How to Make Crostini

Once you learn how to make crostini, there's no need to resort to the store-bought variety again! Crostini bread is the perfect amount of crispy and goes well with so many delicious toppings. These little bites of heaven are the perfect appetizer or snack, and they're incredibly easy to make!

Crostini, or 'little toasts' in Italian, are slices of bread brushed with olive oil and either toasted or grilled. An easy showstopper - crostini appetizers can be made with a variety of toppings, meaning there's something for everyone! Although there's no need to save this crostini recipe for a party, they're just as delicious as a snack or light meal. 

The crunchy crostini bread makes a fun alternative to crackers or chips and can be paired with just about anything. Make sure to read on for my best crostini toppings recommendations! Plus, crostini is a fun way to use up any leftover bread you might not otherwise use. Trust me, discovering how to make crostini at home will be a game-changer!

Why You'll Love Crostini

• Completely versatile. Aside from the huge range of crostini toppings you can try, knowing how to make crostini means you can get creative. If you want your crostini recipe to be gluten-free, you can use gluten-free bread. If you want to make it bigger or smaller, just alter the size of the slice!
• Super easy to make. Slice, brush, bake - that's all there is to it! Crostini bread is one of those no-fail recipes that even the most inexperienced cooks can master. And once you know how to make crostini, you can experiment with all sorts of flavor combinations.
• Adaptable for all occasions. Whether you're making crostini appetizers or are looking for a way to spice up your kid's lunch boxes, crostini is the answer. Crusty bread topped with anything you like - what's not to love?

Ingredients for Crostini Bread

• Italian bread 
• Olive oil

For the exact amounts needed, please see the recipe card below.

How to Make Crostini

1. Preheat the oven to 400ºF.
2. Slice the bread and place on a sheet tray.
3. Drizzle with olive oil.
4. Toast for 10-15 minutes, or until light golden brown.
5. Cool, and top as desired.

Crostini Toppings You Have to Try

Now that you know how to make crostini, you can try all the fantastic crostini toppings! Luckily for you, I have tried a bunch of crostini recipes and have collected some of my favorites for you to make. Be sure to let me know in the comments which are going to try!

1. Whipped ricotta crostini: One of my go-to crostini toppings, it's always sure to please. Simply whip some ricotta cheese and then spread it on your crostini bread!
2. Ricotta and honey crostini with thyme: A classic combination of soft ricotta cheese and sweet honey, but with the herby addition of thyme. This crostini recipe is simple but oh-so-delicious.
3. Mushroom crostini: Earthy and flavorful, the juicy mushrooms go so well with the crispy crostini.
4. Goats cheese crostini: Hands up if you're a goat's cheese lover?! Tangy, creamy, and just a little bit salty, goat's cheese is the perfect topping for crostini.
5. Crostini appetizer with sage: Sage is such a versatile herb, and when added to a crostini appetizer, the results are effortlessly yummy.
6. Garlic crostini: A throwback to the classic Italian crostini recipes, garlic makes everything even better!
7. Steak crostini: I love using steak in my recipes. It just carries any flavor combination or seasoning you want beautifully! For a fun twist on traditional crostini toppings, try steak.