Adults and Kids alike are going to LOVE this one! This crostini pizza is a quick appetizer that has warm bread topped with pizza sauce, mozzarella cheese, and a touch of pesto. I love pesto, but if it’s not for you, just leave it off and top with any other pizza options you like. I love making food for my friends to try and one of my favorite summer appetizers is crostini. The options are endless and the ingredients make the majority of people happy. Also, when I am hosting, I like to make a lot of “easy to customize” food. I lay out the ingredients and then, everyone takes what they like. I feel like the vibe becomes way more relaxed and everyone is fed and happy. Check out my separate post all about Crostini Toppings, here.

What does Crostini mean?

Crostini literally means little toasts in Italian. It is normally grilled thin slices of bread topped with olive oil and some sort of spread.

What is the difference between bruschetta and crostini?

The size of the bread is different. Bruschetta is made from a wide loaf, and crostini is made from a smaller thinner loaf, like a baguette. Both bruschetta and crostini can be warmed and grilled and both can have similar toppings, however most people put fresh tomatoes and vegetables on bruschetta, while they put spreads and small bites on a crostini.

Crostini Pizza Topping Ideas:

pesto
pepperoni
olives
warm ricotta
roasted garlic

INGREDIENTS

1 Baguette or long Italian Bread
Pizza Sauce I used a can by Cento. You can use any type you prefer or make it homemade
12 oz Shredded Mozzarella I also like to use a blend of different white cheeses like parmesan, asiago, or fontina
Pizza Toppings pesto, pepperoni, olives, mushrooms, ricotta, etc. Very each to customize based on what you like to eat.
Olive Oil

INSTRUCTIONS

Preheat your Oven to 350F
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Slice the baguette into 1/2 inch slices. Lightly coat one side with olive oil
Put the slices, olive oil side down, on a baking sheet.
Add a spoonful on top of each crostini, followed by enough cheese to cover the top. If you are using toppings that you want to cook into the cheese, add them now. I prefer to use pesto after it bakes.
Bake for 15 minutes until the cheese has slightly browned
Remove from the oven, let them cool slightly on the baking sheet. Add some pesto on top and enjoy!

Crostini Pizza

Warm toasted slices of bread topped with red sauce, melted cheese, and pizza toppings

5 from 1 vote

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Ingredients

1 Baguette or long Italian Bread
Pizza Sauce I used a can by Cento. You can use any type you prefer or make it homemade
12 oz Shredded Mozzarella I also like to use a blend of different white cheeses like parmesan, asiago, or fontina
Pizza Toppings pesto, pepperoni, olives, mushrooms, ricotta, etc. Very each to customize based on what you like to eat.
Olive Oil

Instructions

Preheat your Oven to 350F
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Slice the baguette into 1/2 inch slices. Lightly coat one side with olive oil
Put the slices, olive oil side down, on a baking sheet.
Add a spoonful on top of each crostini, followed by enough cheese to cover the top. If you are using toppings that you would like to be cooked into the cheese, add them now. I prefer to use pesto after the crostini is finished baking
Bake for 15 minutes until the cheese has slightly browned
Remove from the oven, let them cool slightly on the baking sheet. Add some pesto on top and enjoy!