Get ready to elevate your appetizer game with a mouthwatering recipe that combines the creamy richness of goat cheese, the sweet burst of fresh blackberries, and the crispy perfection of toasted baguette. This Goat Cheese Blackberry Crostini is not just a simple appetizer – it's a gourmet experience that will transport your taste buds to the rolling hills of Italy with just one bite. Whether you're hosting a sophisticated dinner party or looking for a quick and impressive snack, this recipe is about to become your new culinary obsession!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 baguette, sliced
- 8 oz goat cheese
- 1 cup fresh blackberries
- Honey for drizzling
- Fresh mint for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Slice the baguette diagonally into 1/2-inch thick pieces, creating elegant oval-shaped crostini. Arrange the bread slices in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
- Lightly brush each baguette slice with olive oil on both sides to ensure a golden, crispy texture when toasted.
- Bake the baguette slices for 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are crisp and light golden brown around the edges.
- Remove the crostini from the oven and let them cool for 2-3 minutes to prevent burning when adding toppings.
- Spread a generous layer of soft goat cheese onto each toasted crostini, ensuring even coverage.
- Gently place 2-3 fresh blackberries on top of the goat cheese for each crostini.
- Drizzle honey in a delicate zigzag pattern over the blackberries, allowing it to cascade slightly down the sides.
- Finely chop fresh mint leaves and sprinkle them over the crostini as a final garnish.
- Serve immediately while the crostini are still warm and the goat cheese is soft, allowing guests to enjoy the contrast of temperatures and flavors.
Tips
- Choose the right baguette: Look for a fresh, crusty baguette with a good texture that will crisp up beautifully in the oven.
- Room temperature ingredients: Allow the goat cheese to sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before spreading for the smoothest application.
- Don't over-toast: Watch your crostini carefully to achieve a golden brown color without burning. The goal is a crisp, light crunch.
- Fresh is best: Use ripe, fresh blackberries for the most vibrant flavor and appearance.
- Honey matters: Use a high-quality, local honey for the best flavor. Drizzle sparingly to complement, not overpower, the other ingredients.
- Serve immediately: These crostini are best enjoyed right after preparation when the bread is crisp and the cheese is soft.
- Customize to taste: Feel free to experiment with different herb garnishes like basil or thyme if mint isn't your preference.
- Make ahead tip: You can prepare the toasted crostini and store them in an airtight container, then assemble just before serving to maintain maximum crispness.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 18g
Protein: 7g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 20mg
