Garlic Crostini
Garlic Crostini
5 from 1 vote
Discover the joy of homemade Garlic Crostini, an Italian classic appetiser that’s simple yet irresistibly flavourful. Get ready to delight in a crunchy, garlicky, and perfectly toasted treat.
Garlic Crostini

Garlic crostini, a classic Italian appetizer, is a delightful combination of crunchy bread infused with the bold flavors of garlic and olive oil.

Originating from the heart of Italy, this recipe encapsulates the essence of Mediterranean cuisine with its simple yet robust flavors. Despite its sophisticated name, garlic crostini is surprisingly easy to make, making it an ideal choice for both beginner and seasoned cooks alike.

The key to perfecting this dish lies in the quality of the ingredients and the careful balance of flavors. A fresh baguette serves as the foundation, providing a crispy base for the savory toppings.

Garlic, the star of the show, adds depth and aroma, infusing each bite with its distinct pungency. Extra virgin olive oil lends a luxurious richness, while a sprinkle of salt and black pepper enhances the overall taste profile.

Optionally, grated Parmesan cheese can be added for an extra layer of flavor and a touch of indulgence. Whether served as an elegant appetizer at a dinner party or enjoyed as a quick snack, garlic crostini never fails to impress with its irresistible combination of textures and flavors.

Expert Tip: For added flavor, try experimenting with different seasonings such as dried herbs, red pepper flakes, or balsamic glaze drizzled over the crostini before serving.

Ingredients

Baguette: The sturdy yet airy texture of a baguette provides the perfect base for garlic crostini, offering a crisp exterior and a soft interior that contrasts beautifully with the toppings.

Garlic: With its bold and aromatic flavor, garlic infuses the bread with its distinctive taste, elevating the overall flavor profile of the crostini.

Olive Oil (Extra Virgin): Extra virgin olive oil adds richness and depth to the crostini, creating a luxurious mouthfeel and enhancing the garlic’s flavor.

Salt and Black Pepper: These essential seasonings help to balance the flavors, adding depth and complexity to the dish.

Parmesan Cheese (Optional): Grated Parmesan cheese adds a decadent finishing touch to the crostini, complementing the savory garlic and olive oil with its nutty and salty notes.

Expert Tip: Don’t skimp on the garlic! Use fresh garlic cloves and mince them finely for maximum flavor.

Serving Suggestions

  • Bruschetta Bar: Create a DIY bruschetta bar by offering an assortment of toppings such as diced tomatoes, fresh basil, mozzarella cheese, roasted vegetables, and cured meats alongside the garlic crostini. Allow guests to customize their own crostini creations for a fun and interactive appetizer experience.
  • Soup Companion: Pair garlic crostini with your favorite soups such as tomato basil soup, minestrone, or creamy potato soup. The crispy bread makes the perfect accompaniment for dipping and adds a delightful crunch to each spoonful of soup.
  • Antipasto Platter: Serve garlic crostini as part of an antipasto platter alongside cured meats, olives, marinated vegetables, and cheese. The crostini will add a flavorful crunch to the spread and provide a satisfying base for sampling an array of Mediterranean-inspired delights.
  • Tapenade Toppers: Spread olive tapenade, roasted red pepper hummus, or creamy goat cheese onto garlic crostini for a quick and easy appetizer with a gourmet twist. The combination of savory spreads and crunchy bread creates a harmonious blend of flavors and textures.
  • Cheese Board Companion: Pair garlic crostini with a variety of cheeses such as brie, camembert, gouda, and blue cheese for a sophisticated cheese board presentation. The bread’s crispiness and garlic-infused flavor will complement the creamy richness of the cheeses, creating a memorable tasting experience for guests.

Expert Tip: Ensure the bread slices are evenly sliced to about 1/2-inch thickness to ensure even toasting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use other types of bread for this recipe?

Yes, you can use other types of bread such as French bread, ciabatta, or sourdough depending on your preference. Just ensure the bread is sturdy enough to hold the toppings and can be sliced into rounds.

Do I have to use extra virgin olive oil?

While extra virgin olive oil adds depth of flavor, you can use regular olive oil if that’s what you have on hand. However, keep in mind that the flavor may be slightly different.

Can I make garlic crostini ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the garlic crostini ahead of time by toasting the bread slices and storing them in an airtight container once cooled. When ready to serve, simply reheat the crostini in the oven for a few minutes until warm and crispy.

Can I skip the Parmesan cheese?

Absolutely! The Parmesan cheese is optional and can be omitted if desired. The crostini will still be delicious without it, although the cheese does add an extra layer of flavor.

How long will garlic crostini stay fresh?

Garlic crostini are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven when they are crispy and warm. However, you can store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. Just keep in mind that they may lose some of their crispiness over time.

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Garlic Crostini

Garlic Crostini

by Nabeela Kauser
Discover the joy of homemade Garlic Crostini, an Italian classic appetizer that’s simple yet irresistibly flavourful. Get ready to delight in a crunchy, garlicky, and perfectly toasted treat.
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Side Dish, Sides
Cuisine Italian
Servings 12 Slices
Calories 113 kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 Baguette
  • 4 cloves Garlic
  • 4 tbsp Olive Oil Extra virgin
  • Salt And Black Pepper To taste
  • 50 g Parmesan Cheese Grated (Optional)

Instructions

  • Preheat your oven to 200°C and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • Slice the baguette into rounds, about 1/2-inch thick.
  • Mix the minced garlic and extra-virgin olive oil in a small bowl.
  • Using a pastry brush, evenly spread the garlic and oil mixture on both sides of each bread slice.
  • Arrange the slices on the prepared baking sheet, and sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes or until the bread is golden brown and crispy.
  • Sprinkle grated parmesan cheese on top of the crostini while still warm. (Optional)
  • Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious garlic crostini as an appetizer or snack.

Notes

Nutritional facts:
The provision of nutritional information is done so merely as a courtesy and should not be taken as a guarantee.

Nutrition

Calories: 113kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 4gFat: 6gSaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 3mgSodium: 196mgPotassium: 34mgFibre: 0.5gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 33IUVitamin C: 0.3mgVitamin D: 0.02µgCalcium: 73mgIron: 1mg
Keyword Baking, Bread, Comfort Food, Food, Garlic, Garlic Bread, Recipe
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Cook with Nabeela

Hi, I'm Nabeela!

I love to cook! I want to share with you my favourite, delicious family-friendly recipes. I want to inspire you to create fantastic food for your family every day.

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