Kamil Perry
Toasting baguette slices is a simple and delicious way to elevate your cheese board. Whether you're serving up a soup, salad, dip, or snack, toasty baguette slices (or crostini) are a perfect carrier for your favourite cheeses. You can top them with goat's cheese, mozzarella, parmesan, or baked brie, or make a sandwich with ham, Dijon mustard, and melted goat's cheese. To make the perfect toasted baguette slices, preheat your oven to around 350–400°F, slice your baguette, brush with olive oil, and bake until golden brown. You can also sprinkle with salt and garlic powder before baking, or rub the cooled slices with a clove of garlic afterwards.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Bread | French baguette, ciabatta, or sourdough |
| Bread texture | Crustier French baguette or fluffier Italian baguette |
| Bread preparation | Sliced into thin pieces, preferably at a slight angle |
| Oil | Brushed with olive oil or butter on both sides |
| Seasoning | Salt, garlic powder, or fresh garlic |
| Toppings | Cheese, honey, mint, hummus, dips, soups, salads, etc. |
| Baking | Baked at 350-400°F for 5-15 minutes, flipped halfway through |
| Storage | Stored in an airtight container at room temperature |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right baguette
When choosing a baguette to toast, a crusty French baguette is recommended. A fluffier Italian baguette can also work, but it is best to opt for a crusty variety if you intend to top your baguette with cheese and toast it further. Since you will be toasting the bread, the quality is less important than if you were eating it as is.
If you are making a grilled cheese sandwich, you may want to opt for a slightly older baguette, as a very fresh one may be too hard to grill effectively. A stale baguette can be a great choice for this purpose, as it will be softer and easier to work with. However, if your baguette is too stale, it may become too hard.
The size of the baguette is also a consideration. Smaller baguettes can be sliced diagonally to create larger, oval-shaped pieces, which are perfect for toppings. If you are making a grilled cheese sandwich, you will need a baguette that is large enough to cut into a 7-8 inch piece, which can then be sliced open like a sub.
Finally, consider how many slices you will need. A 1-pound baguette will yield approximately 20 slices, depending on how thick you cut them. If you are making slices for a group, you may need more than one baguette.
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Slicing the baguette
For a sandwich-style presentation, you can cut the baguette into 3-4 pieces vertically and then slice each piece horizontally. This creates a long sandwich-like shape that is commonly used in France and sandwich shops. This method is ideal if you want to create a hearty portion for your guests.
Another approach is to cut the baguette in half lengthwise and then slice each half into portions. This method provides a nice presentation and allows for easy topping distribution. It is a good option if you want to offer a variety of toppings or cheeses to your guests.
If you're serving cheese on the side, you can simply slice the baguette into vertical slices. This approach is common in Germany and France, and it provides a convenient way to pair the baguette with cheese without creating a sandwich.
When preparing a toasted baguette with cheese, it's essential to consider the type of cheese and toppings you'll be using. For oozy, melted cheese, slicing the baguette lengthwise works well. This allows the cheese to cover more surface area and creates a delightful cheese pull.
For a simple appetizer or snack, you can slice the baguette into thin, diagonal slices. This approach works well with a variety of cheeses and toppings, and it's a great way to let your guests mix and match their favourite combinations.
Remember, the key to successful baguette slicing is to consider the overall presentation and ease of eating. You can adjust the slicing method based on the type of cheese and toppings you plan to use, creating a harmonious combination of flavours and textures.
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Brushing with oil
Toasting baguette slices to serve cheese on is a simple process. First, you'll want to preheat your oven to 350–400 °F. While the oven heats up, slice your baguette into thin slices. You can slice straight down, but slicing at an angle will give you larger pieces. Place the slices on a baking sheet in a single layer.
Now it's time to brush the slices with oil. You can use regular olive oil, but extra virgin olive oil will give you a more intense flavor. Brush the oil evenly on both sides of the baguette slices. If you'd like to add some extra flavor, sprinkle both sides with salt and garlic powder.
Once you've brushed and seasoned the slices, bake them for 5–7 minutes. Then, flip the slices and bake for another 5–7 minutes. Keep an eye on them to make sure they don't burn. You'll know they're done when they're golden brown and crispy.
Once they're toasted to your liking, remove them from the oven and let them cool. Now you can top them with your favorite cheeses. Some popular options include goat cheese, mozzarella, and parmesan. You can also add other toppings like honey, mint, or Dijon mustard. Enjoy your toasted baguette with cheese!
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Adding toppings
Once you've toasted your baguette slices, you can add a variety of toppings. Here are some ideas:
- Goat cheese, honey, and mint.
- Mozzarella and parmesan cheese, with garlic butter.
- Ham and cheese with Dijon mustard.
- Hummus.
- Whipped feta or ricotta.
- Baked brie.
- Green pea dip.
- Tomato dip.
You can also add toppings before toasting the baguette:
- Olive oil.
- Salt.
- Garlic powder.
- Butter.
- Fresh herbs, such as parsley.
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Baking the baguette
Toasting a baguette to serve cheese on is a simple process. First, preheat your oven to between 350 and 400 degrees Fahrenheit. While the oven is heating up, slice the baguette into thin slices. Some people recommend cutting the slices diagonally, which makes for larger pieces and gives smaller baguettes a nice oval shape.
Next, brush both sides of each slice of bread with olive oil. You can also use butter, or extra virgin olive oil for more flavour. Place the slices on a baking sheet in a single layer. If you want to add a hint of garlic flavour, sprinkle both sides of the slices with garlic powder, or gently rub one side of each slice with a clove of peeled garlic after baking. You can also add a little salt at this stage.
Finally, bake the bread for 5-7 minutes, then flip the slices and bake for another 5-7 minutes. The baguette slices are done when they are golden brown. If you want to melt cheese on top of the baguette slices, place them on a baking sheet, top them with shredded mozzarella and grated parmesan, and place them under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and the edges of the toast are golden brown.
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