Making Proper Crostini
A good crostini serves as the foundation for your ingredients, not just a vessel. You want a crisp, audible crunch that holds its shape from the moment it leaves the oven until it hits the table.
Start with a loaf that has structure.
Avoid soft sandwich breads. Reach for a baguette or a ciabatta that has a tight crumb and a sturdy crust.
- Serrated bread knife
- Large rimmed baking sheet
- Pastry brush
What goes in.
- 1baguette, sliced 1/4 inch thick on a bias
- 1/4 cupextra virgin olive oil
- 1garlic clove, peeled
The garlic finish
Rub the raw garlic clove against the coarse, toasted surface of the bread while it is still hot. The heat releases the oils and creates a subtle, aromatic edge.
The method.
Preheat your oven
Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and place a rack in the center position.
Prepare the slices
Arrange the bread slices in a single layer on the baking sheet. Brush the top side lightly with olive oil.
Toast the bread
Bake for 5 to 8 minutes. You are looking for a uniform, pale gold color. If they are still soft in the center, leave them for another minute; they must be rigid.
Apply the garlic
Remove the tray from the oven. While the slices are steaming, take your garlic clove and rasp it across the toasted side of each piece of bread.
Other turns to take.
Herbed Oil
Steep fresh rosemary or thyme in the olive oil for 30 minutes before brushing it onto the bread.
Parmesan Crust
Lightly dust the oiled bread with finely grated hard cheese before the final minute of toasting.
When it doesn't go to plan.
Slice on a bias to create a larger surface area for your toppings.
Do not crowd the baking sheet or the bread will steam instead of crisp.
If the crostini lose their crunch, pop them back in a 350°F oven for 3 minutes.
The ones that keep coming up.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes. Once fully cooled, keep them in an airtight container for up to two days. Re-toast them briefly if they soften.
What if my bread is very crusty?
If the crust is too tough, trim the ends of the baguette and focus on the center sections, which will result in a more uniform bite.
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