These easy-to-make garlic crostini are packed with flavor. They are delicious on their own, as an appetizer to start a meal, or can accompany any grazing board.
You only need a few simple ingredients and 15 minutes to make these little toasts.
Nothing is easier than turning simple baguette slices into golden brown bites. They pop into the oven with some garlic, salt, and a good drizzle of olive oil.
Enjoy them with a glass of wine for a relaxing Friday evening or as a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
But they are also a great side served with hot soup like Stracciatella or a refreshing salad like my Fresh Tuna Cucumber And Ricotta Salad or Italian Meatball Salad. And they can't be missed when you make an Italian grazing board.
Let's make this easy crostini recipe.
Why This Recipe is a Favorite
- Economical: You only need a few simple ingredients to make this Italian appetizer.
- Versatile: Add extra flavor or change it up by adding fresh basil leaves, rosemary, thyme, or spices on top of the crostini.
- Crowd-pleasing: It's one of those favorite appetizers that everyone loves no matter what you serve it with.
Ingredients & Notes
See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
- Loaf of bread: I prefer a day-old baguette or ciabatta bread cut into thin slices.
- Fresh garlic cloves: Use freshly minced or finely chopped garlic.
- Olive oil: Use extra virgin olive oil.
- Optional: Add extra flavor with a few pinches of salt and fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or basil.
How To Make It
See the full recipe with measurements in the recipe card.
Let's go over how to prepare delicious garlic crostini step-by-step.
Step One (Picture 1 above) - Slice the bread diagonally into smaller pieces with a serrated knife. Arrange the bread slices in a single layer on the baking sheet, covered with parchment paper.
Step Two (Picture 2 above) - Brush each piece liberally with olive oil and sprinkle evenly finely chopped garlic on top. Add a pinch of salt flakes, if preferred.
Step Three (Picture 3 above) - Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the crostini are golden brown and crispy. If desired, top with finely chopped fresh herbs. You can also add your favorite cheese and return to the oven for an additional 1-2 minutes.
Variations
- Choose different toppings: Parmesan cheese, or for some spice, try chili, black pepper, or red pepper flakes, or try dried herbs like oregano. Once out of the oven but still hot, you can also add fresh herbs like finely chopped basil, thyme, rosemary, or parsley flakes.
- Olive oil: I prefer olive oil but melted butter or a herbed butter mixture can also work.
- Garlic: I use two minced garlic cloves, the equivalent of one tablespoon, grated. Feel free to use less or more.
How To Serve Garlic Crostini
- Enjoy them as easy appetizers with your favorite toppings like an Italian Pepper Spread, Kalamata Olive and Fig Tapenade, Spiced Apricot Jam, Parsley And Anchovy Spread, or Picada Pesto.
- Place them on a cheese board or Italian grazing board for entertaining or family gatherings.
- Pair them with goat cheese, Mozzarella Appetizer, Whipped Ricotta and Honey Spread, or Lupine Beans and a glass of wine or Pomegranate Mocktail for a starter or fun Friday.
- My family loves them with creamy soups like this Healthy Butternut Squash Zucchini Soup or this refreshing Healthy Cucumber Salad for lunch.
- Serve them as dipping bread with the tomato-based sauce from my cod and focaccia sandwich recipe instead of focaccia bread, and enjoy straight from the pan.
Recipe FAQs
Store your garlic crostini at room temperature in an airtight container to keep your garlic crostini fresh.
They’re best enjoyed within a couple of days. To serve them warm, pop them into a preheated oven (300F/150C) for a few minutes until warm and crispy.
Yes, but watch them closely as the cooking time may vary.
More Appetizers And Finger Food You Might Love
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Whether it's for a gathering or just a personal treat, these little garlic crostini crusts are sure to elevate your meal. Enjoy!
📖 Recipe
Easy Garlic Crostini With Olive Oil
Mariska RamondinoEquipment
Ingredients
- 1 large baguette (crusty French bread, ciabatta, or country-style Italian bread cut crosswise into ½-inch slices
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil or more as needed
- 2 to 3 finely chopped garlic cloves or freshly minced
- Fine sea salt to taste optional
- Finely chopped fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, basil optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F / 200°C and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Arrange the slices of bread on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. You might need to make it in two baches if you have a small baking sheet.1 large baguette (crusty French bread, ciabatta, or country-style Italian bread
- Brush each piece with olive oil and sprinkle and divide evenly some finely chopped garlic on top. I usually only brush one side but feel free to use more olive oil and brush both sides of the bread.3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, 2 to 3 finely chopped garlic cloves or freshly minced
- Bake in the oven for 8 to 10 minutes or until they are crusty and golden brown on top.
- If preferred and while still hot, sprinkle with sea salt and fresh herbs of choice.Fine sea salt to taste, Finely chopped fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, basil
- Transfer to a serving plate and serve.
Notes
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- Choose different toppings: Parmesan cheese, chili, red pepper flakes, and fresh or dried herbs are great add-ons. Once out of the oven but still hot, add fresh herbs like finely chopped basil, thyme, rosemary, parsley flakes, or dried oregano, black pepper, and chili flakes to add some spice.
-
- Olive oil: I prefer olive oil but melted butter or a herbed butter mixture can work, too.
-
- Garlic: I use two garlic cloves, minced, the equivalent of 1 tablespoon, grated. Feel free to use less or more.
They’re best enjoyed within a couple of days. To serve them warm, pop them into a preheated oven (300F/150C) for a few minutes until warm and crispy again.
Add your own private notes
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Nutrition (% Daily value)
Disclaimer: This nutritional data is calculated using third party tools and is only intended as a reference.
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