This balsamic strawberry crostini with goat cheese is a really easy appetizer that you will definitely enjoy. With macerated strawberries, goat cheese, and crostini, it is so full of flavor. Perfect for the holidays or small bites.
If there ever was a perfect flavor combination it is strawberries and goat cheese. At least it is one of my favorite combinations.
It is very similar to the idea of strawberries and cream but with the goat cheese, you also get to add that extra tangy flavor. We make lots of this crostini in the summer because it is so light but we also serve this an an appetizer when entertaining.
The strawberries in this recipe are marinated in some balsamic vinegar and if you have never heard of this or tried this before then you are in for a treat. This crostini is easy to make and it always impresses guests.
What You Will Need
- Fresh strawberries
- Balsamic vinegar
- Baguette bread
- Olive Oil
- Goat cheese: Make sure it is plain goat cheese.
- Honey: this is the optional drizzle over the top of the crostini at the end.
- Granulated Sugar
How To Make This Strawberry Crostini
(full recipe below)
- Bring goat cheese to room temp: Place the goat cheese on the counter about 30 minutes before youo need it to allow it to soften.
- Make the macerated strawberries: Combine the quartered strawberries, sugar and balsamic vinegar in a medium bowl and mix well.
- Make the crostini: Brush sliced up baguette bread with olive oil then place on a sheet pan under the broiler for 1-2 minutes on each side or until golden brown.
- Assemble: Spread the soft goat cheese over the cooled crostini. Scoop some of the strawberries over the top then drizzle with a little honey.
The strawberries become nice and sweet and make the perfect contrast to the goat cheese. The end result is pure deliciousness and no need to reduce the vinegar on the stovetop to get a beautiful sauce.
Tips
- Make this right before you are ready to eat it: You can make the strawberries ahead of time but the crostini and assembling portion are best to do right before you are ready to serve them.
- Buy good baguette bread: A good quality baguette bread will make all the difference in how the crostini tastes. Look for the best quality you can.
- Make sure to buy plain goat cheese: Goat cheese is often sold with herbs or flavors already in the goat cheese. Make sure to buy plain goat cheese for best results.
Storing
This crostini is best eaten the same day since crostini bread does not stay crisp the next day. If you do have leftovers, store all the parts in separate air-tight containers. Store the crostini on the counter and the goat cheese and strawberries in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Variations
- Omit the balsamic: This crostini is wonderful with regular macerated strawberries. Just omit the balsamic vinegar to make it this way.
- Add fresh herbs: fresh basil goes wonderfully with the strawberries for a floral note.
- Try this with another fruit: Macerated peaches or nectarines are another great idea for the fruit topping on the crostini.
- Use cottage cheese: You can make a whipped cottage cheese in place of the goat cheese if you prefer.
More Crostini Recipes You May Love
Balsamic Strawberries and Goat Cheese Crostini
Ingredients
Macerated Strawberries
- 1 pint Fresh strawberries cleaned and dried preferably organic
- 3 tablespoon sugar
- 2 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
Crostini
- 1 large baguette
- 8 ounces room temperature goat cheese
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- honey optional- for drizzling over top before serving
Instructions
Goat Cheese
- Remove the goat cheese from the fridge and allow to come to room temperature.8 ounces room temperature goat cheese
Macerated Strawberries
- Grab a medium bowl and set aside
- Prepare your cleaned strawberries by cutting the tops off and cutting them into quarters1 pint Fresh strawberries cleaned and dried
- Add your quartered strawberries to your bowl
- Now add your vinegar and sugar to the bowl3 tablespoon sugar, 2 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- Gently mix together
- Let the mixture sit for 15 minutes on the counter or up to 4 hours in the refrigerator.
Making the Crostini
- Preheat your broiler.
- Slice up your baguette at a slight angle making pieces of bread that are about 1 inch thick.1 large baguette
- Place your bread on a large baking sheet and brush the tops of your bread with the olive oil (or drizzle the oil if you have a narrow spout on your olive oil)2 tablespoon olive oil
- Place under the broiler until it is nicely browned but not burned, about 1-2 minutes.
- Take out of the broiler and carefully flip the bread over and place back under the broiler to brown the other side.
- When done, remove from the oven and set aside for a few minutes to cool.
Assembling
- Take a spoonful of your room temperature goat cheese and spread over your crostini.
- Add a spoonful of your strawberries over the goat cheese.
- Drizzle a little of the balsamic glaze over the strawberries.
- Add to a plate.
- Drizzle with a little honey (optional)honey
- Enjoy!
Nutrition
Nutrition Values are estimates only.
See full nutrition disclaimer hereTried the Recipe? We Would Love To Hear From You In The Comments Below!
Meggy says
Thank you for sharing this recipe