How to Make Crostini (& Can you Freeze Crostini?)

Learn How to Make Crostini at home using just 3-ingredients – bread, olive oil and salt. This easy crostini recipe is the perfect appetizer for parties. You can make them ahead of time and serve them with a variety of toppings like bruschetta, mushroom pate, whipped feta or olive tapenade.

What are crostini? 

• Crostini are thin slices of toasted bread that are seasoned simply with olive oil and salt. They are generally served with toppings as an appetizer. 

What’s the difference between crostini and bruschetta?

• Crostini and Bruschetta are very similar, though there is a difference. Bruschetta is typically made using a thick slice of rustic Italian bread and is grilled on an open fire, giving it a bit of a char. It is generally eaten on its own, with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkling of salt.
• Crostini, also known as “little toasts” is more often served with toppings and is made from smaller, thinner slices of bread (like a baguette). Baked crostini are more common than grilled crostini. 

Ingredients needed

You only need three-simple ingredients to make this recipe:

1. Bread – See below for the best bread options.
2. Olive Oil – I like to use a high-quality, flavorful extra virgin olive oil for this recipe.
3. Salt – Flaky sea salt or kosher salt work best.

What bread is crostini made from?

• Baguette
• Ciabatta
• French Bread
• Olive Loaf
• Sandwich Rolls
• Bagels

I prefer using a baguette to make this recipe because it is small in size, making it perfect for appetizers. However you can use many different breads (and stale bread works too!). 

How to slice the bread

• Using a serrated knife, cut the bread into ½-inch-thick slices on a bias. Try to keep the pieces uniform in size so that they cook evenly. 

How to make crostini crackers

1. Cut baguette into ½-inch thick slices. 
2. Lightly coat sliced bread with olive oil. 
3. Bake in 400-degree oven for 10-minutes, flipping halfway through. 
4. Season with salt and serve. 

How to flavor it

• When warm out of the oven, rub a cut garlic clove over the bread. 
• Use flavored olive oil (garlic, lemon, rosemary). 
• Sprinkle with herbs (rosemary, thyme, cumin). 
• Season with lemon or orange zest. 

How to make ahead & store

• Store baked crostini in an airtight container for up to three days. If they become soggy, pop them back into a 400-degree oven for a few minutes. 

Can you freeze crostini?

• Yes. To freeze, slice the bread and lightly oil both sides. Then place in an airtight container in the freezer (before baking). When ready to serve, you can bake them without thawing in a 400-degree oven for about 10 minutes.
• You can also freeze baked crostini and reheat them in a similar fashion. 
• They will keep in the freezer for up to three months.

Creamy dips to serve with crostini

Top crostini with one of these yummy spreads:

• Salmon Dip with Creme Fraiche
• Whipped Feta
• Blackberry Goat Cheese
• Baba Ganoush
• Baked Goat Cheese Dip
• Harissa Hummus

These toasts are also delicious served alongside soup like this cold cucumber soup or this tomato bisque.

They’re also amazing spread with a bit of roasted garlic and either cambozola cheese or brie. Or, try them topped with this pepperonata or marinated mozzarella balls.

Bruschetta & crostini recipes

• Lasagna Crostini
• Short Rib Crostini with Cambozola Cheese and Cherry Jam
• Brie Crostini with Prosciutto & Honey
• Burrata Recipe with Crostini & Sweet Pea Puree & Arugula

Did you try this crostini recipe?

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This post was originally published in 2019. It was updated in 2022 to add new information. The recipe remains the same. Enjoy!