Strawberry and Goat Cheese Crostini
These strawberry crostini have rich, summer-y layers of creamy goat cheese and juicy strawberries with fresh mint on toasted baguette slices. Add these to your summer soirée or make these for a simple weekend brunch in all of about 10 minutes!
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Ingredient Notes
- Baguette: Choose a crusty French baguette for this one. Day-old bread is also great for crostini since it toasts well. Cut into 1/2-inch thick rounds on a slight bias for a more elegant shape.
- Goat Cheese: Soft goat cheese (chevre) is tangy, creamy, and adds a rich contrast to the sweet strawberries. Let it come to room temperature for easier spreading.
- Strawberries: Choose ripe, juicy strawberries and look for the ones with a green (not brown) hull/leaves on top.
- Honey: Adds additional sweetness to balance the goat cheese’s tang.
- Lemon juice: A light squeeze of lemon juice releases the strawberries natural juices.
- Fresh Basil or Mint: Basil adds a peppery note; mint adds brightness. Either works—based on preference.
- Balsamic Glaze: A reduction of balsamic vinegar adds a gourmet touch. Store-bought glaze works great, or you can make your own (see FAQs below).
FAQs
Can I make these ahead of time? You can prep the components ahead (toast the bread and slice/toss the strawberries), but assemble just before serving so the bread stays crisp.
If I’m finishing the crostini with a balsamic glaze, what’s a quick recipe I can use? Simmer 1 cup of balsamic vinegar over medium-low heat until reduced by half (about 10–15 minutes), stirring occasionally. It should coat the back of a spoon.
Can I use another cheese instead of goat cheese? Absolutely! See cheese note for different variations on different cheese you can play around with.
Variations
- Cheese: If you’re not a fan of goat cheese, not to worry! Any type of spreadable cheese will work, such as, softened cream cheese, mascarpone, or triple cream brie (one of my favorites!).
- Bread: For crostini, I always run with a French baguette. If you’d like to make these into larger individual toasts, consider a rustic loaf.
- Herbs: Mint is the choice of herb used to add a fresh component. Basil or thyme can easily be substituted for the mint.
Tips for Success
- Toast the bread just right. Bake at 400°F for 7–8 minutes, flipping halfway. You want it golden and crisp, not too hard.
- Serve at room temperature.
- If making the balsamic glaze yourself, chill the glaze slightly before drizzling. It thickens as it cools and becomes easier to control.
Check out these delicious salads/appetizers:
Lemon Basil Burrata With Garlic Toasts
Peach, Burrata, And Prosciutto Salad
Strawberry Balsamic Basil Brie
Peach, Burrata, And Proscitto Toast
If you make these Strawberry and Goat Cheese Crostini, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! I’d love to hear what you think about it, or better yet, see what you’re cooking! Tag me @fettysfoodblog with your creation.
Strawberry and Goat Cheese Crostini
Ingredients
- 1 baguette, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Pinch of flaky sea salt
- 1 pint fresh strawberries, hulled and thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Small handful of fresh basil or mint leaves, thinly slices
- 6 ounces goat cheese, at room temperature
- Optional: balsamic glaze, for drizzling
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400 F.
- Arrange baguette slices on a baking sheet. Brush lightly with olive oil and sprinkle with sea salt.
- Bake for 7–8 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and barely crisp. Let cool slightly.
- In a large bowl, combine the strawberries, honey, lemon juice, and mint/basil. Let the strawberry mixture sit at room temperature to release the juices from the strawberries.
- Spread each toast with goat cheese and top with 4-5 strawberry slices
- Optional: Drizzle lightly with balsamic glaze or remaining juices from the strawberry mixture. You may also garnish with edible flower petals for an outstanding presentation. Serve immediately.
