The Juicy Cherry Goat Cheese Crostini Recipe You’ll Adore

Crisp slices of baguette dance with creamy goat cheese crostini that blend tangy and smooth flavors in every delightful bite.

Toasted bread provides the perfect canvas for this elegant appetizer.

Soft goat cheese melts gently across warm, golden-edged bread slices.

Fresh herbs and a drizzle of honey add unexpected depth to this simple yet sophisticated starter.

Delicate cherry garnishes bring a sweet and vibrant pop of color to the plate.

These crostini promise to impress at any gathering, from casual get-togethers to refined dinner parties.

Serve these delectable morsels and watch your guests savor each irresistible bite.

Cherry Goat Cheese Crostini Flavor Journey

• These crostini transform simple ingredients into an elegant appetizer that looks professionally prepared with minimal cooking skills required.
• Roasted cherries bring a burst of summer sweetness, creating a sophisticated flavor profile that elevates traditional party snacks.
• Prepare all components ahead of time, allowing hosts to assemble these stunning appetizers moments before guests arrive, reducing kitchen stress.
• Swap ingredients like different herbs or cheese types, making this recipe adaptable to personal taste preferences and available pantry items.

Cherry Goat Cheese Crostini Must-Have Ingredients

• Baguette: A classic French bread perfect for creating crispy and tender crostini.
• Olive Oil: Helps create a golden brown and crispy texture for the bread.

• Cherries: Fresh summer fruit that becomes sweet and soft when roasted.
• Rosemary, Fresh: Aromatic herb that adds a subtle earthy flavor to the roasted cherries.

• Goat Cheese: Tangy and creamy cheese that forms the base of the spread.
• Cream Cheese: Adds smoothness and richness to the cheese mixture.
• Honey: Provides a natural sweetness to balance the tangy goat cheese.
• Lemon Juice, Lemon Zest: Bright citrus elements that enhance the flavor of the cheese spread.

• Balsamic Glaze: Adds a sweet and tangy drizzle to complement the other flavors.
• Sea Salt: Enhances and balances the overall taste of the crostini.

Tools List for Cherry Goat Cheese Crostini

• Baking Sheet: Essential for roasting cherries and toasting baguette slices evenly.
• Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
• Food Processor: Perfect for blending goat cheese mixture to smooth, creamy perfection.
• Cutting Board: Needed for halving cherries and chopping rosemary.
• Chef's Knife: Sharp tool for precise cherry and herb preparation.
• Small Bowl: Useful for mixing honey and measuring ingredients.
• Pastry Brush: Great for evenly coating baguette slices with olive oil.
• Spatula: Helps scrape and transfer cheese mixture smoothly.

Preparing Cherry Goat Cheese Crostini from Scratch

Step 1: Prepare Crispy Bread Slices

Grab a fresh baguette and slice it diagonally into thin pieces.

Brush each slice generously with olive oil, ensuring complete coverage.

Arrange slices on a baking sheet and pop into a preheated oven at 375°F.

Bake for 7-8 minutes, turning halfway through to achieve an even golden-brown color.

The goal is a perfectly crisp exterior with a slight tenderness inside.

Step 2: Roast Succulent Cherries

Wash and halve fresh cherries, placing them carefully on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle finely chopped rosemary over the fruit.

Slide the cherry tray into the oven alongside your bread, roasting for 5-7 minutes.

The cherries will become slightly softened and intensely fragrant.

Remove from oven and discard rosemary sprigs.

Step 3: Whip Creamy Cheese Spread

• Goat cheese
• Cream cheese
• Honey
• Lemon juice
• Lemon zest

Blend until the mixture becomes silky smooth and uniformly mixed.

The texture should be light and spreadable.

Step 4: Create Elegant Appetizer

Take your crispy bread slices and generously spread the whipped cheese mixture across each one.

Carefully place 2-3 roasted cherry halves on top of each crostini.

Finish by drizzling with remaining honey and a touch of balsamic glaze.

Sprinkle with delicate sea salt and fresh rosemary for a final gourmet touch.

Cherry Goat Cheese Crostini Cooking Pointers

• Choose a crusty baguette with sturdy texture to prevent soggy crostini and ensure crisp, golden-brown edges.
• Let goat cheese and cream cheese sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before blending for ultra-creamy consistency.
• Pick ripe, dark sweet cherries with deep color and firm texture for maximum roasting flavor and natural sweetness.
• Adjust honey and lemon amounts incrementally to create perfect sweet-tangy balance that complements goat cheese's richness.
• Chop fresh rosemary finely to distribute flavor evenly and prevent overpowering herb chunks on delicate crostini.

Fun Crostini Variations to Try

• Mediterranean Olive Crostini: Replace cherries with sun-dried tomatoes and kalamata olives, adding a tangy Mediterranean flavor profile.
• Vegan Herb Spread: Swap goat cheese with cashew-based cream cheese, using nutritional yeast for depth and plant-based herbs like basil or thyme.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free baguette or replace bread with crisp rice crackers for a celiac-friendly alternative.
• Low-Carb Version: Substitute bread with cucumber rounds or roasted zucchini slices, maintaining the elegant appetizer concept while reducing carbohydrate content.

Serving Ideas for Cherry Goat Cheese Crostini

• Elegant Appetizer Platter: Arrange crostini on a rustic wooden board with scattered fresh rosemary sprigs, creating a stunning visual presentation that invites guests to indulge.
• Summer Party Favorite: Serve these bite-sized treats at outdoor gatherings, picnics, or cocktail parties where guests can easily enjoy the delightful combination of sweet cherries and tangy goat cheese.
• Wine Pairing Delight: Match these crostini with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Grigio to complement the rich cheese and sweet roasted cherries.
• Brunch Showstopper: Include these crostini as part of a weekend brunch spread, offering a sophisticated and flavorful option alongside other morning favorites.

Tips for Storing Cherry Goat Cheese Crostini

• Store leftover crostini in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper, for up to 2 days in the refrigerator. Keep cheese spread and roasted cherries in separate sealed containers.
• Transfer goat cheese mixture to a freezer-safe container, seal tightly, and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before using.
• Warm in a toaster oven at 300°F for 3-4 minutes to restore crispness. Avoid microwave to prevent soggy bread. Add fresh toppings after reheating for best texture.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of bread for crostini?

Yes, you can use any crusty bread like ciabatta, sourdough, or French bread. Just slice thinly and follow the same toasting method.

• How do I know if my cherries are ripe enough for roasting?

Choose cherries that are deep red, firm, and glossy. Avoid soft or bruised cherries as they won’t roast well and might affect the overall flavor.

• Is there a substitute for goat cheese if I don't like its flavor?

Cream cheese or ricotta can work as alternatives. They’ll provide a similar creamy texture but with a milder taste profile.

Cherry Goat Cheese crostini Recipe

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4.6 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 18 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Gourmet cherry goat cheese crostini brings Mediterranean flavors to your appetizer table. Crisp baguette slices topped with creamy goat cheese create an elegant starter you’ll enjoy sharing with friends.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Base Ingredients:

• 12 slices baguette, cut 1/2 inch (1.27 centimeters) thick
• 2 teaspoons (10 milliliters) extra virgin olive oil

Cheese and Cream:

• 1/4 cup (60 grams) soft goat cheese
• 1/4 cup (60 grams) cream cheese

Toppings and Seasonings:

• 24 fresh or frozen cherries, pitted and halved
• 1 sprig fresh rosemary
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 grams) coarse sea salt
• 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon (22 milliliters) honey
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) balsamic glaze (homemade or store-bought)

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Instructions

1. Prepare baguette slices by brushing with olive oil, then bake at 375°F for 7-8 minutes, turning midway. Achieve a crisp exterior with a tender core.
2. Arrange cherry halves on a parchment-lined baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and scatter chopped rosemary. Roast simultaneously with bread for 5-7 minutes, then discard rosemary sprigs.
3. Create a creamy cheese mixture by blending goat cheese, cream cheese, honey, lemon juice, and lemon zest in a food processor until silky smooth.
4. Construct crostini by generously spreading the whipped cheese blend onto each toasted slice. Crown with roasted cherry halves, then embellish with a delicate honey and balsamic glaze drizzle. Finish by sprinkling with sea salt and fresh rosemary for an elegant touch.

Notes

• Optimize bread texture by choosing a crusty baguette with firm crumb for best crostini results.
• Prevent cherries from becoming mushy by selecting firm, ripe fruits and avoiding over-roasting.
• Customize cheese spread by adjusting honey and lemon quantities to suit personal taste preferences.
• Enhance dietary adaptability by using gluten-free bread for celiac-friendly version or dairy-free cheese alternatives for vegan options.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 9 g
• Sodium: 220 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 26 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg