Strawberry Goat Cheese Crostini
A delightful bite-sized appetizer that balances sweet strawberries, creamy goat cheese, and rich balsamic glaze, perfect for gatherings or casual nights in.
Ingredients
For the Crostini
- 1 small baguette, sliced into 12 pieces about 1/2 inch thick
- 2 tablespoons olive oil For brushing the baguette slices
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt For enhancing flavors
- 6 oz soft goat cheese, at room temperature Must be softened for easy spreading
- 2 tablespoons thinly sliced fresh basil For garnish
- 3 tablespoons balsamic glaze For drizzling on top
For the Strawberry topping
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and thinly sliced Bright red jewels of summer
- 1 teaspoon honey Adding gentle sweetness
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice For zesty brightness
- pinch kosher salt To balance flavors
- to taste freshly ground black pepper For a hint of warmth
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Arrange the baguette slices on a baking sheet in a single layer.
- In a bowl, toss the sliced strawberries with honey, fresh lemon juice, a pinch of kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Let them sit for about 10 minutes.
Toasting the Baguette
- Brush both sides of the baguette slices lightly with olive oil and sprinkle with kosher salt.
- Bake the baguette slices for 5-7 minutes, turning once if needed, until golden and crisp.
- Let the toasted slices cool for 3-5 minutes.
Assembly
- Spread each warm baguette slice with a generous layer of softened goat cheese.
- Top each crostini with a few strawberry slices, leaving any extra juice behind in the bowl.
- Sprinkle with fresh basil and drizzle lightly with balsamic glaze.
- Serve immediately to enjoy them at their freshest.
Notes
Best enjoyed fresh. If needed, components can be prepared ahead and assembled just before serving.