Simple Crispy Baguette Toasts

This classic homemade crostini recipe transforms a simple baguette into the perfect crispy base for your favorite toppings. The golden, toasted bread provides that satisfying crunch that complements everything from spreads to cheeses and makes any gathering feel special.

I discovered this recipe years ago when hosting my first dinner party and have never looked back. The simplicity belies how impressive these little toasts look on an appetizer board, and guests always reach for more.

Ingredients

• French baguette: The foundation of great crostini starts with a quality baguette. Look for one with a crisp crust and soft interior.
• Olive oil: Use a good quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor. The oil helps create that perfect golden exterior.
• Kosher salt: Flaky salt adds the perfect finishing touch. The larger crystals provide bursts of flavor in every bite.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the Oven:

Set your oven temperature to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. This medium high heat allows the bread to toast evenly without burning. Position your oven rack in the middle position for best results.

Slice the Baguette:

Cut the French baguette on a slight diagonal into slices approximately 1/2 inch thick. The diagonal cut creates more surface area for toppings and gives an elegant appearance. Try to make slices uniform for even baking.

Arrange on Baking Sheets:

Place the sliced bread in a single layer on one or two baking sheets. Avoid overlapping the slices as this will prevent them from crisping evenly. Leave small spaces between each slice for proper air circulation.

Apply Olive Oil:

Using a pastry brush, apply olive oil to both sides of each bread slice. Be thorough but not excessive the bread should be lightly coated but not saturated. The oil promotes browning and adds richness.

Bake to Perfection:

Place in the preheated oven and bake for 8 to 10 minutes until the edges turn golden brown and the centers become crisp. Watch carefully during the last few minutes as they can go from perfect to burnt quickly.

Finish with Salt:

Remove from the oven and immediately sprinkle with kosher salt while still warm. The heat helps the salt adhere better to the surface creating the perfect seasoned bite.

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The moment that made me truly appreciate this recipe was watching my Italian grandmother inspect one of my crostini during a holiday gathering. After a thoughtful bite, she nodded approvingly and asked for the recipe. Coming from someone who rarely used written recipes, this was the ultimate compliment.

Storage Success

Crostini store beautifully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. I often make a double batch specifically to have extras on hand. If they lose some of their crispness after storage, simply pop them into a 350°F oven for 3 to 5 minutes to refresh them. The convenience of having homemade crostini ready to go means you can assemble impressive appetizers in minutes when unexpected guests arrive.

Perfect Pairings

These versatile toasts shine when paired with a variety of toppings. Try spreading with whipped ricotta and a drizzle of honey for a sweet treat, or top with bruschetta mix for a classic Italian approach. One of my favorites is a smear of goat cheese topped with fig jam and a sprinkle of fresh thyme. For a Spanish twist, rub each toast with a clove of garlic, then top with grated tomato, olive oil, and flaky salt for the simplest pan con tomate.

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Troubleshooting Tips

Achieving perfect crostini comes down to a few key factors. If your crostini are too hard, you may have sliced them too thinly or baked them too long. For softer centers with crisp exteriors, maintain that 1/2 inch thickness. If they're browning too quickly but remain soft inside, your oven temperature may be running hot. Try reducing the temperature to 375°F and extending the baking time slightly. Remember that different baguettes have different moisture content, so baking times can vary.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How long do homemade crostini stay fresh?

Homemade crostini will stay fresh for 3-5 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. For maximum crispness, it's best to prepare them the same day you plan to serve them.

→ Can I make crostini in advance for a party?

Yes! You can prepare crostini up to 2 days in advance. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature. If they lose some crispness, you can refresh them in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes before serving.

→ What can I use instead of a French baguette?

While French baguette is traditional, you can substitute with Italian bread, sourdough, or ciabatta. The key is choosing a bread with a firm texture that will hold up well after toasting.

→ What are the best toppings for crostini?

Classic toppings include bruschetta (tomato, basil, garlic), cheese spreads like ricotta or goat cheese, olive tapenade, or smoked salmon with cream cheese. Consider seasonal ingredients like roasted vegetables or fruit compotes for variety.

→ Can I add herbs or seasonings to the crostini?

Absolutely! Try brushing with garlic-infused olive oil or sprinkling with dried herbs like rosemary, thyme or oregano before baking. You can also add grated Parmesan cheese or red pepper flakes for extra flavor.

→ What's the difference between crostini and bruschetta?

Crostini are small, thin slices of toasted bread typically made from a baguette. Bruschetta refers to both the toasted bread (usually larger slices from Italian bread) and the popular tomato-basil topping. Crostini tend to be smaller and more delicate.