Crostini

Deutsch: Crostini (geröstete Brotscheiben), Español: Crostini (tostadas pequeñas), Português: Crostini (torradas pequenas), Français: Crostini, Italiano: Crostini

Crostini (Italian for "little toasts") in the food context refers to small, thin slices of bread that are toasted, baked, or fried until crisp, often rubbed with garlic or drizzled with olive oil before or after cooking. They are a staple of Italian cuisine and serve as a versatile appetizer (antipasto) or base for various toppings, making them a type of open-faced sandwich or canapé.

Definition and General Significance

Crostini are valued for their crunch, their simplicity, and their ability to carry flavor:

1. Composition: They are traditionally made from a baguette or a similar narrow loaf of Italian bread (like ciabatta or filone), cut thinly.

2. Texture: The goal is a distinctive, firm crispness that provides a textural contrast to the soft toppings they support.

3. Use: Crostini are primarily used for serving rich, flavorful toppings, ranging from simple spreads (pâté, pesto) to complex mixtures of vegetables, cheeses, or cured meats. They are a smaller, crisper relative of the bruschetta.

Important Aspects to Consider

The quality of the crostini largely depends on the preparation of the bread:

• Bread Selection: Use day-old or slightly stale bread, which holds its shape better and crisps more evenly than fresh, soft bread. A firm crust and dense crumb are ideal.

• The Cut: Slices should be thin, typically about ¼ to ½ inch (0.5 to 1 cm) thick, to ensure they become fully crunchy and do not absorb too much oil.

• Flavor Base: Drizzling with high-quality extra virgin olive oil and lightly seasoning with salt and pepper before toasting provides an essential flavor foundation that complements the toppings.

• Serving: Crostini should be served shortly after being topped to maintain the crisp texture, as excessive moisture from toppings will cause them to soften quickly.

Popular Recipe: Goat Cheese and Roasted Red Pepper Crostini

This recipe creates a simple, elegant appetizer featuring creamy cheese and smoky-sweet peppers.

Ingredients

Instructions

1. Prepare the Crostini Base:

   • Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

   • Arrange the bread slices on a baking sheet.

   • Drizzle generously with the 3 Tbsp of olive oil and sprinkle lightly with salt and pepper.

   • Bake for 8-12 minutes, flipping halfway, until the slices are golden brown and crisp. Remove and let cool completely.

2. Prepare the Topping:

   • In a medium bowl, combine the soft goat cheese and the minced garlic. Mix gently until the garlic is evenly incorporated. Note: You can omit the garlic if a milder flavor is desired.

   • In a separate small bowl, gently combine the diced roasted red peppers with a small pinch of salt.

3. Assemble and Serve:

   • Once the crostini are cool, spread a thin layer of the goat cheese mixture onto each slice.

   • Top the cheese with a small spoonful of the diced roasted red peppers.

   • Garnish the assembled crostini with a sprinkle of minced chives and a very light drizzle of balsamic glaze (if using) just before serving.

Related Terms

• Bruschetta (larger, often grilled slices)

• Canapé

• Antipasto

• Toast Points

Articles with 'Crostini' in the title

• Crostini toscani: Crostini toscani refers to a Tuscan toast with a topping of chicken liver Pate cooked with Vin Santo . . .

Summary

Crostini are small, crisp slices of toasted or baked Italian bread, typically seasoned with olive oil and salt. They are fundamental in Italian cuisine, serving as a popular appetizer (antipasto) used as a crunchy base for various toppings like cheeses, vegetables, or spreads. The key to excellent crostini is using slightly stale bread and achieving a dry, firm crispness to contrast the soft, rich toppings.

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