Garlic Bread Crostini Recipe
If you’re in the mood to seriously level up your snacking or take your next dinner party appetizer over the top, this Garlic Bread Crostini Recipe is truly unbeatable. It’s the beautiful marriage of crisp, golden baguette slices and a heavenly, aromatic garlic butter — all finished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and, if you wish, a little Parmesan magic. Each bite is satisfyingly crunchy, savory, and just garlicky enough without being overwhelming. There’s a reason I always come back to this foolproof favorite — the combination of simple ingredients and pure comfort delivers instant joy, whether you’re serving it with soup or enjoying them right out of the oven.

Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Garlic Bread Crostini Recipe is in its humble yet essential ingredients. Each item brings its own flair, whether it’s the chewy crunch of the baguette or the irresistible aroma of garlic mingled with real butter. Don’t skip any — these basics are the backbone of all that toasty, flavorful goodness.
- Baguette: Choose a crusty baguette for the ideal bite-size base that turns perfectly golden in the oven.
- Unsalted butter (4 tablespoons, softened): Room temperature butter means you can easily blend it with garlic for a creamy spread that melts beautifully.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Fresh garlic packs a fragrant punch and infuses each slice with that classic flavor we all crave.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Adds extra richness and helps the crostini crisp up without drying out.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Just the right amount to enhance and tie all the flavors together.
- Black pepper (¼ teaspoon): Offers a subtle kick of warmth that balances the butter and garlic.
- Fresh parsley (2 tablespoons, chopped): Sprinkle it on for a burst of color and a fresh, herby finish.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (¼ cup, optional): Adds a salty, nutty layer on top if you’re feeling extra indulgent—highly recommended!
How to Make Garlic Bread Crostini Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) for that perfect toasty warmth. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure easy cleanup and prevent sticking — there’s nothing worse than delicious crostini glued to the pan!
Step 2: Mix the Garlic Butter Magic
In a small mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, black pepper, and chopped parsley. Mix everything thoroughly until you’ve got a creamy, fragrant spread that’s loaded with herby green flecks. Don’t be shy — really blend it well, so every bite bursts with garlicky flavor.
Step 3: Prep and Top the Baguette Slices
Slice your baguette into ½-inch rounds and lay them out in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Using a small spatula or the back of a spoon, slather a thin, even layer of the garlic butter mixture onto each piece. If you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle Parmesan on top now for maximum flavor.
Step 4: Bake to Crispy Perfection
Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for 8 to 10 minutes, keeping an eye out for those golden edges. For an extra-crisp finish, slip the pan under the broiler for an additional 1–2 minutes (just watch closely so they don’t go from golden to charred in a flash!).
Step 5: Serve and Savor
Transfer your fragrant, warm Garlic Bread Crostini to a serving dish and dig in while they’re still toasty. These are best enjoyed hot from the oven, but if you have leftovers, don’t worry — they keep their charm for a good while!
How to Serve Garlic Bread Crostini Recipe

Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra fresh parsley makes each crostini look vibrant and inviting. For a more decadent touch, add another flurry of grated Parmesan or even a pinch of red pepper flakes for gentle heat — let your taste buds guide the way.
Side Dishes
These crostini are crowd-pleasers with so many main dishes! Pair them with a piping hot bowl of tomato soup, toss them alongside your favorite Italian pastas, or serve as crunchy companions for fresh green salads. They’re also unbeatable as a dipping vehicle for creamy hummus or artichoke dip.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack these beauties on a rustic wooden board surrounded by colorful antipasto, or top each crostini with fresh tomatoes for a bruschetta twist. At parties, try serving crostini with a variety of dips or as a foundation for build-your-own appetizer spreads. The Garlic Bread Crostini Recipe adapts to whatever party vibe you’re after!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’ve got leftover crostini, let them cool completely before tucking them into an airtight container. They’ll stay crisp and tasty at room temperature for up to two days, so don’t worry if you made a few extra for tomorrow’s lunch.
Freezing
You can freeze baked crostini for up to one month. Place the cooled slices in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready, reheat straight from the freezer — no thawing needed!
Reheating
To bring back that oven-fresh crispness, lay your crostini on a baking tray and warm at 350°F for about 5 minutes. They’ll be nearly as good as when you first made them — still crunchy, buttery, and brimming with garlicky charm.
FAQs
Can I use pre-sliced bread or a different type Appetizer, Side Dish
Absolutely! While a classic baguette delivers the best crunch and size, you can experiment with any crusty loaf you love. Just make sure the slices aren’t too thick so they crisp up nicely.
Is there a dairy-free version of the Garlic Bread Crostini Recipe?
Yes! Substitute the butter with your favorite dairy-free spread or use just olive oil for a vegan-friendly batch. The results will be just as delicious and full of flavor.
What’s the secret to extra crispy crostini?
The key is in the bake — using a hot oven and not overcrowding the baking sheet helps. For an even crispier finish, pop them under the broiler for a minute or two at the end, and always use day-old bread if possible.
Can I make the garlic butter in advance?
Definitely. You can prep the garlic butter mixture up to three days ahead and keep it covered in the fridge. Spread it onto the bread just before baking to keep everything fresh and flavorful.
What are some creative toppings for the Garlic Bread Crostini Recipe?
Let your imagination roam! Classic tomato bruschetta, whipped ricotta with honey, roasted mushrooms, or even smoked salmon and cream cheese are all amazing atop the garlicky base. Set out a few options for guests and let them build their own!
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Bread Crostini Recipe is pure comfort and crowd-pleasing flavor in every bite. Give it a try next time you want to wow your friends, family, or just yourself — I promise, once you taste that golden crunch and garlicky goodness, you’ll want to make it again and again.
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Garlic Bread Crostini Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 20 crostini 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious and easy recipe for Garlic Bread Crostini, perfect for serving as an appetizer or alongside soups and salads. These crispy baguette slices are topped with a flavorful garlic butter mixture and Parmesan cheese for a tasty treat.
Ingredients
Baguette Slices:
- 1 baguette, sliced into ½-inch rounds
Garlic Butter Mixture:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Optional Topping:
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare Garlic Butter: In a small bowl, mix softened butter, garlic, olive oil, salt, pepper, and parsley until well combined.
- Assemble Crostini: Spread the garlic butter mixture onto each baguette slice. Arrange slices on the baking sheet in a single layer.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the tops of the slices if desired.
- Bake: Bake for 8–10 minutes until the edges are golden and crisp.
- Serve: Serve warm as an appetizer or with your favorite dishes.
Notes
- For extra crunch, broil the crostini for 1–2 minutes after baking.
- The garlic butter mixture can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 crostini
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 120 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 9 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 7 mg