Get ready to wow your guests with a taste of Italy with our simple yet sophisticated Italian Crostini! This easy appetizer recipe is perfect for any occasion, whether you're hosting a dinner party or looking for quick party snacks.
Made with juicy ripe tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and aromatic garlic on slices of toasted ciabatta, each bite offers a burst of gourmet flavor.
Just a sprinkle of oregano and a dash of freshly ground pepper elevate these homemade bread delights into a dish that’s both rustic and refined. Bake these in just 10 minutes and serve a tray of these warm, inviting crostini that are sure to impress. Dive into this culinary adventure and bring a slice of Italy to your kitchen today!
⦁ 8 slices ciabatta
⦁ 80z (250g) mozzarella
⦁ A little dried oregano
⦁ Salt & freshly ground pepper
as desired
⦁ 1 clove garlic
⦁ 4 ripe tomatoes
⦁ Baking parchment
⦁ 8 pitted olives
1. Briefly blanch the tomatoes in boiling water, then cool them in ice water, peel, and slice.
2. Slice the mozzarella and halve the olives. Peel the garlic clove.
3.Rub the bread slices with the peeled garlic and lightly season with oregano.
4. Layer the mozzarella, followed by the tomato slices and olives, on each slice of bread.
5. Season the assembled crostini with salt, pepper, and additional oregano.
6. Prepare a baking tray with parchment paper, arrange the crostini on the tray, and bake in an oven preheated to 350°F (180°C) for about 10 minutes.
🛒 Choosing Ingredients
✔ Baguette or Ciabatta – Use day-old bread; slice diagonally for more surface area
✔ Cherry Tomatoes – Sweet and juicy; halved or quartered for balance
✔ Fresh Mozzarella – Use bocconcini or mozzarella di bufala for creaminess
✔ Kalamata or Castelvetrano Olives – Pitted and chopped for a briny kick
✔ Fresh Basil – For classic Italian aroma and color
✔ Olive Oil – Good-quality extra virgin for drizzling and brushing
✔ Garlic – For rubbing onto toasted bread for added depth
✔ Salt & Pepper – To season the toppings just before serving
✔ Optional: Balsamic glaze – Adds a touch of sweetness and visual contrast
👩🍳 Preparation
✔ Slice & Toast Bread – Brush with olive oil and toast at 180°C (350°F) until golden
✔ Rub with Garlic – While still warm, lightly rub each slice with a cut clove
✔ Prep Toppings – Halve tomatoes, slice mozzarella, chop olives and basil
✔ Assemble Just Before Serving – Layer mozzarella, then tomato and olives; top with basil
🔥 Cooking Techniques
✔ Oven vs. Grill – Toast crostini in the oven or grill for charred flavor
✔ Serve at Room Temp – Enhances flavor of fresh ingredients
✔ Don’t Overload – Keep toppings balanced for easy eating
✔ Drizzle Olive Oil Last – Adds aroma and a glossy finish
🍳 Balancing Flavors
✔ Creamy + Tangy + Briny – Mozzarella cools, tomato brightens, olives punch up flavor
✔ Add Heat – A pinch of chili flakes or cracked pepper for a subtle kick
✔ Sweet Touch – A drizzle of balsamic glaze can balance acidity and saltiness
📦 Storage
✔ Best Fresh – Assemble just before serving to avoid soggy bread
✔ Prep Ahead – Toppings can be prepped 1–2 hours in advance and stored separately
✔ Leftover Bread – Store toasted slices in an airtight container and reheat briefly before use
✔ Avoid Refrigerating Assembled Crostini – Bread loses its crispness
🍽 Serving
✔ Party Favorite – Serve on a wooden board or platter for rustic appeal
✔ Garnish – Fresh basil, cracked pepper, or a final olive oil drizzle
✔ Pair With – Light Italian wines like Pinot Grigio or a crisp rosé
✔ Great For – Aperitivo, brunch spreads, or summer entertaining