What is the difference between crostini and bruschetta?

Crostini are typically made with smaller loaves of bread, like a baguette. Whereas, Bruschetta is typically made with whole slices of bread from a larger loaf, like rustic Italian bread. I prefer to serve crostini with my appetizers as it's a more handheld size and requires a smaller bite. Crostini literally means "little toasts".

What bread is crostini made from?

Crostini are typically made with a French baguette or another long loaf of bread. I prefer to use a small, thin, crusty baguette for this recipe. There are also different types of baguette - sourdough, rosemary, artisan, rustic, etc. Use your family's favorite for this crostini recipe!

How do you eat crostini?

The versatility of crostini is what makes it one of my favorites! You can serve it alongside Roasted Garlic Goat Cheese Dip or Herb-Marinated Feta Cheese . But you can also use in its place of croutons in a Simple Arugula Salad . Or use crostini to add a bit of texture to your favorite Olive Garden Gnocchi Soup or Vegan Mushroom Wild Rice Soup . It also works great as a crunchy element on a Simple Cheese Board .

The Easiest Homemade Crostini Recipe

Name: The Easiest Homemade Crostini Recipe
Prep time: 4 min
Cook time: 16 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: French baguette; 1/4-1/2 cup olive oil (depending on the size of your baguette); Kosher salt

Making crostini at home is easier than you might think. Freshly made crostini also tastes SO much better than the version you'll find at the grocery store! It only requires 3 ingredients and takes about 20 minutes from start to finish.

Author: Kylie
Prep Time: 4 minutes
Cook Time: 16 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 24 slices crostini 1x
Category: Appetizer
Method: Oven
Cuisine: Italian
Diet: Vegan

Ingredients

Scale

French baguette
1/4-1/2 cup olive oil (depending on the size of your baguette)
Kosher salt

Instructions

Heat oven to 375 degrees.
Slice French baguette on the bias in about 1/2" thick slices.
Spread in a single layer on a baking sheet.
Brush both sides of each piece of bread. Sprinkle with Kosher salt.
Bake for 8 minutes, flip, and bake for another 8 minutes.

baking sheet

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Notes

You can use just about any type of bread for this recipe as long as it's a long thin loaf. One of our local bakery's has a delicious rustic baguette that I love to use to make crostini. Our local grocery store also has a great sourdough baguette. Find one that you like and don't be afraid to switch it up next time you make them!
You can slice the directly across or on the diagonal. Slicing the bread directly across is going to give you a more sturdy crostini, so I recommend that if you're pairing it with a thick, creamy dip like my Spinach Artichoke Dip. Cut the bread diagonally if you're serving it with something more forgiving like Olive Oil Bread Dip.
The crostini should be quite crispy when it comes out of the oven. This is what makes it perfect for serving with all your favorite appetizers! It's sturdy enough to hold up to creamy Creamy Whipped Feta Dip, Fig Jam Baked Brie, and Cheesy Baked Olive Dip.
If you want to add a bit of extra flavor to your crostini, slice a clove of garlic in half and rub the cut side of the garlic across the surface of the baked crostini. This will add a subtle garlic flavor that pairs perfectly with savory dips and spreads!
Crostini can be served warm, straight from the oven, or at room temperature.

Nutrition

Serving Size:
Calories: 30
Sugar: 0 g
Sodium: 8.5 mg
Fat: 3.1 g
Saturated Fat: 0.5 g
Trans Fat:
Carbohydrates: 0.7 g
Fiber: 0 g
Protein: 0.2 g
Cholesterol: 0 mg

Keywords: toasted French bread, how to make crostini, recipe for crostini, crostini bread