Garlic Herb Crostini Your Toppings Best Friend
Recipe Introduction
Fancy a quick bite? Ever wonder what to do with that slightly stale baguette? I've got you! My garlic herb crostini bread recipe is the answer.
This is perfect for turning simple ingredients into a delightful appetizer with bread .
Quick Hook
Honestly, who doesn't love a good Italian appetizer ? These toasted baguette slices , infused with garlic and herbs, are ridiculously easy.
They're crispy, flavourful, and make the perfect base for endless toppings. Think garlic bread, but way more versatile.
Brief Overview
Crostini comes from Italy, and it means "little toasts." Making it is super simple and takes about 25 minutes.
This recipe yields about 24-32 slices, enough for 6-8 people. Sharing is caring, right?
Main Benefits
One of the best things about this crostini appetizer ? It's relatively healthy, offering a satisfying crunch without loads of calories.
Serve these at your next dinner party. This will upgrade your cheese board. What makes this recipe special is that it's completely customizable.
Getting Started with Your Crostini
First, you will need a day-old baguette, olive oil, garlic, and some herbs. The best toppings for baguettes start with the right base.
This is your opportunity to make it your own. What herbs do you like?
For the Ingredients, gather up your:
- 1 baguette, preferably day-old
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon mixed fresh herbs
- Salt and pepper
Also, don't forget a large baking sheet and a bread knife. You'll want to slice the baguette into 1/2 inch rounds.
Remember, day-old bread is best ! It gets crispier in the oven. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan, or they won't toast evenly.
These are easy to burn, so keep an eye on them! The perfect tomato burrata crostini starts here.
Ingredients & Equipment
Let's talk about what you'll need to make amazing crostini bread . It's all about simple, fresh ingredients. This appetizer with bread will be a hit.
Main Ingredients
First up, the bread. You'll need 1 baguette, about 300g or 10.5 oz . Day-old bread is honestly the best. It makes for crispier toasted baguette slices .
Next, grab 4 tablespoons ( 60 ml ) of olive oil. Good quality olive oil makes a difference here. You know, the kind that smells amazing.
Then you need 2 cloves of garlic, minced. I think fresh garlic is the only way to go, but you can sub it if you like.
You will also require 1 tablespoon ( 4-5 grams ) of mixed fresh herbs, finely chopped. Rosemary, thyme, parsley whatever you fancy.
Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Start with ¼ teaspoon each.
Seasoning Notes
Garlic and herbs are the magic combo here. This is a great Italian bread appetizers recipe. You can easily add red pepper flakes for a kick.
Honestly, play around with the herbs. Change this garlic bread as you see fit,
If you're short on fresh herbs, 1 teaspoon of dried Italian seasoning will work. It is a good quick sub. Fresh garlic not on hand? Use ½ teaspoon garlic powder.
Equipment Needed
You don't need much kit for this. Grab a large baking sheet and a small bowl. A pastry brush is handy for applying the oil, but not essential.
The only must have? A serrated bread knife for slicing the baguette.
Honestly, making these is as easy as pie. If you want some amazing Crostini appetizers , this is the way to go.
These are also some great crostini toppings , and they will become your go-to easy appetizer recipes . Want some Italian appetizers ? This is for you!
I once forgot the garlic and only realized when I had finished brushing the bread. Oh my gosh! I just sprinkled on some garlic powder before baking.
I think it was a tomato burrata crostini type. It wasn't the end of the world, you know? So don't stress too much.
It will all work out.
Cooking Method: Crostini Bread
Alright, let's talk crostini bread ! You know those fancy little toasts you see at parties? They're way easier to make than you think, and honestly, are the perfect base for any appetizer with bread .
I love them because they're so versatile. Plus, who doesn't love a bit of crispy, garlicky goodness?
Prep Steps: Setting the Stage for Success
First, you gotta gather your troops. We're talking one baguette (day-old is your best friend here). Then grab some olive oil, garlic, and whatever fresh herbs you fancy.
Rosemary and thyme are my go-tos. Essential mise en place is your best friend. Before you even preheat the oven, slice your baguette and mince that garlic.
Trust me, it saves time later. As a safety reminder , watch your fingers when slicing!
step-by-step: Toasting to Perfection
- Preheat your oven to 375° F .
- Slice that baguette into half inch rounds.
- Mix 4 tablespoons olive oil with 2 minced garlic cloves and 1 tablespoon chopped herbs . Season with salt and pepper.
- Brush that glorious garlic herb oil all over both sides of each bread slice.
- Arrange those slices in a single layer on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 10- 15 minutes . Flip halfway through.
Keep an eye on them. You want them golden brown and crispy, not burnt to a crisp.
Pro Tips: Level Up Your Crostini Game
Don't overcrowd the pan . Trust me, you'll get a much more even toast if you give those slices some breathing room.
A good common mistake to avoid is burning the garlic. So keep an eye on them. One of the best toppings for baguettes is a classic Tomato Burrata Crostini ! Or you could go full-on Italian bread appetizers with some prosciutto and melon.
I think Garlic bread are the top tier when talking about appetizers.
Serve these with your favorite crostini appetizers . This recipe is among the best easy appetizer recipes . You could use it for Italian appetizers , like bruschetta .
Or a simple cheese plate. These toasted baguette slices are delicious however you serve them!
Recipe Notes
Serving Suggestions: Crostini Time!
Okay, so you've made these amazing garlic bread style crostini bread . Now what? Presentation is key, innit? Think rustic charm.
A wooden board piled high with these golden beauties is always a winner. Honestly, these toasted baguette slices are begging for attention.
For a simple yet elegant plating, arrange them artfully on a platter. Sprinkle with a bit of extra chopped fresh herbs.
Think about your toppings for baguettes . Tomato Burrata Crostini screams summer. An Italian bread appetizers platter is always a surefire hit.
For complementary sides, how about a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette? It'll cut through the richness. A glass of chilled Pinot Grigio or maybe even a crisp Italian beer would be spot on.
This recipe is perfect for Crostini appetizers .
Storage Tips: Keep 'Em Crispy!
Alright, listen up! Nobody likes soggy crostini. For refrigeration, store leftover crostini in an airtight container at room temperature. They'll stay good for a couple of days.
To keep them crispy, place a paper towel at the bottom of the container.
Freezing? I wouldn't recommend it, to be honest. They tend to lose their crispness. Just make a fresh batch; they're super quick.
If they've gone a bit soft, a quick reheat in a low oven ( 300° F / 150° C ) for a few minutes will bring them back to life.
Watch them carefully.
Variations: Spice Things Up!
Want to mix things up a bit? Easy peasy! For a dietary adaptation, try using a gluten-free baguette for gluten-free Crostini toppings .
For a seasonal swap, think about what's fresh and in season. In autumn, try topping them with roasted butternut squash and sage. Yum! Easy appetizer recipes will save your event.
Nutrition Basics: The Good Stuff
So, let's keep it real. Each serving of 4 crostini appetizers gives you roughly 120 calories. You're also getting a bit of protein (about 2g), some fat (around 8g), and carbs (roughly 12g).
The key health benefit here? Well, these are a great way to enjoy healthy fats from olive oil and get a little boost from those lovely herbs.
Think of it as a tasty vehicle for all sorts of delicious and nutritious Italian appetizers .
There you have it! Go forth and create. Have fun, experiment, and don't be afraid to put your own spin on things.
The possibilities are endless, and I can't wait to see what you come up with!
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best way to store leftover crostini bread so they stay crispy?
To keep your crostini crisp, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Adding a piece of parchment paper or paper towel inside the container can help absorb any excess moisture, kind of like putting rice in the salt shaker.
They should stay good for about 2-3 days perfect for a quick snack when the mood strikes!
Can I make crostini bread ahead of time for a party?
Absolutely! Making crostini ahead is a brilliant idea for parties, saving you time when guests arrive. Just bake them as directed and store them in an airtight container. If they lose a little crispness, a quick refresh in a low oven (around 300°F / 150°C) for a few minutes will bring them back to life, good as new!
What kind of bread works best for crostini? Can I use something other than a baguette?
While a baguette is the traditional choice, you're not limited to just that! A ciabatta loaf or even a sourdough boule can work beautifully. The key is to use a bread with a good crust and a relatively firm interior. Just adjust the slicing thickness and baking time as needed for your chosen loaf.
My garlic always burns when I make crostini bread. What am I doing wrong?
Burnt garlic is a common crostini woe, a fate worse than a soggy bottom! The culprit is usually too much direct heat. Try lowering your oven temperature slightly and keeping a close eye on them.
You can also add the garlic to the oil a bit later in the baking process, giving it less time to burn a culinary save!
What are some yummy topping ideas for these crostini? I'm looking for something beyond the usual tomato and basil.
Oh, the possibilities are endless! Think roasted red peppers with goat cheese, or a dollop of creamy ricotta with a drizzle of honey and a sprinkle of sea salt. For something heartier, try white bean purée with sautéed mushrooms, or a spicy shrimp ceviche.
Let your imagination (and what's in your fridge!) be your guide, innit!
Are there any nutritional benefits to eating crostini bread, or is it just empty calories?
While crostini are primarily a source of carbohydrates, you can boost their nutritional value! Using whole wheat bread adds fiber, and the olive oil provides healthy fats. Top them with nutrient rich ingredients like vegetables, beans, or lean proteins to create a more balanced and satisfying snack. Every little helps!
Garlic Herb Crostini Your Toppings Best Friend
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 120 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 8g |
