Ah, the humble baguette—crusty, airy, and oh-so-versatile. Just thinking about it takes me back to the charming streets of Paris, where the smell of fresh bread mingles with the morning air.
But let’s not get too nostalgic—today, we’re here to transform that classic French staple into something extraordinary. Whether you’re hosting a fancy dinner or just looking to jazz up a Tuesday lunch, toasted baguettes are your best friend.
They can be dressed up with a lavish spread or kept simple with just a drizzle of olive oil. And don’t get me started on the crunch—it’s like a symphony in your mouth, each bite a crescendo of flavor and texture.
So, grab your apron and get ready to toast your way to culinary bliss. Who knew bread could be so exciting?
Steps
- Preheat your oven to 400°F and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper.
- Slice a French baguette into ¼-inch thick pieces, cutting at a slight angle to achieve thin slices.
- Brush olive oil on both sides of each bread slice, ensuring an even coating.
- Sprinkle salt and garlic powder on both sides of the slices to season them.
- Arrange the slices on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer.
- Bake the slices in the oven for 5-7 minutes until they turn golden brown.
- Flip each slice over and bake for another 5-7 minutes to achieve a consistent color and crispness.
- Allow the toasted baguette slices to cool completely before serving, using them for dips or with various toppings.
Ingredients
- 1 loaf of French baguette, sliced at a slight angle into ¼-inch thick pieces
- ¼ cup of extra virgin olive oil
- ½ teaspoon of kosher salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon of garlic powder
FAQ
- What type of bread is best for making toasted baguette crostini?
- The ideal choices for making crostini are French baguette or ciabatta. These types of bread work well, particularly when they are day-old, but fresh bread can also be used.
- Can I use regular olive oil instead of extra virgin olive oil?
- Yes, you can use regular olive oil. While extra virgin olive oil is less processed and offers more flavor, regular olive oil is a suitable alternative.
- How long should I bake the baguette slices to avoid making them too hard?
- Bake the baguette slices for 5-7 minutes on one side, then flip them over and bake for another 5-7 minutes. Baking any longer could result in overly hard slices.
- How can I store toasted baguette slices?
- Allow the toasted baguette slices to cool completely, then store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a labeled, freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
- Can I prepare the baguette slices in advance and freeze them before toasting?
- Yes, you can prepare the slices by brushing them with olive oil on both sides, then freeze them. When ready to serve, take them out of the freezer and toast as instructed.
Tips
- For best results, slice the bread at a slight angle to create more surface area, allowing for a crispier crostini.
- If you prefer a more intense flavor, opt for extra virgin olive oil, which is less processed and more flavorful than regular olive oil.
- Be cautious not to overbake the crostini, as baking longer than the suggested 5-7 minutes per side can result in bread that is too hard.
- To make ahead, allow the crostini to cool completely and store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days, or freeze for longer storage.
Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
