A clean paper towel dipped in oil can work in a pinch if you don’t have one.
- Baking Sheets: Large baking sheets give the crostini enough space to crisp up without overlapping. If you don’t have two large sheets, bake in batches to avoid crowding.
These items are important for achieving this bread’s best texture, flavor, and ease.
Troubleshooting and Help
Use a serrated bread knife and slice at a slight angle for more surface area. This gives each piece a nice oval shape and helps prevent squishing the bread as you slice.
Absolutely! Flavored olive oils, like garlic or herb-infused, are a great way to add flavor without any extra work. Be careful with stronger flavors if you plan to top the crostini with other bold ingredients.
I wouldn’t recommend it, as the olive oil helps the bread crisp and gives it a nice golden color. If you’re out of olive oil, melted butter or another neutral oil will work in a pinch, but olive oil adds the best flavor.
Good question! Crostini can go from golden to burnt quickly, so keep an eye on them. Set a timer for 8 minutes and check them early; every oven is a little different, so it’s better to check a few times than to end up with overdone slices.
You can get creative here! Crostini is delicious, from simple cheese and honey to more complex toppings like roasted vegetables, smoked salmon, or prosciutto with arugula. Try topping your crostini with this flavorful Red Pepper Bruschetta with Goat Cheese for a unique twist. It’s a perfect match!
Absolutely! Crostini can be made a day or two ahead. Just let them cool completely and store them in an airtight container. If they lose a bit of crispness, pop them in a low oven (about 300°F) for a few minutes to refresh them.
Making this recipe is an easy way to upgrade any meal or gathering. They’re golden and crunchy, perfect for adding fresh bruschetta, creamy spreads, or good olive oil. With just a few ingredients—a baguette, olive oil, and a pinch of salt—you can have a batch ready in minutes that works for any event. Serve them as a starter, toss them on a charcuterie board, or set them out with dips for a snack everyone will enjoy.
By Katie Shaw
Katie lives in Virginia with her husband, three daughters, a chocolate lab, and over thirty chickens. She loves creating simple tutorials for sourdough, bread, and soap. Her recipes, articles, and YouTube videos reach millions of people per year.