16 Across

NYT Daily • August 9, 2025

Little Italian toasts

Answer:

CROSTINI

Hint:

["These crispy bread bites are often topped with bruschetta or spreads."]

Explanation:

The clue "Little Italian toasts" hints at a small, toasted Italian bread. "Crostini" fits perfectly as it refers to small slices of toasted bread, often served as appetizers. The wordplay is straightforward, combining the idea of something small ("little") with a well-known Italian dish ("toasts"). It’s a simple definition with no hidden tricks.