These Goat Cheese Cranberry Crostini are a tasty treat! Crispy bread topped with creamy goat cheese and sweet cranberry sauce makes for a perfect bite-sized snack.
They’re great for parties or just a fun snack at home. I love making a big batch and enjoying them while binge-watching my favorite shows. Yum! 🧀🍇
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Baguette: A fresh baguette is key for crispy crostini. If you can’t find one, any crusty bread like ciabatta or sourdough works well. You can also use gluten-free bread options for a gluten-free version.
Goat Cheese: Softened goat cheese adds a tangy creaminess. For a different flavor, try cream cheese or feta. You’ll still get a delicious result, though the taste will vary.
Cranberries: You can use fresh or dried cranberries. If fresh ones are unavailable, try using a store-bought cranberry sauce for convenience. It gives a similar sweet and tart flavor!
Honey: Honey adds sweetness, but maple syrup or agave nectar can be good substitutes if you prefer those or are vegan.
Fresh Herbs: Rosemary adds depth, but fresh thyme or even a sprinkle of dried herbs could work in a pinch. I love the aroma of rosemary, so I always include it!
How Do I Get My Crostini Just Right?
This step is crucial for perfect crostini. You want them crispy yet not burnt. Here’s how to do it:
- Preheat your oven well for even cooking. I’ve found 375°F works great.
- Brush olive oil on both sides of the baguette slices to help them brown.
- Keep an eye on them while baking! Flip halfway through for uniform crispiness.
- Let them cool a bit after baking to maintain their crunch.
With these tips, your crostini will shine as a crowd-pleaser at any gathering!
Goat Cheese Cranberry Crostini
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 baguette, sliced into 1/2-inch slices
- 4 oz goat cheese, softened
- 1 cup fresh or dried cranberries (if using fresh, wash and dry)
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped (optional)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh sage or rosemary leaves for garnish
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 20-25 minutes in total. You’ll need about 10-15 minutes to prepare everything, including toasting the bread and making the cranberry topping. Then it’s just a quick assembly before you serve and enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Baguette:
First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get it nice and hot. While the oven is heating, take your baguette and slice it into 1/2-inch pieces. Arrange the slices on a baking sheet, making sure they’re not overcrowded. Use a brush to lightly coat both sides of the slices with olive oil for a delicious golden crisp.
2. Toasting the Bread:
Pop the baking sheet into the oven and bake for about 8-10 minutes. Keep an eye on them and flip the slices halfway through so they toast evenly. You want them to be nice and golden, then remove them from the oven and let them cool a bit.
3. Making the Cranberry Topping:
While the baguette slices are toasting, take a small saucepan and set it on medium heat. Combine your cranberries with honey and the finely chopped rosemary if you’re using it. Cook this mixture for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally until the cranberries soften and the mixture thickens up. Once done, take it off the heat and let it cool slightly.
4. Assemble Your Crostini:
Now it’s time to put everything together! Take your toasted bread slices and spread a generous layer of softened goat cheese on top of each one. Then, spoon that delicious cranberry mixture over the goat cheese. It should look beautiful and appetizing!
5. Garnish and Serve:
To finish, top each crostini with a small fresh sage or rosemary leaf for that extra touch of flavor. Serve these delightful bites immediately and enjoy a wonderful combination of creamy, sweet, tangy, and herbal flavors with each bite!
These Goat Cheese Cranberry Crostini make a perfect festive appetizer or a delicious snack for any gathering. Enjoy!
Can I Use Store-Bought Cranberry Sauce Instead of Fresh or Dried Cranberries?
Absolutely! Using store-bought cranberry sauce is a great shortcut. Just spoon it on top of the goat cheese instead of cooking the cranberries. It saves time while still giving you that sweet-tart flavor!
How Do I Store Leftover Crostini?
Leftover crostini are best stored separately. Keep the toasted bread in an airtight container at room temperature for about 1-2 days. Store the cranberry mixture and goat cheese in the fridge. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply reassemble and toast for a few minutes to refresh the bread before serving.
Can I Make These Crostini Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the cranberry topping and toast the bread a few hours in advance. Just assemble the crostini right before serving to keep the bread crispy and the cheese fresh!
What Other Toppings Can I Add?
You can get creative! Consider adding a drizzle of balsamic reduction, a sprinkle of chopped nuts for crunch, or even substituting the cranberries with fig jam or roasted red pepper for a different flavor profile.