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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- Create a creamy cheese mixture by blending goat cheese, cream cheese, honey, lemon juice, and lemon zest in a food processor until silky smooth.
- 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