18 appetizer crostini recipes for entertaining like the Italians

In the antipasti family, we ask for crostini, the stars of the Italian aperitif. Festive and friendly, they are easy to make and cost almost nothing.

What is the difference between bruschetta and crostini?

The two specialties are Italian, and based on bread, but don't think they mean the same thing! In reality, bruschettas are slices of country bread rubbed with garlic and grilled. They are not always garnished, but sometimes served in their simplest form. However, it is possible to accompany them with seasonal vegetables, cold meats, and cheese. Crostini, on the other hand, are prepared with croutons, or small slices of bread. More chic, they are closer to canapes, and their small format is better suited to a refined aperitif than bruschettas.

How to make crostini for an aperitif?

The base

To start, you'll need some bread. Generally, a baguette will do, but you can also choose cereal or rye bread. The important thing is to respect the standard size of the crostini, that is, a bite, because otherwise remember, it is called a bruschetta. If you only have large loaves on hand, cut the slices in half or quarters to make croutons.
Then, several options are available to you. Either, you present cold canapes, and in this case, you will have to toast the croutons before garnishing them; or you want to serve them hot. In this case, you can dress them before putting them in the oven.

Another possibility is to do like the Italians by rubbing a clove of garlic on the croutons, before roasting them. Of course, it depends on your tastes, but also on the composition of the crostini.

The garnish

Cold meats, seasonal vegetables and fruits, cheese, or seafood… These are the ingredients that usually garnish these antipasti. As with any aperitif toast, you can put absolutely anything you like on it. Cheese lovers will be delighted with goat's cheese crostini, without forgetting the addition of fruit for the sweet-salty combination. As for those who prefer shellfish or salmon, you can prepare avocado-salmon crostini, such as miniature avocado toasts, or avocado-shrimp.
And if you welcome vegetarians or vegans, no problem. There are plenty of crostini made from vegetables and plant-based cheeses.

Endless (or almost) crostini recipes

Because it would be impossible to present them all to you, as there are so many variations of crostini, we have put together a sample of 18 recipes, perfect for an aperitif.