Goat Cheese Crostini Recipe

Picture this: a cozy evening with friends, a glass of wine in hand, and these dreamy goat cheese crostini making their way to the table. It’s pure magic on a bite-sized slice of baguette, with the creamy, honey-kissed goat cheese and a hint of thyme dancing on your taste buds. Trust me, this appetizer is about to become your new go-to for any gathering!

Crafting recipes is my passion, especially those that bring a touch of elegance to simple ingredients. My crostini with goat cheese combines the creamy richness of that cheese with the earthy notes of fresh thyme and the perfect crunch of a toasted French baguette.

Nutritionally, it’s a delightful harmony of healthy fats and proteins that makes for a versatile appetizer.

Ingredients

• French Baguette: Provides carbohydrates; serves as a crunchy base for toppings.
• Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: Adds healthy fats; offers a rich, fruity flavor.
• Goat Cheese: Rich in protein and calcium; tangy and creamy texture.
• Honey: Natural sweetener; balances tanginess with a touch of sweetness.
• Fresh Thyme Leaves: Aromatic herb; enhances flavor with earthy, minty notes.
• Walnuts (Optional): Source of omega-3s; adds crunch and nutty depth.
• Dried Cranberries (Optional): Infuse tart sweetness; provide antioxidants and fiber.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 French baguette, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 8 oz goat cheese, softened
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: 1/2 cup walnuts, toasted and chopped
• Optional: 1/4 cup dried cranberries

How to Make this

1. Set your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius) to heat up.

2. Put the rounds of baguette that have been sliced onto a baking sheet.

3. Using a brush, apply olive oil to each slice, ensuring to cover both sides.

4. Place in the oven and toast for about 8-10 minutes, or until golden brown, flipping halfway through.

5. In a medium-size bowl, combine softened goat cheese with honey and freshly chopped thyme. Beat with a spatula until smooth, or use an electric mixer if necessary. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

6. When the toasts have finished cooking, cool them slightly until they can be touched comfortably.

7. Apply a plentiful portion of goat cheese filling to each of the crostini.

8. If you are going to use them, you should sprinkle toasted walnuts and dried cranberries over the top of each crostini. This will give the crostini not only an added texture but also an extra flavor that you wouldn’t get without these toppings.

9. If you want, you can drizzle a little more honey on top, and you can add a few more thyme leaves if you want to herb up this dish even more and add a nice little touch of garnish.

10. Serve as an appetizer or snack. The point is, eat them right away.

Equipment Needed

1. Oven
2. Baking sheet
3. Pastry brush
4. Medium-size mixing bowl
5. Spatula
6. Electric mixer (optional)
7. Knife
8. Cutting board

FAQ

• Q: Can I use a different type of bread for the crostini?You can replace the French baguette with any crusty bread you like, such as ciabatta.
• Q: How can I soften the goat cheese?A: Before using, allow it to to sit at room temperature for approximately 15 to 20 minutes. This will make spreading it onto your bread much easier.
• Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?A: The crostini slices and the goat cheese mixture can be made a few hours ahead. Just before serving, assemble the crostini with the cheese.
• Q: What can I use as a substitute for honey?If desired, alternatives to honey may include maple syrup or agave nectar.
• Q: How do I toast the walnuts?A: Position the walnuts on a baking sheet and roast in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) for approximately 5-7 minutes, moving them about occasionally so they brown evenly and become wonderfully aromatic.
• Q: Can I add other toppings?A: Sure, you can add variety with toppings such as fresh figs, prosciutto, or thinly sliced pear.

Goat Cheese Crostini Recipe Substitutions and Variations

You can use a whole-grain baguette or slices of ciabatta bread, cut into 1/2-inch rounds, instead of the French baguette.
You can use coconut oil or avocado oil instead of extra-virgin olive oil for a different flavor profile.
Cream cheese or ricotta can be used instead of goat cheese if it is unavailable.
You can maintain sweetness in your recipes by substituting maple syrup or agave nectar for honey.
Fresh thyme leaves can be swapped for fresh rosemary or basil to get a different herbaceous note.

Pro Tips

1. Cheese Spread Texture For a creamier goat cheese spread, consider adding a tablespoon of cream or milk when mixing the goat cheese with honey and thyme. This will make it easier to spread and give it a smoother texture.

2. Optimal Oven Toasting To ensure even toasting, try using a cooling rack on top of your baking sheet. This allows for better air circulation around the baguette slices and can result in an even toast without needing to flip them.

3. Enhanced Flavor with Zest Adding a touch of lemon or orange zest to the goat cheese mixture can elevate the flavor profile by adding a subtle citrus note that complements the other ingredients.

4. Nut and Fruit Variation Experiment with different nuts or dried fruits for varied textures and flavors. Pecans or almonds can be used instead of walnuts, and figs or apricots make an excellent alternative to dried cranberries.

5. Prepping in Advance You can prepare the goat cheese mixture and toast the walnuts and baguette slices ahead of time. Store the goat cheese mix in the refrigerator and re-toast the bread briefly to crisp it up before assembling the crostini, saving valuable prep time.