These Goat Cheese Cranberry Crostini are a tasty little treat! Crispy bread topped with creamy goat cheese and a sweet cranberry spread makes for a perfect appetizer.
They look fancy, but trust me, they’re super easy to make! I love serving them at gatherings because everyone wants to know my secret. Spoiler alert: there is none! 😂
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Baguette: A fresh baguette adds a nice crunch. If you can’t find one, any crusty bread will do. Sourdough or ciabatta work well too!
Goat Cheese: I love using soft, tangy goat cheese because it spreads easily. If you’re not a fan, cream cheese or ricotta can be good alternatives, although you’ll lose that signature flavor.
Fresh Cranberries: These are key for that tartness. If cranberries are out of season, you can use cranberry sauce from a can, or even a fruit jam like raspberry or cherry for a twist.
Lemon Zest: This adds brightness to the cranberries. Lime zest can be a lovely substitute, giving a different citrus flavor.
Fresh Sage: Sage is my favorite for garnish, but feel free to use other herbs like thyme or rosemary for variation.
How Do You Get Perfectly Crisp Crostini?
The key to great crostini is achieving that perfect crispy texture. Here’s how to do it:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature is just right for toasting without burning.
- Slice the baguette into 1/2-inch pieces to ensure even cooking.
- Brush each slice with olive oil for added flavor and to help them crisp up nicely.
- Bake until golden brown — usually about 8-10 minutes. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning!
- Let them cool slightly before spreading the cheese. This helps keep them crisp longer!
With these techniques, your crostini will impress everyone at your gathering. Enjoy making and sharing this delicious treat!
Goat Cheese Cranberry Crostini
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Crostini:
- 1 baguette, sliced into 1/2-inch pieces
- Olive oil for brushing
For the Cranberry Topping:
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tsp lemon zest
For Assembling:
- 4 oz goat cheese (soft, spreadable)
- Fresh sage leaves for garnish
- Optional: black pepper or cracked pepper for sprinkling
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious appetizer takes about 20 minutes of prep time, plus 10 minutes for baking. You’ll spend some time preparing the cranberry topping, toasting the baguette slices, and putting everything together. It’s a quick process, but the resulting crostini are sure to impress!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Cranberry Topping:
In a small saucepan, combine the fresh cranberries, sugar, and water. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the cranberries burst and the mixture thickens. After removing it from the heat, stir in the lemon zest. Allow this mixture to cool to room temperature.
2. Prepare Crostini:
While the cranberry topping is cooling, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the baguette slices in a single layer on a baking sheet. Brush the top of each slice lightly with olive oil. Bake in the oven for 8-10 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Once done, take them out and let them cool slightly.
3. Assemble Crostini:
Once the crostini have cooled, take the soft goat cheese and spread a generous layer on each toasted baguette slice. Top each slice with a small amount of the cooled cranberry mixture, making sure each piece is well-covered.
4. Garnish:
Add a fresh sage leaf on top of each crostini to give a pop of color and enhance the flavor with its herbal aroma. If you like a bit of spice, sprinkle some black pepper or cracked pepper over the top.
5. Serve:
Arrange the crostini on a wooden board or a lovely platter. Serve immediately to enjoy the perfect combination of creamy goat cheese, tart cranberries, and crunchy toast. Your guests will love these delightful bites!
Enjoy your Goat Cheese Cranberry Crostini — the perfect balance of creamy, tart, and crispy!
Can I Use Dried Cranberries Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use dried cranberries in a pinch! Just chop them into smaller pieces and soak them in warm water for about 10-15 minutes to rehydrate before using them as a topping.
How Do I Store Leftover Crostini?
Store any leftover crostini in an airtight container for up to 2 days. However, the bread may lose its crispness. To refresh, you can toast them briefly in the oven before serving again.
Can I Make the Cranberry Topping in Advance?
Absolutely! The cranberry topping can be made up to 2 days ahead. Just keep it in an airtight container in the fridge and let it come to room temperature before assembling your crostini.
What Other Toppings Can I Use?
Feel free to get creative! Other toppings like fig jam, roasted red peppers, or even a drizzle of honey can be delicious alternatives. Just ensure you balance flavors similar to the creaminess of goat cheese with a sweet or savory topping.