Crostini facts for kids
Cheese and spinach crostini
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| Course | Hors d'oeuvre |
|---|---|
| Place of origin | Italy |
| Main ingredients | Bread, topping |
Crostini are a popular Italian appetizer. The word "crostini" means "little crusts" in Italian. A single one is called a crostino.
These tasty bites are made from small slices of bread. The bread is usually grilled or toasted until it's nice and crispy. Then, different toppings are added to make them delicious.
What are Crostini?
Crostini are small, crunchy pieces of bread with toppings. They are often served before a main meal. This makes them a type of hors d'oeuvre, which is a fancy word for a small dish served before the main course.
The toppings can be very simple or very fancy. Some crostini might just have a little olive oil and some herbs on top. Others can have a mix of different cheeses, meats, vegetables, or condiments. Condiments are things like sauces or spreads that add flavor.
A Taste of History
Crostini, along with a similar dish called bruschetta, have a long history. People believe they first appeared in medieval times. Back then, many people, especially peasants, did not have plates made of ceramics.
Instead of plates, they would often eat their meals on slices of bread. This bread would soak up the juices and flavors from the food. Over time, this practice likely evolved into the delicious crostini we enjoy today. It shows how simple food traditions can become popular dishes.
