How to Make Crostini: Toasted Bread Recipe

Learn how to make crostini with golden, buttery toasted baguette slices that turn out perfectly crisp. These restaurant-style crostini toasts are a versatile base for appetizers and party dips!

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Homemade Crostini Recipe

This crostini recipe shows you how to turn simple baguette slices into golden, crispy toasts that look elegant on any appetizer spread. Crostini are lightly brushed with oil and toasted until crisp on the outside with just the right amount of crunch.

These restaurant-style crostini toasts are a versatile base great for holding creamy spreads like whipped ricotta, serving with bread dipping oil, or making Caprese bruschetta. They also pair beautifully with cheese boards or baked brie, making them an easy, crowd-pleasing addition when entertaining.

Ingredients Notes

Find the full printable recipe with specific measurements below.

• Baguette: I always use a crusty French baguette. My preference is day-old baguettes that are slightly stale, but fresh bread will work, too.
• Olive oil: Use an olive oil that you love as the flavor will really come through on the bread. Choose one based on crostini toppings or use an extra virgin olive oil.
• Garlic clove: Right out of the oven, I love rubbing one fresh peeled and quartered garlic clove over each slice of homemade crostini.
• Sea salt (optional): Finishing the crostini with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt adds flavor and additional crunch.

How to Make Crostini

Slice baguette into 1/4 inch slices and place in a single layer on the prepared parchment lined baking sheet. Lightly brush both sides of the bread with the olive oil.

Bake the bread in the oven at 500°F for 2-3 minutes, or until edges are golden. Remove crostini bread toasts from oven and rub garlic clove over the top of the bread slices.

Place the little toasts on a plate and add desired toppings for a flavorful appetizer.

Crostini Recipe Tips

• Quality bread: Using the right bread is the key to homemade crostini! I use French baguette but any crusty bread like Italian ciabatta bread or sourdough bread works.
• Use a serrated knife for cutting. Cut bread in even slices diagonally about 1/4 inch to 1/2 inch thick using a bread knife.
• Avoid getting them too crispy: Watch the crostini carefully during the last few minutes of baking. You want them to be golden and crisp but not hard or burnt.
• For easy clean up: Line your baking sheet with parchment paper or a silpat mat.
• Grill the bread: Prepare as directed then grill directly on the grill grates for 2-3 minutes, flip and repeat.
• Air fry: Make crostini in the air fryer by toasting at 370°F for 5-7 minutes. Flip halfway through if you would like both sides toasted.