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Herbed Crostini Recipe

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4.4 from 68 reviews

Crostini are crisp, toasted baguette slices brushed with a flavorful blend of olive oil, fresh herbs, salt, and pepper. Perfect as an appetizer or snack, these easy-to-make bites offer a versatile base for a variety of toppings or can be enjoyed simply on their own.

Ingredients

Ingredients

  • 1 baguette (French baguette recommended)
  • 3 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 Tablespoon fresh herbs, finely minced (such as parsley, thyme, or basil, to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt or kosher salt, to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Slice the bread: Slice the baguette diagonally into approximately 1/4-inch thick slices to ensure even toasting. Arrange the slices in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet to prepare for baking.
  2. Prepare the seasoned oil: In a small bowl, combine the extra virgin olive oil with the sea salt, black pepper, and finely minced fresh herbs. Mix well to evenly distribute the seasonings throughout the oil.
  3. Brush the bread: Using a pastry brush, evenly coat each bread slice with the herb-infused olive oil mixture. This helps to impart flavor and ensures the bread crisps nicely while baking.
  4. Bake the crostini: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the seasoned bread slices for 12 to 15 minutes or until they reach your desired level of crispiness. Keep an eye on the crostini near the end to avoid burning.
  5. Alternative seasoning method: For a variation, first brush the bread slices with olive oil alone, then sprinkle the fresh minced herbs, salt, and pepper on top. This method offers a slightly different texture and presentation.

Notes

  • For the best flavor, use fresh herbs such as parsley, thyme, basil, or a combination depending on your preference.
  • Keep the slices uniform in thickness to ensure even baking and crispiness.
  • Watch closely near the end of baking to prevent burning, as crostini can quickly go from golden to overdone.
  • Crostini can be topped with a variety of spreads, cheeses, or cured meats to create appetizers or snacks.
  • Store leftover crostini in an airtight container once cooled to maintain their crisp texture.