Toasted Baguette Slices Recipe

The baguette has been a staple of French meals since the 18th century, that much is certain. As for its exact origins, the debate rages on. One legend suggests the thin shape of the baguette was intended to make it easy to tear without a knife, while another claims it was born from Napoleon Bonaparte's plan to help soldiers carry small sticks of bread in their pockets. Some people even claim that the French Revolution was sparked by the fire of angry peasants who took up arms against nobility as they feasted on the iconic bread during famines and food shortages.

Over the years, baguettes have inspired other takes on the French creation, including the flûte and the ficelle — both thinner than their parent bread. But many still turn to the original baguette for a lunch or dinnertime snack, just as the French have done over the decades. For a quick and easy side or meal pairing, recipe creator Kristen Carli has a tried and true method of enjoying the classic bread with your favorite toppings that takes just 15 minutes to cook. If you're interested in this simple recipe, let's take a look at Carli's recipe for the perfect toasted baguette slice.

The best baguettes are crispy, with hues of brown and yellow, which are signs of caramelization. Once you've found the perfect loaf, you can start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Now, hold your baguette steady and carefully slice it into 12 pieces diagonally. A long serrated knife is ideal, as it will avoid crushing the bread. But if you don't have one, don't fret — with a little bit of caution and a steady hand, any blade will do.

After you're done cutting your baguette slices, place each piece onto a baking sheet and bake them in the oven for 15 minutes.

Once the baguettes are toasted and ready to eat, there's one more step — adding your favorite toppings. Bruschetta dip and butter are two common go-to's, but there are plenty of other additions you can experiment with.

"The options are endless," Carli said. "I love an artichoke bruschetta dip, goat cheese, caprese (mozzarella, tomato, and basil), hummus, etc. So delicious! You could also dip these into soup!" Don't hesitate to try out your own toppings to find the perfect match for your taste buds.

As for leftovers, Carli recommends storing them in a plastic bag at room temperature for up to three days. Just be sure to check out our guide on making the most of your old baguette slices before tossing any stale leftovers in the trash.