I love a good appetizer, especially ones that are quick to put together but still feel special. Today, I’m sharing two easy crostini recipes that are perfect for gatherings or just a nice snack at home. We’re talking about simple, elegant bites with creamy goat cheese.
These recipes feature fresh ingredients and come together in minutes. You’ll enjoy making and sharing these delightful goat cheese crostini with friends and family.
Jump to Recipe:
- 1. Fig Jam Goat Cheese Crostini: Sweet & Creamy Appetizer
- 2. Goat Cheese And Cranberry Crostini: Festive & Bright Bites
Fig Jam Goat Cheese Crostini: Sweet & Creamy Appetizer
These crostini bring together the sweetness of fig jam with the tang of goat cheese on a crispy bread base. They are a wonderful starter that always gets compliments.
It’s a simple pairing of flavors that feels both sophisticated and comforting, perfect for any occasion.
Key Ingredients & Tips for Fig Crostini
- Bread Choice: A good baguette, sliced thin, makes the best crisp base for your crostini.
- Jam Quality: Use a high-quality fig jam for the best flavor; it makes a big difference to the overall taste.
- Goat Cheese Softness: Let your goat cheese come to room temperature for easier spreading on the warm bread.
- Herbal Touch: A tiny sprig of fresh thyme or rosemary adds a lovely aroma and visual appeal.
What You Need for Fig Jam Crostini
- 1 baguette, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
- 4 oz fresh goat cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup fig jam
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Optional: fresh thyme or rosemary sprigs for garnish
⏱️ Time: 15 minutes🍽️ Yields: 12-15 crostini
How to Make Fig Jam Goat Cheese Crostini
Step 1: Prepare the Bread
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange your baguette slices in a single layer on a baking sheet. Brush each slice lightly with olive oil. Bake for 5-7 minutes until they are slightly golden and crisp around the edges.
Step 2: Assemble the Crostini
Once the toasted bread is out of the oven, let it cool for just a minute. Spread each slice with a generous amount of softened goat cheese. Then, top the cheese with a small dollop of fig jam.
Step 3: Serve Warm
You can serve these immediately while the crostini are still warm, or at room temperature. For an extra touch, garnish with a tiny sprig of fresh thyme or rosemary.
📝 Final Note
These crostini are best enjoyed fresh. If you prepare them ahead, store the toasted bread, goat cheese, and jam separately, then assemble just before serving to keep them crisp.
Goat Cheese And Cranberry Crostini: Festive & Bright Bites
This recipe pairs the sharp flavor of goat cheese with the sweet-tart goodness of cranberry sauce. It’s a colorful and tasty option for any gathering, especially during holidays.
The vibrant red of the cranberries really stands out against the white cheese, making these visually appealing and delicious.
Key Ingredients & Tips for Cranberry Crostini
- Cranberry Sauce: You can use homemade or a good quality canned cranberry sauce. For extra texture, try whole berry sauce.
- Fresh Herbs: A garnish of fresh rosemary or mint really brightens the presentation and flavor.
- Sweetness Balance: If your cranberry sauce is very tart, a tiny drizzle of honey on top can balance it out nicely.
- Toasting Level: Toast the baguette slices until just golden and crisp, ensuring they hold up well without being too hard.
What You Need for Cranberry Crostini
- 1 baguette, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
- 4 oz fresh goat cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup cranberry sauce (whole berry works well)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Optional: fresh rosemary sprigs or finely chopped chives for garnish
⏱️ Time: 15 minutes🍽️ Yields: 12-15 crostini
How to Make Goat Cheese And Cranberry Crostini
Step 1: Toast Baguette Slices
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place your baguette slices on a baking sheet. Brush them lightly with olive oil and bake for about 5-7 minutes until they are crisp and lightly golden.
Step 2: Build the Crostini
Let the toasted bread cool slightly. Spread each slice with soft goat cheese. Then, spoon a small amount of cranberry sauce over the cheese on each crostini.
Step 3: Garnish and Serve
Garnish each crostini with a small sprig of fresh rosemary, or a sprinkle of finely chopped chives, if you like. Serve these tasty bites at room temperature.
📝 Final Note
These crostini can be assembled a little ahead of time, but for the best texture, serve within an hour or two of making them to keep the bread crisp.