Crostini, Bruschetta, or Italian Toast Guide and Recipes

(photo: crostini with cannellini bean spread and roasted peppers)

Crostini literally means "little toasts" in Italian and they are Italian appetizers or tapas consisting of flavorful toppings.  Crostini are usually made from Italian baguette, sliced about 1/2 thick and quickly toasted or grilled.  In the US, the word bruschetta is used to refer to crostini with a fresh tomato, basil, salt, and pepper topping.  Bruschetta, like crostini, can be topped with an almost limitless list of ingredients.  Here's a quick recipe for making Italian toast:

Extra virgin olive oilKosher or Sea saltFreshly ground black pepperDried oregano Dried thyme (optional)Garlic (optional)Hot red pepper flakes (optional)

 

(photo: crostini before spices, olive oil, and toasting)  

 
(photo: close up before being toasted with olive oil, herbs, and salt and pepper)

 

(photo: crostini right out of the oven and almost burned, keep an eye on the oven with broiling)
  
Process:

Start by slicing a good quality baguette into 1/2 inch pieces and set on a large cookie pan.  Drizzle olive oil on one side of the bread followed by the salt, pepper, and dry oregano.  Place the cookie sheet in your oven and set to broil and watch the bread carefully; as soon as you begin to see the bread turn brow remove from the oven.

I often top our crostini with: 

Roasted peppersBean spreads made from cannellini or chichpeas(hummus)Tomato SaladCheese or salumiAdditional herbs including rosemary, parsley, basil, etc.

Crostini can keep in a cool and dark environment for about 4-5 days.  

(photo: close up of crostini with cannellini bean spread and roasted peppers)