These Goat Cheese and Cranberry Crostini are a tasty snack that looks fancy but is super easy to make! Just toast some bread, spread creamy goat cheese, and top it with sweet cranberries.
They’re perfect for sharing at parties or for a fun night in. I love how the creamy cheese and juicy cranberries complement each other. You’ll be reaching for more before you know it!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Baguette: A fresh baguette is essential for these crostini. If you can’t find one, any crusty bread like ciabatta or sourdough works well too. Just keep an eye on the baking time, as different breads may toast faster.
Goat Cheese: Softened goat cheese provides a creamy base. If you’re not a fan, cream cheese or ricotta can be good substitutes. Both will change the flavor but still create a delicious bite!
Cranberry Sauce: Store-bought cranberry sauce is convenient. For a homemade touch, consider using fresh or frozen cranberries cooked with sugar and a splash of orange juice. You can also substitute with fig jam if you want a sweeter twist.
Fresh Rosemary: I love rosemary for its fresh scent. If that’s not available, try thyme or parsley for a different flavor, or even skip it if you prefer a simpler topping.
How Do I Get My Baguette Slices Crispy Without Burning Them?
Getting that perfect crispy texture takes some care. The key is to toast them lightly and evenly. Here’s how:
- Preheat your oven well so it’s nice and hot before adding the bread.
- Brush each slice of baguette with olive oil for flavor and a golden finish.
- Keep an eye on the timing; 8-10 minutes usually does the trick! Flip them halfway to ensure both sides get nicely toasted.
- Remove the baguette once they’re golden; if they start to darken too quickly, lower the oven temperature slightly.
By following these steps, you’ll have perfectly crispy crostinis ready for topping!
Goat Cheese and Cranberry Crostini
Ingredients:
- 1 baguette, sliced into 1/2 inch thick pieces
- 8 oz goat cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce (whole berry or slightly chunky)
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary leaves, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional: Honey for drizzling
Time Needed:
This delightful recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 10 minutes to cook. In about 25 minutes, you’ll have a delicious batch of crostini ready to impress your guests!
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure it’s nice and hot when you’re ready to toast the bread.
2. Prepare the Baguette:
Grab your baguette and slice it into pieces about 1/2 inch thick. Lay these slices out on a baking sheet. Use a brush or drizzle olive oil over each slice, making sure to coat both sides lightly.
3. Toast the Bread:
Pop the baking sheet in the oven and toast the bread for about 8 to 10 minutes. Keep an eye on them and flip the slices halfway through, so they get a nice golden color and crispiness on both sides.
4. Add the Goat Cheese:
Once the baguette slices are toasted, take them out of the oven and let them cool for a minute. Now, it’s time to spread a generous layer of the softened goat cheese on each toasted slice.
5. Top with Cranberries and Rosemary:
Next, spoon a small amount of cranberry sauce over the goat cheese. Make sure each slice gets a lovely dollop! Then, sprinkle the thinly sliced rosemary leaves on top of the cranberry sauce for that fresh flavor kick.
6. Finish with Pepper and Honey:
Add a light grind of freshly ground black pepper to each crostini. If you want to add a little sweetness, drizzle a small amount of honey over the top—it complements the flavors beautifully!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Arrange your beautiful crostini on a serving platter and serve them right away. Enjoy these creamy, tangy bites as a perfect appetizer or party snack!
With their stunning appearance and delicious flavors, these Goat Cheese and Cranberry Crostini are sure to be a hit at any gathering!
Can I Use Different Breads for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While a baguette is traditional, you can use other types of crusty bread like ciabatta or sourdough. Just make sure to adjust the toasting time as different breads may cook faster or slower.
How Can I Store Leftover Crostini?
If you have leftover crostini, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. For best results, keep the toasted bread separate from the toppings to avoid sogginess. Assemble them fresh before serving again!
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the goat cheese spread and cranberry sauce in advance. Just store them in the fridge until you’re ready to assemble! Toast the baguette slices fresh right before serving for that perfect crunch.
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Rosemary?
No problem! Fresh thyme, parsley, or even chives can work well as alternatives. Or you can skip the herbs altogether if you prefer a simpler flavor—these crostini will still be delicious!
