Easy Garlic Crostini Recipe (Perfect for Bruschetta)

My Garlic Crostini recipe is the perfect base for any recipe where you need little toasts, such as bruschetta! You can use different toppings such as goat cheese, tomato mixture, or even pesto with fresh basil to top these baguette slices for a quick snack or crowd-pleasing appetizer! I love this recipe because the garlic crostini come out perfectly golden brown. They’d be the perfect homemade cracker to serve with your favorite dips such as mediterranean hummus, whipped eggplant dip, or even spinach artichoke dip! 

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You’ll make this easy crostini recipe again and again – it’s a great way to make homemade crisps for a dip or as the base for everyone’s favorite delicious appetizer: bruschetta! I love to toast these thick slices of baguette before piling them high with delicious toppings. I prefer a savory topping for my bruschetta, but these would also be yummy topped with diced strawberries, basil, and ricotta.

If you’re using this for bruschetta, check out my pesto bruschetta and burrata bruschetta recipes! The burrata is my favorite – crusty bread meets creamy cheese for the perfect Italian appetizer! Speaking of Italian, if you’re a fan of Italian recipes, check out my trofie al pesto, walnut pesto, nut-free pesto, genovese pesto, rigatoni carbonara, bucatini all’ amatriciana and burrata caprese salad! Happy crunching! 

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• It’s Easy – There’s truly nothing as easy as these little garlic crostinis. They are so easy to make ahead and you can store them in an airtight container to serve with dips and spreads later on! 
• Perfect for Parties – Make a batch of these garlic crostini and then use whatever simple ingredients you have for toppings for an easy appetizer everyone will love! 

Ingredients

• French Baguette – The baguette is the base of the garlic crostini, providing that perfect crunch and light texture. A fresh baguette ensures your crostini are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. When purchasing, look for a baguette with a golden-brown crust and a slightly chewy interior. Day-old baguettes work well too, as they tend to crisp up nicely in the oven.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil – Olive oil adds richness and helps to crisp the bread as it bakes. Choose a high-quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor. Look for oils with a fruity, peppery taste, and store it in a cool, dark place to maintain its freshness.
• Garlic Cloves – Garlic infuses the crostini with its distinctive, savory flavor. Rubbing the clove of garlic directly on the bread releases its essential oils, enhancing the taste. Opt for fresh, firm garlic cloves without any sprouting. To easily peel garlic, smash the cloves with the flat side of a knife to loosen the skin.
• Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper – Seasoning is key to bringing out the flavors of your ingredients. A little salt enhances the garlic and olive oil, while black pepper adds a subtle, spicy kick. Use sea salt or kosher salt for a clean, pure taste. Freshly ground black pepper is best, as it has more aroma and flavor than pre-ground pepper.

Substitutions and Additions

• Use Garlic Powder – If you don’t have fresh sweet garlic, you can use garlic powder instead! Sprinkle a small amount directly on the bread after brushing it with oil. Another option is to use roasted garlic for a milder, sweeter garlic flavor.
• Switch Up Your Bread – If you don’t have a French baguette, you can use any crusty bread such as ciabatta, sourdough, or even a rustic Italian loaf. Just make sure the bread slices are of similar thickness to achieve the desired crispiness.

Step by Step Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°Fahrenheit (190°Celsius). Place the baguette slices on a baking sheet in a single layer.

Drizzle the olive oil over each slice of baguette, ensuring they are evenly coated.

Rub each slice of bread with the cut side of the garlic cloves. This will infuse the bread with garlic flavor. Season lightly with salt and pepper.

Bake in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes, or until the crostini are crisp and lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly.

Tips and Notes

• Uniform Slices – Cut your baguette into uniform slices, about 1/2-inch thick. This ensures even toasting and prevents some pieces from becoming too crunchy while others remain soft.
• Watch the Oven – Keep a close eye on your crostini while they bake. They can go from perfectly golden to burnt quickly. Bake them until they are just turning golden brown, which usually takes about 10-12 minutes

Serving Suggestions

• Classic Tomato Bruschetta – Top your garlic crostini with a mixture of diced tomatoes, fresh basil, minced garlic, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper. This classic combination is always a crowd-pleaser.
• Whipped Goat Cheese and Honey – Spread a layer of creamy whipped goat cheese on the crostini and drizzle with honey. Add a sprinkle of crushed walnuts or pistachios for extra crunch and flavor.
• Artichoke Bruschetta – Top the crostini with a mixture of marinated artichoke hearts, lemon juice, creamy cheese (like ricotta or parmesan), and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. Bake until hot and bubbly for a yummy treat.
• Fig Jam and Prosciutto – Spread fig jam on the crostini, then top with a slice of prosciutto and a fresh arugula leaf. The sweet and salty combination is irresistible.
• With Dip – Try any of my homemade dips like pesto hummus, Mediterranean hummus, or baked ricotta dip!

Storage and Reheating Instructions

• Allow the crostini to cool completely, then store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-5 days. To reheat, bake at 350°Fahrenheit (175°Celsius) for about 5 minutes. For longer storage, freeze in a single layer and reheat directly from frozen.

Did you try this recipe? I’d love to see it! Tag @seasonedandsalted on Instagram and leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ review below!