Description
This Marinated Goat Cheese and Strawberry Crostini recipe offers a delicious and elegant appetizer perfect for entertaining. Featuring creamy, herb-infused goat cheese paired with fresh, juicy strawberries atop toasted baguette slices, it balances savory, sweet, and fresh flavors beautifully. Simple to prepare with minimal cooking, it’s a delightful crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
Ingredients
Goat Cheese Marinade
- 1 (10 ounce) log goat cheese, sliced into 1/4 inch rounds
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil, plus more for serving
- 1 pinch crushed red pepper flakes
- Kosher salt and fresh black pepper, to taste
- 4 sprigs fresh thyme
Crostini
- 1 sourdough or French baguette, sliced
- Olive oil, for brushing
- Salt, for seasoning bread
Toppings
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
- Honey, for drizzling
- Extra fresh basil, for garnish
- Sea salt, for sprinkling
Instructions
- Marinate the Goat Cheese: Arrange the goat cheese slices in a square baking dish. Sprinkle chopped basil, crushed red pepper flakes, kosher salt, and fresh black pepper evenly over the goat cheese. Add the fresh thyme sprigs on top. Drizzle the extra virgin olive oil over everything. Let this mixture sit at room temperature for 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld, or refrigerate for up to 24 hours if preparing in advance.
- Preheat the Grill or Oven: If using a grill, preheat it to high heat. Alternatively, preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C) to toast the bread if grilling is not preferred.
- Toast the Bread: Place the baguette slices on a baking sheet. Drizzle olive oil on both sides of each slice and season with a pinch of salt. Grill the bread slices for about 2-3 minutes per side until lightly toasted and golden brown. If using the oven, bake the bread slices on the baking sheet for about 5-7 minutes, turning halfway through until toasted.
- Assemble the Crostini: Spread a generous layer of the marinated goat cheese onto each toasted bread slice. Top with sliced fresh strawberries, a sprinkle of fresh basil, and a drizzle of honey. Finish by sprinkling sea salt lightly over the top for an added burst of flavor.
- Serve and Enjoy: Arrange the crostini on a serving platter and enjoy immediately as a sophisticated appetizer or snack.
Notes
- The goat cheese can be marinated up to 24 hours ahead to deepen the flavor.
- If fresh basil is not available, fresh thyme can be used as a garnish for a different herbal note.
- Adjust the amount of honey and crushed red pepper flakes based on your preference for sweetness and spice.
- For a gluten-free option, substitute the baguette with gluten-free bread slices toasted similarly.
- These crostini are best served fresh to maintain the contrast of textures between the creamy cheese and toasted bread.