A simple Parmesan Garlic Crostini goes a long way…
In a delicious soup that is! The first time I tried a Parmesan Garlic Crostini was at Nordstrom’s Bistro Bar. We discovered their crab bisque and it is served with an extra toasty cheesy piece of bread.
I’m pretty sure they use a regular baguette there and then broil some cheese on it. Whatever they do to it, really, it is divine!
During this postpartum time where we can’t go out or anything, I’ve started craving some of my favorite foods!
Sometimes it’s something as simple as McDonald’s Fries. Or my favorite Italian restaurant (Mike’s in Kendall, if you’re from Miami).
But a few days ago, we were getting ready to eat our homemade spaghetti and meatballs lunch and I craved some crostini. Specifically, Nordstrom Crostini, so I set out to make it.
What’s in this Crostini?
Seriously, this is sooo simple! I almost find it ridiculous to write a recipe for this. But I want you all to try it!
All you need is some sliced, crusty bread. You can use a baguette. I used a homemade sourdough loaf (if you’re looking for a great sourdough recipe, I really enjoyed Half Baked Harvest’s).
My sister had baked the bread the day before so it wasn’t soft out of the oven, which is exactly what you want for this crostini. Sliced up real thin, I laid them out on a baking sheet.
We formed a quick assembly line and my sister rubbed a garlic clove on each piece of toast while I topped it with freshly grated Parmesan.
We then popped it in the oven for 10 minutes or so. Really, no timetable here. Just until the cheese was golden and bubbly and the bread was toasty.
We then devoured them while piping hot. They were that dang good.
This is a super simple recipe, but it seems so fancy and elevated. It’s a really easy side for any Italian meal.
Another great part is that you can make them in advance (up to 3 days!) and store them in an air tight container until you’re ready to eat. Just pop them in the oven for a couple of minutes to warm up and they’re good to go!
Adjustments and Add ins for elevated this Parmesan Garlic bread…
If you don’t happen to have fresh garlic on hand, feel free to use garlic powder. It isn’t the same since the fresh garlic has this amazing fragrance, but it is close enough to bring out the right flavors!
Another option is to turn this crostini into an appetizer: Bruschetta!
Chop up some tomatoes, add some balsamic vinegar and olive oil, salt and pepper and top each of these crostinis with the tomato mixture. It is a fancy, yet simple appetizer or snack!
Another option is to top it with some freshly cracked black pepper straight out of the oven. Also delish!
That little hand there is my taste tester! She’s 2 years old and likes to take apart my set up by snacking on the foods I’m photographing. hehe
If you make this, be sure to use the hashtag #toeatdrinkandbemarried or tag me on Instagram. I’d love to see and share!
Parmesan Garlic Crostini
Ingredients
- baguette sourdough, or whatever crusty bread you have on hand
- garlic cloves peeled
- Parmesan cheese freshly grated (you can also use the bottled stuff in a pinch, but freshly grated tastes so much better!)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.
- Slice your bread very thinly and place on a baking sheet.
- Rub the garlic clove on each piece of toast.
- place about a tablespoon of Parmesan cheese on each piece, evenly spreading it out.
- Bake for 10 minutes or so, until the bread is toasty.
- If the cheese hasn't fully melted at that point, turn the oven to broil, and WATCH CAREFULLY. Once the cheese is bubbly and golden, remove from oven.
- Let it cool for about 5 minutes and enjoy!
Notes
If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to try these:
Apple Pie Pizza to go with your Italian Crostini
Or how about some Authentic Classic Cheesecake for dessert?
Or to go along with your Crostini… 2 Ingredient Pizza Sauce!