If you're looking for an easy gluten-free appetizer, look no further than this Gluten Free Crostini recipe. Made with just 3 simple ingredients, these "little toasts" are great for dipping, canapés, or bruschetta.
Perfectly toasty and crisp, this recipe is ideal for those with celiac disease, food allergies, or intolerances. Enjoy everything you did before - only gluten-free!
Crostini, which translates roughly to "little toasts", are a cornerstone of Italian cuisine. They make the perfect foundation for favorite appetizers, and can be topped with (or dipped in) pretty much anything.
My original recipe for toasted baguette slices is created for your regular market (or grocery store) baguette, but I wanted to offer a gluten-free option as well. When I first started Maritime Country Kitchen I was eating gluten, but soon after I realized I had celiac disease and now eat gluten-free.
At first it was very difficult, but now I have found so many ways to recreate my favorite dishes with gluten-free alternatives. This recipe for gluten-free crostini was a life-saver, as I'm an avid fan of baked brie and hot, melty dips.
I knew I wanted to share this easy recipe for those of us who need alternatives, especially since gluten-free breads aren't always a 1:1 swap for the conventional stuff, and because of the rice flour they sometimes need longer (or shorter) cook times. I've tested this recipe many times to get the perfect result - so you don't have to.
Why You'll Love It:
- The perfect appetizer. Whether you want something to dunk into a melty wheel of brie cheese, or a base for gluten free bruschetta, this staple recipe is the perfect starting place.
- Gluten-free. If you have celiac disease, have a family or friend with it, or another reason for avoid gluten, this recipe is a great way to enjoy your favorite appies again - hold the gluten.
- Easy to make. With just a few simple ingredients and a quick 12 minutes (or less) in the oven, this gluten-free crostini is a cinch to prepare.
You Will Need:
- Gluten-free bread: In order to make crostini you will need toasted bread. For the sake of ease, I recommend using a baguette (we like Schar), but you could use a gluten free white bread or crusty bread if you have difficulty finding a gluten-free baguettes. Alternatively, you could make your own gluten-free baguette - just be sure to wait a day or two before slicing and toasting. Fresh bread doesn't make for the best crostini.
- Olive oil: I recommend a good quality extra virgin olive oil you like the taste of. For this recipe, you are using the oil for flavor as much as you are for texture, so I wouldn't recommend using an alternative oil.
- Salt: Flaky salt is a delicious option, but fine sea salt works perfectly well.
Check the recipe card for a full list of ingredients and the quantities needed.
Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Pastry brush
How to Make Crostini with Gluten-Free Bread
Crostini makes for a great appetizer, and is perfect when paired with a variety of toppings, dips, or cheese. It's incredibly versatile, and is always a crowd pleaser.
- Slice your baguette into ¼" slices (or up to ½" for bruschetta).
Note: If using crusty bread rather than baguettes, keep the pieces no wider than 3".
- Place the baguette slices on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Brush the tops with olive oil. If desired, add chopped parsley (or other herbs) to a small bowl along with the the olive oil before brushing.
- Sprinkle with salt to your taste. I use and recommend flaky salt, but fine sea salt is a great option too.
- Bake in a 375ºF (190ºC) oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown with crusty centers.
- Allow to cool for 2-3 minutes, then serve immediately.
Air Fryer Instructions
It's easy to make gluten-free crostini in the air fryer! The one thing is that you need to watch it very closely, as it can easily overcook.
- Preheat the air fryer to 325ºF (160ºC) for at least 3 minutes (or according to the manufacturer's instructions).
- Prepare 8-10 baguette slices by brushing them with olive oil and sprinkling with salt.
- Add the bread slices to the air fryer and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
- Remove from the air fryer and cool for 2-3 minutes before serving.
Ways to Serve Crostini
- With baked brie
- Hot dips
- Canapés
- With french onion soup
- Topped with cheese, fruit, or other ingredients
Topping Ideas for Crostini
- Cream cheese and smoked salmon (try adding red onion, capers, dill, and black pepper - yum!)
- Ricotta and berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, etc)
- Soft cheeses (like chevre, quark, blue cheese, or gournay)
- Bruschetta (try my easy bruschetta with cherry tomatoes recipe)
- Olive tapenade
- Liver paté
- Pesto
- Caprese (sliced fresh tomatoes, sliced fresh mozzarella, fresh basil, olive oil, salt, and a balsamic vinegar reduction)
- Cranberry sauce
- Roasted garlic cloves (or garlic confit)
- Fresh garlic (rub the freshly toasted slices with the cut half of a garlic clove)
- Honey or maple syrup
- Vegan cheese (for those who are gluten and dairy free)
- Tomato crostini
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Crostini is best when made just before serving, as they maintain the perfect crunch and texture. That being said, they are perfectly fine to eat leftover, especially if you re-crisp them beforehand.
- Storing: Allow to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container (or storage bag). Store at room temperature for 1-2 days, or transfer to the refrigerator for longer storage (2-3 days).
- Re-crisping: Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet and re-crisp in a 350ºF (177ºC) oven for 3-4 minutes, or until warm with lightly toasted centers.
More Ways to Serve Crostini
If you loved this recipe for gluten free crostini, let me know by leaving a 5-star review in the recipe card, OR tag me on Instagram @maritimecountrykitchen!
Gluten Free Crostini
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 gluten-free baguette or crusty bread*
- 3-4 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375ºF (190ºC) and line a sheet pan with parchment paper.
- Slice the baguette (or crusty bread*) into ¼” thick slices (up to ½” thick for bruschetta).
- Place the bread slices on the lined baking sheet in a single layer and brush the top with olive oil.
- Sprinkle them with salt to your taste. Add chopped herbs (like parsley) if desired.
- Bake in the oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are crisp.
- Remove and allow to cool for 2-3 minutes. Then serve and enjoy!
Notes
- Tomato bruschetta
- Cream cheese and smoked salmon
- Ricotta and fruit (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, etc)
- Brie cheese (paired with apples or pears)
- Roasted garlic (or garlic confit)
- Boursin (aka gournay cheese)
- Soft cheeses like goat cheese, quark, etc.
- Caprese (sliced fresh tomato, mozzarella, basil, and olive oil)
Nutrition
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Dolly (Maritime Country Kitchen)
We have loved and enjoyed this recipe in our home. I hope everyone likes it as much as we do!