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–+ servings

Crostini For Bruschetta

Super simple to make. You'll never buy overpriced toast again.
Prep Time:5 minutes
Cook Time:10 minutes
Total Time:15 minutes

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.
    slicing baguette
  • 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.
    brushing sliced bread with olive oil.
  • 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.
    finished crostini on baking sheet.

Notes

A baguette is perfect because it gives you even, bite-sized pieces with a nice crust.  If you choose a different type of bread, make sure it’s strong enough to hold toppings without getting soggy.
Using slightly stale bread will soak up the oil and get crispy in the oven.  If your bread is fresh, let the slices sit on the counter for an hour to dry.
For a sturdier base, especially with heavier toppings, cut the slices about ½ inch thick.  Thicker slices will have a soft middle while staying crispy on the edges, adding a nice texture when topped with heartier ingredients.
Be careful with the salt while baking if you’re using salty toppings like cured meats or cheese.  A light sprinkle is fine, but too much can overpower the flavors.
Olive oil is a classic choice, but you can switch it up by adding garlic-infused oil or a pinch of dried herbs to the oil before brushing.  This gives a nice flavor even with simple toppings.
Rub a peeled garlic clove on each warm slice for a stronger taste right after they come out of the oven.  The heat from the bread will bring out just enough garlic flavor without being too strong.
Nutrition info is per slice, using a French baguette.

Nutrition

Calories: 47kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 0.4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Sodium: 66mg | Potassium: 13mg | Fiber: 0.2g | Sugar: 0.5g | Calcium: 11mg | Iron: 0.4mg
Servings: 24 pieces
Calories: 47kcal
Author: Katie