Olive Oil Crostini

Indulge in the perfect appetizer or side dish with our easy olive oil crostini recipe. Made with just bread, olive oil, and kosher salt, this crispy and flavorful dish is sure to impress. Get ready to elevate your next meal with this delicious recipe!

Looking for a recipe to enjoy with these Olive Oil Crostinis? Try my Basil Whipped Feta Dip, White Bean Dip, or even serve with my Sicilian Italian Meatballs.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Simplicity: With just three basic ingredients - bread, olive oil, and kosher salt - this olive oil crostini recipe is incredibly simple and easy to make. It's perfect for busy home cooks or last-minute appetizer needs.
• Versatility: Olive oil crostini is a versatile dish that can be served as an appetizer, side dish, or even a snack. You can customize it with various toppings like chopped tomatoes, fresh herbs, or grated cheese to suit your taste preferences.
• Deliciousness: The combination of crispy bread, rich olive oil, and a hint of salt creates a mouthwatering flavor that's hard to resist. The toasty texture of the crostini adds a satisfying crunch, making it a crowd-pleasing dish that everyone will love.

Ingredients & Substitutions

Full list of ingredients with measurements listed below in recipe card. 

• Bread - Key component for making crostini, provides the base for the dish. Possible substitutions: Baguette, ciabatta, sourdough, or any crusty bread.
• Olive oil - Essential for coating the bread slices and adding rich flavor. Possible substitutions: Any other cooking oil, such as vegetable oil or melted butter, but olive oil is recommended for its distinct taste.
• Kosher salt - Adds seasoning and enhances the flavor of the crostini. Possible substitutions: Sea salt, Himalayan salt, or table salt, but adjust the amount according to taste preference.

Equipment Needed

• Oven: Required for baking the crostini slices to crispy perfection.
• Baking sheet: To place the bread slices on and bake in the oven.
• Knife or bread slicer: To slice the bread into ½" thick slices.
• Measuring spoons: To measure and sprinkle the kosher salt (optional).
• Pastry brush or spoon: To coat the bread slices with olive oil.

How to Make this Recipe

Full step-by-step instructions listed below in recipe card. 

To make olive oil crostini, start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Next, slice bread into ½" thick slices using a knife or bread slicer. Place the bread slices on a baking sheet in a single layer. Using a pastry brush or spoon, generously coat both sides of each bread slice with olive oil. Olive oil adds richness and flavor to the crostini, but you can use a different cooking oil if desired. Next, sprinkle a pinch of kosher salt over each bread slice for seasoning, adjusting the amount to your taste preference.

Place the baking sheet with the bread slices in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the slices are crisp and golden brown. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning. Once done, remove the crostini from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes.

Once cooled, the olive oil crostini are ready to serve! You can enjoy them as a standalone appetizer or as a delicious side dish. The simplicity of this recipe allows for customization with additional toppings, such as chopped tomatoes, fresh basil, or grated cheese, to add extra flavor and texture to the crostini.

These homemade olive oil crostini are perfect for entertaining guests, serving at parties, or simply enjoying as a quick and tasty snack. With just three ingredients and minimal preparation, this recipe is a fuss-free way to create a delightful and versatile dish that will surely impress your taste buds and those of your guests!

Variations

• Garlic-infused olive oil crostini: Add minced garlic or garlic powder to the olive oil before brushing it onto the bread slices for a deliciously fragrant and flavorful twist.
• Herbed olive oil crostini: Mix chopped fresh herbs, such as rosemary, thyme, or basil, into the olive oil before brushing it onto the bread slices for an aromatic and herbaceous flavor profile.
• Tomato and basil olive oil crostini: After brushing the bread slices with olive oil, top them with thinly sliced tomatoes and fresh basil leaves for a refreshing and colorful variation.
• Goat cheese and honey olive oil crostini: Spread a layer of creamy goat cheese onto the bread slices before brushing them with olive oil, then drizzle with honey for a sweet and tangy twist.
• Balsamic glaze olive oil crostini: After baking the bread slices, drizzle them with balsamic glaze for a tangy and slightly sweet flavor addition.
• Pesto olive oil crostini: Mix store-bought or homemade pesto into the olive oil, then brush it onto the bread slices for a burst of bold and zesty flavors.
• Tapenade olive oil crostini: Spread store-bought or homemade olive tapenade onto the bread slices before brushing them with olive oil for a briny and savory twist.

Wine Pairing

A crisp and refreshing white wine would pair well with olive oil crostini, complementing the richness of the olive oil and the savory flavors of the bread. Some good wine pairing options include:

1. Sauvignon Blanc: The bright acidity and herbaceous notes of Sauvignon Blanc can balance the richness of the olive oil crostini and enhance the flavors of the bread and salt.
2. Pinot Grigio: The light and crisp profile of Pinot Grigio can provide a clean and refreshing contrast to the olive oil crostini, allowing the flavors of the bread and salt to shine.
3. Vermentino: This lesser-known white wine from Italy offers a zesty and citrusy character that can complement the olive oil crostini and add a refreshing note to the dish.
4. Chardonnay (unoaked): Look for an unoaked Chardonnay with bright acidity and crispness, as the clean and unadulterated fruit flavors can complement the simplicity of the olive oil crostini.
5. Prosecco: For a sparkling wine option, Prosecco with its bright bubbles, crispness, and notes of green apple and pear can provide a lively and celebratory pairing with the crostini.

Remember, wine pairing is subjective, and personal taste preferences may vary. It's always a good idea to taste the wine alongside the dish to determine which combination you enjoy the most. Cheers!

FAQ's

Can I use a different type of bread for the crostini?

Yes, you can use different types of bread for the crostini, such as baguette, ciabatta, or even whole-grain bread. Just ensure that the slices are about ½" thick and adjust the baking time as needed.

Can I use a different type of oil instead of olive oil?

Yes, you can use other types of cooking oil, such as vegetable oil, canola oil, or avocado oil, as a substitute for olive oil. However, keep in mind that olive oil adds a distinct flavor to the crostini, so the taste may differ with a different oil.

Can I add additional toppings to the crostini?

Absolutely! Olive oil crostini serves as a blank canvas for a variety of toppings. You can add toppings such as chopped tomatoes, fresh herbs, grated cheese, sliced avocado, or even cured meats for added flavor and texture.

How long do I bake the crostini in the oven?

The crostini typically need to be baked in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes, or until they are crisp and golden brown. However, baking time may vary based on your oven and the thickness of the bread slices, so keep an eye on them to prevent burning.

Can I make the crostini ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the crostini ahead of time and store them in an airtight container once they are completely cooled. They can be kept at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. However, be aware that the texture may soften slightly over time.

Can I freeze the crostini for later use?

While it's possible to freeze the baked crostini, it's not recommended as they may lose their crispness and become soggy upon thawing. It's best to enjoy them fresh for the best texture and flavor.

Can I adjust the amount of salt used in the recipe?

Yes, you can adjust the amount of kosher salt to your taste preference. Start with a pinch of salt and add more as needed. You can also experiment with different types of salt, such as sea salt or flavored salts, for added depth of flavor.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can use gluten-free bread or a gluten-free baguette to make this recipe gluten-free. Just ensure that the bread you use is labeled as gluten-free and check for any cross-contamination risks in your kitchen.

Can I serve the crostini with dips or spreads?

Yes, olive oil crostini can be served with various dips or spreads, such as hummus, artichoke dip, bruschetta, or cheese spread. The crispy texture of the crostini makes them an excellent vehicle for spreading or dipping.

Can I reheat the crostini if they become stale?

If the crostini become slightly stale, you can reheat them in a low oven (around 250°F) for a few minutes to regain some crispness. However, it's best to enjoy them fresh for the best taste and texture.

Tips

• Use a good-quality bread: The bread is a key ingredient in this recipe, so opt for a fresh and high-quality loaf of bread, such as a baguette or ciabatta, for the best results.
• Slice the bread evenly: To ensure even baking and consistent results, slice the bread into uniform ½" thick slices. Use a sharp knife or a serrated bread knife for clean cuts.
• Brush the olive oil generously: Be sure to brush the olive oil generously on both sides of the bread slices to ensure they are evenly coated. This will help create a crispy texture and add flavor to the crostini.
• Season with kosher salt: Kosher salt is recommended for this recipe as it adds a nice crunch and enhances the flavors. Sprinkle a pinch of kosher salt on top of the olive oil-coated bread slices before baking for best results.
• Watch the baking time: Keep a close eye on the crostini while they are baking to prevent burning. Baking time may vary depending on your oven and the thickness of the bread slices, so start checking for doneness around 10 minutes.
• Customize with toppings: Get creative with toppings! Experiment with various toppings, such as diced tomatoes, minced garlic, fresh herbs, grated cheese, or cured meats to add extra flavor and flair to your crostini.
• Serve them fresh: Olive oil crostini are best served fresh for maximum crunch and flavor. Serve them as a standalone appetizer or alongside dips, spreads, or toppings for a delicious and versatile appetizer.
• Store properly: If you have leftovers, store the completely cooled crostini in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. Avoid storing them in a humid or damp environment as they may lose their crispness.
• Experiment with different oils: While olive oil is traditional for this recipe, feel free to experiment with different oils to suit your taste preference. Try using flavored oils, such as garlic-infused or rosemary-infused oil, for added aroma and taste.
• Make ahead for convenience: If you're planning to serve crostini for a party or gathering, you can prepare the bread slices and brush them with oil ahead of time, then store them in an airtight container until ready to bake. This can help save time and make entertaining easier. Just be sure to bake them fresh before serving for the best results.

Looking for more recipes?

Looking for a recipe to enjoy with these Olive Oil Crostinis? Try my Basil Whipped Feta Dip, White Bean Dip, or even serve with my Sicilian Italian Meatballs.

Did You Make this Recipe?

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Recipe Card

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