Best 2 Basic Crostini Recipes

In the realm of culinary delights, crostini stands out as an elegant and versatile appetizer, effortlessly blending crispy bread with an array of flavorful toppings. Originating in Italy, these delightful bites have captured the hearts of food enthusiasts worldwide, offering a symphony of textures and tastes that tantalize the palate. This article presents a curated collection of crostini recipes, each offering a unique culinary journey. From the classic Bruschetta al Pomodoro, bursting with the freshness of tomatoes and fragrant basil, to the sophisticated Gorgonzola and Fig Crostini, where sweet and savory flavors dance harmoniously, these recipes cater to diverse preferences and occasions. Explore the art of creating these culinary gems and elevate your next gathering with an assortment of delectable crostini that will leave a lasting impression on your guests.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

RICK'S BASIC CROSTINI

Rick's Basic Crostini image

Provided by Rick Tramonto

Categories Garlic Appetizer Bake Cocktail Party Vegetarian Oscars Sugar Conscious Kidney Friendly Pescatarian Peanut Free Tree Nut Free Soy Free Kosher

Yield Makes 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 6

Ingredients

3 garlic cloves
Pinch of kosher salt
8 tablespoons (1 stick) high-quality salted butter, softened
1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
Cracked black pepper
Eight 1/4-inch-thick slices baguette

Steps:

1. On a cutting board, finely chop the garlic and sprinkle the salt over it. Keep chopping and smashing the garlic and salt together to make a paste. Use a wide-bladed knife so you can smear the paste along its flat side. You can also do this with a mortar and pestle.
2. In a small bowl, mix the butter, lemon juice, and garlic paste. Fold the softened butter over and onto the garlic mixture, mashing it down with the back of a spoon or spatula. Season to taste with pepper and continue folding.
3. Lay a sheet of plastic wrap on a work surface. Scrape the butter onto the plastic and use the plastic wrap to shape butter into a log, encased in the plastic wrap. Refrigerate until ready to use. If not using within 3 days, you can freeze the garlic butter for up to 2 months. Let the butter soften before using.
4. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
5. Lay the bread on a baking sheet and brush both sides with garlic butter. Bake for 6 to 7 minutes, turning once, until golden brown but not too crispy. Let cool before using.
Good Butter
The difference between really good butter and all other butter lies with the butterfat content of the cream, which depends in large part on the cows and how the cream is handled before it is churned into butter. The best butter from Europe is made from raw or cultured cream and, particularly that made from raw cream, might not be imported to the United States. But never fear: At American companies such as the Vermont Butter & Cheese Company, the butter is made from high-grade cream (a high butterfat content) that is cultured and then churned. The butter is rich and flavorful and when it's salted, its salt content is significantly lower than typical salted butter. This is what I use in my crostini recipes, so depending on the salted butter you choose, you may not need to add any salt. As with all ingredients for these recipes, choose the best butter you can. It pays off in terms of taste.

BASIC CROSTINI

Basic Crostini image

Replace crackers with these homemade crostinis, and serve with soups, salads, or your favorite toppings.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories Food & Cooking Appetizers Finger Food Recipes

Yield Makes 60 toasts

Number Of Ingredients 3

Ingredients

1 baguette (about 10 ounces), thinly sliced on the diagonal about 1/4 inch thick
6 tablespoons olive oil
Coarse salt and ground pepper

Steps:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Brush both sides of bread slices with oil. Arrange slices on 2 baking sheets; season with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper.
Bake until slightly dry on top, about 6 minutes. Flip slices, and continue baking until crisp and golden brown, 6 to 8 minutes more. Let cool.

Tips:

- Choose a sturdy bread that can hold up to the toppings. A baguette or ciabatta are good options. - Slice the bread into 1/2-inch thick slices. - Brush the bread slices with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. - Bake the bread slices in a preheated oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 5-10 minutes, or until golden brown. - Top the crostini with your favorite toppings. Some popular options include: - Bruschetta: tomatoes, basil, garlic, and olive oil - Caprese: tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil - Avocado toast: avocado, salt, and pepper - Smoked salmon and cream cheese - Hummus and vegetables

Conclusion:

Crostini are a delicious and versatile appetizer that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. They are easy to make and can be tailored to your own taste preferences. With a little creativity, you can create endless variations of crostini that will impress your guests. So next time you are looking for an easy and delicious appetizer, give crostini a try. You won't be disappointed!