Learn how to make garlic crostini! Crispy mini toasts rubbed with fresh garlic are so easy to make and make the perfect base for all kinds of creative toppings…this is one appetizer no one can resist. is.
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When it comes to party appetizers, I love experimenting with different flavors and textures. Still, I often find myself returning to timeless classics.
But sometimes these classic recipes can be made even better with just a few small tweaks…like this amazing garlic crostini! These crispy toasted bread slices are the perfect base for all kinds of delicious toppings, and they’re easy to make.
If you’re a garlic fan, you’ll love this flavorful twist on my classic crostini recipe. The addition of fresh garlic makes this crunchy toast even tastier than the original version, and just as versatile.
The ultimate appetizer base. Enjoy with toppings ranging from vegetables to cheese on crispy toasted bread, or with your favorite dip. Best of all, it’s quick and easy to make. These garlic toasts can also be prepared in advance, making them perfect for a low-stress party.
Ready to get started? Read on to learn more.
![Close-up of finished toast.](https://hellolittlehome.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/garlic-crostini-4.jpeg)
material
This recipe uses simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. Here’s what you need:
- bread – Pair with quality bread for a crunchy appetizer base. A baguette is best, but you can also use a long, thin loaf of bread. Stale bread is fine too…this recipe is a great way to use up leftover bread!
- Olive oil – Brush the bread with extra virgin olive oil before baking. The oil adds flavor and helps make the bread crispy.
- garlic – After toasting the bread, rub it with fresh garlic.
- salt – A pinch of kosher salt adds flavor to these mini toasts.
As long as you use baguettes (traditionally made with flour, water, yeast, and salt), this recipe is naturally vegetarian, vegan, and dairy-free.To make a recipe gluten-free, simply GF baguette.
This is also required
Before you begin, prepare a cutting board and a sharp object serrated knife, used to slice bread thinly. You will also need a pastry brush to grease the bread before baking.You will also need one or two large baking sheets (these sheet pan is my favorite! ) for baking bread.
![I arranged the ingredients for garlic crostini on a wooden board.](https://hellolittlehome.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/garlic-crostini-ingredients.jpg)
![I arranged the ingredients for garlic crostini on a wooden board.](https://hellolittlehome.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/garlic-crostini-ingredients.jpg)
![I arranged the ingredients for garlic crostini on a wooden board.](https://hellolittlehome.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/garlic-crostini-ingredients.jpg)
![I arranged the ingredients for garlic crostini on a wooden board.](https://hellolittlehome.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/garlic-crostini-ingredients.jpg)
How to make garlic crostini
These garlic rubbed crostini couldn’t be easier to make. A detailed recipe card is below, but here’s a quick overview of the steps:
- sliced bread. First, slice the bread into 1/4-inch thick slices. 1/2 pound (255 grams) of baguette yields about 40 slices total. Tip: Slice the bread diagonally. This will give you more space for toppings.
- Brush with oil. Transfer the bread to a baking sheet (in a single layer) and brush both sides with olive oil. Next, lightly sprinkle salt on one side.
- bake. Bake until the edges of the bread are lightly browned and crispy all over. Tip: Since the bread is sliced fairly thinly, there is no need to flip the slices during cooking.
- Rub with garlic. Once the bread is toasted, remove it from the oven. Then rub it with the cut side of a garlic clove cut in half.
Pretty simple, right? And now comes the most important part…choose the perfect toppings for your homemade garlic crostini!
![A photo collage showing step by step how to make garlic crostini.](https://hellolittlehome.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/how-to-make-garlic-crostini.jpg)
![A photo collage showing step by step how to make garlic crostini.](https://hellolittlehome.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/how-to-make-garlic-crostini.jpg)
![A photo collage showing step by step how to make garlic crostini.](https://hellolittlehome.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/how-to-make-garlic-crostini.jpg)
![A photo collage showing step by step how to make garlic crostini.](https://hellolittlehome.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/how-to-make-garlic-crostini.jpg)
variation
This recipe is easy to customize with different ingredients! Here are a few to try.
- butter – Using melted butter instead of olive oil gives garlic toast a rich, buttery, garlic bread-like flavor.
- herbs – Before spreading on bread, mix the oil with a little Italian seasoning or a mixture of your favorite dried herbs, such as basil, oregano, thyme, rosemary, or parsley.
- parmesan – Lightly sprinkle the bread slices with freshly grated Parmesan before baking.
- garlic powder – This recipe is best with fresh garlic, but if you’re in a pinch, sprinkle the toast lightly with garlic powder before baking.
![Finished toast is placed on a wooden cutting board.](https://hellolittlehome.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/garlic-rubbed-crostini-1.jpeg)
![Finished toast is placed on a wooden cutting board.](https://hellolittlehome.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/garlic-rubbed-crostini-1.jpeg)
![Finished toast is placed on a wooden cutting board.](https://hellolittlehome.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/garlic-rubbed-crostini-1.jpeg)
![Finished toast is placed on a wooden cutting board.](https://hellolittlehome.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/garlic-rubbed-crostini-1.jpeg)
topping ideas
Now it’s time for the fun part…choose the perfect toppings! These crunchy garlic bread crostini can be paired with almost anything delicious. Try one of my crostini recipes first, then check out the other ideas I’ll share below (feel free to mix and match topping ideas!).
- tomato basil crostini – This delicious fresh tomato topping takes minutes to make, but the flavor is hard to beat.
- whipped goat cheese crostini – Perfect for goat cheese lovers, this delicious version is topped with hot honey and thyme for an irresistible combination.
- mushroom crostini – Crunchy toast topped with creamy cheese and garlicky sautéed mushrooms for a mouth-watering topping.
- avocado – Make mini avocado toast by mashing an avocado with a little lemon juice and salt. Spread this mixture on the bread and sprinkle olive oil on top, Everything Bagel Seasoning Or layer it on top of crushed red pepper flakes, sliced tomatoes, or top with crumbled feta cheese.
- Other vegetables – Almost any fresh, pickled, sauteed, marinated, or roasted vegetable can be used as a topping. Try roasted asparagus, caramelized onions, roasted grape tomatoes, mashed peas, roasted sweet potatoes or carrots, homemade pickled onions, sauteed or roasted bell peppers, roasted or pickled cauliflower, marinated artichokes, and more.
- dips + spreads – Pair Garlic Crostini with your favorite dips and spreads. Perfect for almost anything, including creamy recipes like dill dip, cream cheese dip, baked dricotta dip, caramelized onion dip, and whipped goat cheese, as well as classic dips like guacamole and hummus (also try this roasted garlic hummus) But it fits. , and unique dips and spreads like this vegetarian buffalo dip, baked feta dip, tangy romesco sauce, or this delicious artichoke spread.
- plague – Spread the pesto on bread or sprinkle it on top of another topping. All kinds of pesto will work, from classic basil pesto to unique flavors like rosemary, macadamia, cilantro, and kale pesto. You could also use pesto mayo!
- olive – Briny olives are an easy way to add lots of flavor. Enjoy as is or with toppings such as fresh tomatoes. The tapenade looks delicious too.
- roasted garlic – Spread homemade roasted garlic on bite-sized pieces of toast for a quick snack or app.
- capers – Salted capers make a great garnish! It pairs well with anything that needs a little flavor, like fresh vegetables or mild cheeses.
- herbs – A sprinkling of fresh herbs (thyme, basil, rosemary, chives, parsley, dill, etc.) is a great finishing touch and is also great for brightening up the flavors of other toppings.
- nuts – Before serving, add a few crunchy chopped nuts like walnuts, pecans, pistachios, or almonds to one of your other toppings.
tips: Add toppings (especially juicy ones like tomatoes) just before serving. This will keep the crostini crispy. You can also serve the toppings and toast separately and let your guests serve it themselves.
![Arrange the finished crostini around a bowl topped with tomato-basil on a white tray.](https://hellolittlehome.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/garlic-crostini-toppings.jpeg)
![Arrange the finished crostini around a bowl topped with tomato-basil on a white tray.](https://hellolittlehome.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/garlic-crostini-toppings.jpeg)
![Arrange the finished crostini around a bowl topped with tomato-basil on a white tray.](https://hellolittlehome.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/garlic-crostini-toppings.jpeg)
![Arrange the finished crostini around a bowl topped with tomato-basil on a white tray.](https://hellolittlehome.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/garlic-crostini-toppings.jpeg)
storage
Store leftover garlic crostini bread in an airtight container (such as a zip-top bag) at room temperature. It tastes best when eaten within a few days, but will stay fresh for up to two weeks (as long as it’s completely dry and crisp throughout). Toast can also be frozen for up to 2 months.
Related recipes
Looking for similar recipes? Check out all my vegetarian appetizer recipes or try one of these delicious ideas.
![Place the finished recipe and a few cloves of garlic on a wooden board.](https://hellolittlehome.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/garlic-crostini-3.jpeg)
![Place the finished recipe and a few cloves of garlic on a wooden board.](https://hellolittlehome.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/garlic-crostini-3.jpeg)
![Place the finished recipe and a few cloves of garlic on a wooden board.](https://hellolittlehome.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/garlic-crostini-3.jpeg)
![Place the finished recipe and a few cloves of garlic on a wooden board.](https://hellolittlehome.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/garlic-crostini-3.jpeg)
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Crostini are small, thin pieces of bread (usually baguettes) that are brushed with olive oil and toasted until crispy. It is served as an appetizer with a variety of toppings, including vegetables, cheese, and dips.
Crostini and bruschetta are similar but different types of toast. Crostini are usually made by thinly slicing a baguette, brushing it with olive oil, and baking it until crispy. Bruschetta is often made with a rustic style of bread that is sliced slightly thicker and rubbed with garlic. Traditionally, bruschetta is cooked on a grill, which gives the finished bread a little browning.
Crostini can be served warm, room temperature, or cold, depending on the toppings. It can often be eaten at room temperature, so it’s perfect for parties!
The crostini should be crispy, but not necessarily hard. If your crostini is too hard, slice it thinner (about 1/4 inch thick is best) or choose a lighter-textured bread.
Crostini means “small toast” in Italian, and is made from thinly sliced toasted bread. The singular form of crostini is crostino.
![A wooden board with completed recipes on it.](https://hellolittlehome.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/garlic-bread-crostini-1.jpeg)
![A wooden board with completed recipes on it.](https://hellolittlehome.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/garlic-bread-crostini-1.jpeg)
![A wooden board with completed recipes on it.](https://hellolittlehome.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/garlic-bread-crostini-1.jpeg)
![A wooden board with completed recipes on it.](https://hellolittlehome.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/garlic-bread-crostini-1.jpeg)
![Garlic crostini arranged on a wooden board.](https://hellolittlehome.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/garlic-crostini-2-150x150.jpg)
![Garlic crostini arranged on a wooden board.](https://hellolittlehome.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/garlic-crostini-2-150x150.jpg)
![Garlic crostini arranged on a wooden board.](https://hellolittlehome.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/garlic-crostini-2-150x150.jpg)
![Garlic crostini arranged on a wooden board.](https://hellolittlehome.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/garlic-crostini-2-150x150.jpg)
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garlic crostini
These delicious garlic rubbed crostini are the perfect party appetizer…so easy to make and so delicious!
Quantity: 40 crostini
calorie: 19kcal
material
- 1 (1/2 pound/255 grams) baguette (see notes)
- 2~3 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- kosher salt
- 1 big cloves garlic, cut in half
Instructions
Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
Using a serrated knife, thinly slice the baguette diagonally into 1/4-inch thick slices.
Arrange the bread slices in a single layer on a baking sheet (you may need more than one). Lightly coat with olive oil. Turn it over and apply oil to the other side.
Sprinkle the slices lightly with salt.
Bake for 5-10 minutes or until crispy and lightly golden all over (no need to turn).
Once cool enough to handle, rub the cut side of the garlic onto the toasted bread.
Enjoy with your favorite toppings. enjoy!
Note
Be sure to check out the information before this recipe card for detailed tips, step-by-step photos, and tons of topping ideas.
nutrition
calorie: 19kcal
![Garlic crostini and a few fresh garlic cloves on a wooden cutting board.](https://hellolittlehome.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/garlic-crostini-recipe-24.jpeg)
![Garlic crostini and a few fresh garlic cloves on a wooden cutting board.](https://hellolittlehome.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/garlic-crostini-recipe-24.jpeg)
![Garlic crostini and a few fresh garlic cloves on a wooden cutting board.](https://hellolittlehome.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/garlic-crostini-recipe-24.jpeg)
![Garlic crostini and a few fresh garlic cloves on a wooden cutting board.](https://hellolittlehome.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/garlic-crostini-recipe-24.jpeg)