This Goat Cheese and Cranberry Crostini is a lovely little appetizer bursting with flavor! The creamy goat cheese pairs perfectly with the sweet and tangy cranberries on a crispy slice of bread.
Every bite is like a holiday party in your mouth! 🎉 I enjoy serving these at gatherings, and they disappear faster than I can make them. So easy and so tasty—everyone loves them!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Baguette: A nice, crusty baguette works best for crostini. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, try using gluten-free bread. For a twist, you can use ciabatta or French bread instead.
Goat Cheese: Fresh goat cheese brings a creamy texture and tangy flavor. If you’re not a fan, cream cheese mixed with some herbs can be a smooth and tasty substitute.
Cranberry Sauce: You can use homemade cranberry sauce or store-bought. If you want a less sweet option, fresh cranberries that are cooked down can work well, but you might need to adjust the sugar based on your taste.
Fresh Herbs: Rosemary adds a nice flavor, but you could also use thyme or omit herbs altogether if you prefer a simpler taste.
Honey: Adding honey brings a lovely sweetness. If you’re looking for a vegan option, try agave syrup instead!
How Do I Toast the Baguette to Perfection?
Toasting the bread is a key step that gives your crostini that crispy, golden finish. Here’s how to do it right:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and arrange baguette slices on a baking sheet.
- Lightly brush each slice with olive oil for flavor and that nice, golden color.
- Toast for about 8-10 minutes. Keep an eye on them; you want them golden and crisp, not burnt!
- Let them cool slightly before adding the cheese and cranberry, as this will help prevent sogginess.
How to Make Goat Cheese and Cranberry Crostini
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 baguette, sliced into 1/2-inch pieces
- 8 oz fresh goat cheese (chèvre), softened
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce or whole fresh cranberries cooked down with sugar
- 1-2 tbsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped (optional)
- Olive oil, for brushing
- Fresh sage leaves, for garnish
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Honey (optional, for drizzling)
How Much Time Will You Need?
Prepare this elegant appetizer in about 20 minutes! It takes roughly 10 minutes to prep and 10 minutes to toast the crostini. Quick and delightful!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This gets it nice and hot for toasting our bread to perfection.
2. Toast the Baguette Slices:
Place the sliced baguette pieces on a baking sheet. Give each slice a light brush of olive oil. This not only adds flavor but helps achieve a beautiful golden color. Pop the baking sheet in the oven and toast for about 8-10 minutes, or until nicely golden and crisp. Once done, take them out and let them cool for a moment.
3. Prepare the Goat Cheese Mixture:
While the bread is toasting, grab a bowl and combine the softened goat cheese with finely chopped fresh rosemary (if you’re using it). Season with a touch of salt and black pepper. Stir everything together until it’s smooth and well mixed.
4. Assemble the Crostini:
Now it’s time to build your crostini! Spread a generous layer of the creamy goat cheese mixture on each toasted baguette slice. Don’t be shy—make it nice and thick!
5. Add the Cranberry Sauce:
Next, scoop up a dollop of cranberry sauce and place it on top of each goat cheese-covered slice. This adds a wonderful sweetness and a pop of color!
6. Garnish and Serve:
Finish each crostini with a fresh sage leaf for a touch of flavor and flair. If you like a little extra sweetness, drizzle a tiny bit of honey on top. Serve right away for the best taste!
These Goat Cheese and Cranberry Crostini are perfect for any gathering—delicious, simple, and elegant!
Can I Use Store-Bought Cranberry Sauce?
Absolutely! Store-bought cranberry sauce is a convenient option and works perfectly in this recipe. Just spoon it on top of the goat cheese, and you’ll save some prep time!
Can I Prepare the Crostini in Advance?
You can prepare the goat cheese mixture and toast the baguette slices ahead of time! Store the toasted bread in an airtight container for up to a day. Assemble the crostini just before serving to keep the bread crispy.
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Sage?
No problem! If fresh sage isn’t available, you can omit it or use another herb like thyme or parsley for garnish. The crostini will still be delicious!
How Do I Store Leftover Crostini?
If you have leftovers, store the assembled crostini in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a day. However, for the best taste and texture, it’s ideal to eat them fresh! If the bread gets soggy, you might want to toast the slices again before serving.
