Crostini

Directions

1. 1
   Position the racks in the center and top third of the oven and preheat the oven to 400F.
2. 2
   Spread the bread on two baking sheets.
3. 3
   Brush the bread with the oil.
4. 4
   Bake, switching the position of the sheets from top to bottom halfway through baking, until the toasts are golden brown, about 10 minutes.
5. 5
   Transfer to wire racks to cool.
6. 6
   (The toasts can be prepared up to 8 hours ahead and stored in a paper bag.
7. 7
   Do not store in a plastic bag, which would soften the toasts.)
8. 8
   VARIATIONS
9. 9
   Garlic Crosllni: Heat 2 garlic cloves, crushed under a heavy knife and peeled, in the oil in a small saucepan over medium-low heat just until bubbles form around the garlic.
10. 10
    Remove from the heat and let stand for 30 minutes.
11. 11
    Use the garlic oil to brush the bread.
12. 12
    Herbed Crostini: Brush the bread with the plain or garlic olive oil.
13. 13
    Sprinkle with about 2 tablespoons dried basil, oregano, or rosemary, or rosemary, or a combination.