26 Timeless Bruschetta and Crostini Recipes (2024)

FAQs

What is the difference between a bruschetta and a crostini? ›

The main difference between these two toasts is that crostini is often thinly sliced, while bruschetta is usually served in thicker slices and drizzled with olive oil before it's toasted. The standard topping is diced tomato mixed with olive oil, garlic and Italian herbs—delicious, but a little boring.

Crostini: Meaning "little toasts" in Italian, crostini are small, thin slices of toasted bread, which are usually brushed with olive oil. The word also describes canapés consisting of small slices of toast with a savory topping such as cheese, shrimp, pâté or anchovies.

Keep crostini from getting soggy

Bread brushed with olive oil before toasting acts as a lipid barrier to moisture. You can also add a spread that contains fat like butter, goat cheese, cream cheese, mashed avocado, or aioli to prevent juices from wet ingredients, making the toast soggy.

Something sweet and juicy, like heirloom tomatoes, tomatoes, vine tomatoes or Roma tomatoes. If making bruschetta when tomatoes are not in season, I recommend using grape or cherry tomatoes instead. Garlic – We will use just a clove to rub on the bread! Oil – The best extra-virgin olive oil you can afford!

According to the International Culinary Center, the term bruschetta is sometimes used interchangeably with crostini and the Tuscan dish fettunta. In Tuscany, fettunta is usually served without toppings, especially in November, to taste the first oil of the season.

The bread can be toasted a few hours in advance of serving. I would not recommend adding the toppings until 10-15 minutes before serving. This way, the bread won't get soggy from the toppings. If you are planning a party where guests will be arriving at different times, you can always make a crostini bar.

I typically associate crostini with party appetizers and cheese plates, but you don't have to throw a party to enjoy these little toasts. For example, you can resuscitate a stale baguette by turning it into crostini. You can whip together a fun lunch or snack in no time with crostini and condiments from your fridge.

Toast them for just the right amount of time.

Bake at 375°F. for 7 - 8 minutes, turning over halfway through until golden brown. The crostini should be crispy on top but the inside should be tender. If the oven temperature is too low, the bread slices will bake and become too hard.

French baguette - We find the best bread for crostini to be a French baguette. But you may substitute any other crusty bread, like a rustic Italian bread, ciabatta, whole wheat, or whole grain bread. olive oil - May substitute butter.

The most often made mistake when making bruschetta is to add the chopped garlic or worse garlic salt to the tomatoes creating a very overpowering, even bitter after taste.

Why is my bruschetta bitter? ›

If your bruschetta is bitter, it's likely because the tomatoes you used were not ripe enough. Be sure to use ripe, fresh tomatoes for the best flavor.

Tomato skins and seeds can be bitter, and removing them improves the flavor and texture of your bruschetta topping. Seeds and skin also contain extra water, which can make your bruschetta runny and your toast points soggy.

Bruschetta is a classic Italian appetizer that is easy to make at home. Toasted bread is topped with tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, garlic, and fresh basil. Use a high-quality balsamic vinegar for best results.

The Best Bread for Crostini

A baguette is ideal for crostini, its small surface area is just the right size for these appetizer toasts. Or use a long Italian loaf. The bread doesn't have to be fresh—you're going to dry it out in the oven—so if you have a day-old baguette use it!

The French call their creations tartines, which may include breakfast servings of toasted baguettes slathered with butter and jam. The Italians are best known for bruschetta — thick slices of toasted bread brushed with garlic and olive oil, often topped with a tumble of sweet tomatoes and bright basil.