Best 2 Basic Crostini Recipes

Crostini, a classic Italian appetizer, are toasted baguette slices topped with a variety of savory or sweet ingredients. They are incredibly versatile, making them perfect for any occasion, from casual gatherings to elegant parties. Whether you prefer simple toppings like olive oil, salt, and pepper, or more elaborate creations with roasted vegetables, cheese, or meat, there is a crostini recipe out there to suit your taste. With their crispy texture and endless flavor possibilities, crostini are sure to be a hit at your next gathering.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

RICK'S BASIC CROSTINI

Rick's Basic Crostini image

Provided by Rick Tramonto

Categories Garlic Appetizer Bake Cocktail Party Vegetarian Oscars Sugar Conscious Kidney Friendly Pescatarian Peanut Free Tree Nut Free Soy Free Kosher

Yield Makes 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 6

Ingredients

3 garlic cloves
Pinch of kosher salt
8 tablespoons (1 stick) high-quality salted butter, softened
1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
Cracked black pepper
Eight 1/4-inch-thick slices baguette

Steps:

1. On a cutting board, finely chop the garlic and sprinkle the salt over it. Keep chopping and smashing the garlic and salt together to make a paste. Use a wide-bladed knife so you can smear the paste along its flat side. You can also do this with a mortar and pestle.
2. In a small bowl, mix the butter, lemon juice, and garlic paste. Fold the softened butter over and onto the garlic mixture, mashing it down with the back of a spoon or spatula. Season to taste with pepper and continue folding.
3. Lay a sheet of plastic wrap on a work surface. Scrape the butter onto the plastic and use the plastic wrap to shape butter into a log, encased in the plastic wrap. Refrigerate until ready to use. If not using within 3 days, you can freeze the garlic butter for up to 2 months. Let the butter soften before using.
4. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
5. Lay the bread on a baking sheet and brush both sides with garlic butter. Bake for 6 to 7 minutes, turning once, until golden brown but not too crispy. Let cool before using.
Good Butter
The difference between really good butter and all other butter lies with the butterfat content of the cream, which depends in large part on the cows and how the cream is handled before it is churned into butter. The best butter from Europe is made from raw or cultured cream and, particularly that made from raw cream, might not be imported to the United States. But never fear: At American companies such as the Vermont Butter & Cheese Company, the butter is made from high-grade cream (a high butterfat content) that is cultured and then churned. The butter is rich and flavorful and when it's salted, its salt content is significantly lower than typical salted butter. This is what I use in my crostini recipes, so depending on the salted butter you choose, you may not need to add any salt. As with all ingredients for these recipes, choose the best butter you can. It pays off in terms of taste.

BASIC CROSTINI

Basic Crostini image

Replace crackers with these homemade crostinis, and serve with soups, salads, or your favorite toppings.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories Food & Cooking Appetizers Finger Food Recipes

Yield Makes 60 toasts

Number Of Ingredients 3

Ingredients

1 baguette (about 10 ounces), thinly sliced on the diagonal about 1/4 inch thick
6 tablespoons olive oil
Coarse salt and ground pepper

Steps:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Brush both sides of bread slices with oil. Arrange slices on 2 baking sheets; season with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper.
Bake until slightly dry on top, about 6 minutes. Flip slices, and continue baking until crisp and golden brown, 6 to 8 minutes more. Let cool.

Tips for Making Perfect Crostini:

Use a variety of breads: Crostini can be made with any type of bread, but some of the most popular choices include baguettes, ciabatta, and focaccia. For a rustic look, use a bread with a rough texture, such as sourdough or whole wheat.
Slice the bread thinly: Crostini should be sliced thinly, about ¼-inch thick. This will help them to toast evenly and prevent them from becoming too hard.
Brush the bread with olive oil: Before toasting, brush the bread slices with olive oil. This will help them to brown evenly and prevent them from drying out.
Toast the bread until golden brown: Crostini should be toasted until they are golden brown and crispy. You can toast them in the oven, on a grill, or in a toaster.
Top with your favorite toppings: Once the crostini are toasted, you can top them with your favorite ingredients. Some popular choices include cheese, meats, vegetables, and spreads.

Conclusion:

Crostini are a delicious and versatile appetizer that can be served at any occasion. They are easy to make and can be customized to your own taste. With so many different topping options, there is sure to be a crostini that everyone will enjoy. So next time you are looking for a quick and easy appetizer, give crostini a try. You won't be disappointed!