Cheese Crostoni

Name: Cheese Crostoni
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 8
Ingredients: Homemade bread 8 slices; Emmentaler cheese 1.75 oz; Edam cheese 1.75 oz; Fresh liquid cream 2 tbsp; Grana Padano PDO cheese to grate 2 tsp; Rosemary 1 sprig; Black pepper 2 pinches; Butter to taste

it br es fr de

345

Calories per serving

Vegetarian

Energy Kcal 345
Carbohydrates g 33.3
of which sugars g 1.1
Protein g 8.2
Fats g 8.8
of which saturated fat g 5.1
Fiber g 1.5
Cholesterol mg 27
Sodium mg 402

Difficulty: Very easy
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Makes: 8 pieces
Cost: Low

PRESENTATION

Recipe by
Gessica Runcio

Cheese crostoni are those Italian appetizers that just show up at casual dinners, especially in places like Tuscany. And seriously, all over central and northern Italy. You grab thick slices of rustic bread, spread some melty and gooey cheese on top, and after a quick blast in the oven, the edges get golden and crunchy. But inside? So tender. Really simple stuff. It’s the simplicity and flavor that make cheese crostoni shine. Super easy to make, and always a hit with friends. And family, of course.

Now, the Italian cheese crostini scene? It’s not just cheese. Folks love toppings like mushroom paté, lard with rosemary, or even a rich Tuscan chicken liver paté. And but honestly, the cheesy version wins every time. Like, every single time. Perfect for when you need something warm and soothing—without spending forever in the kitchen.

At gatherings, you’ll find all kinds of cheese crostini. Sometimes even with sausage and stracchino cheese, which is super creamy and savory when it gets heated. The cheese crostoni fit right into any antipasti spread, especially when paired with crispy, moist, or tangy bites. Pretty much the best. In Tuscany, they keep it rustic with simple bread and local cheese, but you’ll see variations from other regions too. The beauty? It’s flexible. You can whip up an easy cheese crostini recipe with any cheese blend you love—and still get that laid-back, Italian snack vibe.

Whether it’s for a party or just a snack with wine, cheese crostoni offer a rich, hearty experience that makes everyone reach for seconds. Which is great. No wonder they’re a staple for Italian evenings—simple, kinda rustic, and always delicious. Pair them with bruschetta or Tuscan liver paté crostini, and you’ve got yourself a really, really authentic Italian antipasti experience. For sure.

How to prepare Cheese Crostoni

To prepare the cheese crostini, first cut the bread into slices about 0.6 inches thick 1. Place the slices of bread on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and spread them with butter 2, then toast them in a preheated static oven at 392°F for about 4 minutes. Meanwhile, cut both the Edam and Emmental into cubes 3.

Pour the cheese into a food processor 4, then add the grated Grana Padano PDO 5 and the pepper 6.

Also add the cream 7 and blend to obtain a smooth mixture 8. Chop the rosemary needles with a knife 9.

Take the toasted bread slices and spread them with the cheese cream 10, then garnish with the chopped rosemary 11. Put them back in the hot oven, lower the temperature to 356°F, and cook for about 10 minutes. Your cheese crostini are ready to be enjoyed 12!