These Goat Cheese and Cranberry Crostini are a perfect blend of creamy and sweet. Crispy bread topped with tangy goat cheese and a burst of cranberry flavor makes them fun to eat!
I love making these for gatherings. They disappear quickly, and I secretly want to keep them all for myself! Serve them as an appetizer or snack, and watch everyone enjoy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Baguette: A good French baguette gives the crostini the perfect crunch. If you can’t find a baguette, try ciabatta or sourdough bread. These options still give that nice, crispy base!
Goat Cheese: Soft goat cheese is creamy and tangy, a key flavor in this dish. If you have a dairy intolerance, try using a vegan cream cheese or a soft cashew cheese for a similar texture.
Cranberry Sauce: You can use homemade or store-bought cranberry sauce. If you’re short on time, a cranberry jam works well too. For a twist, try using peach or raspberry jam for a fruity variation!
Fresh Rosemary: Rosemary adds a wonderful aroma. If you don’t have fresh rosemary, dried rosemary can suffice, just use it sparingly as it’s more potent. Thyme or basil could also work for a different flavor.
How Do I Get My Baguette Slices Perfectly Crispy?
To achieve that ideal crunch, here’s what to do:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This heats the bread without burning it.
- Brush bread slices lightly with olive oil on both sides. This helps them crisp up nicely.
- Toast in the oven for about 8-10 minutes. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning!
- Flip the slices halfway through for even browning.
By following these steps, you’ll have perfectly crispy crostini every time, ready to be topped with your delicious goat cheese and cranberry mix!
Goat Cheese And Cranberry Crostini
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 baguette, sliced into 1/2-inch thick slices
- 4 oz (115g) soft goat cheese
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce or whole berry cranberry jam
- Fresh rosemary sprigs for garnish
- Olive oil, for brushing
- Optional: freshly ground black pepper for seasoning
How Much Time Will You Need?
This scrumptious dish will take about 15 minutes to prepare and another 10 minutes to toast the bread. In total, you should be ready to serve these tasty crostini in about 25 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This helps ensure your baguette slices get crisp and toasty.
2. Prepare the Baguette:
Lay out all your baguette slices on a baking sheet. Using a brush or a spoon, lightly drizzle olive oil on each slice, making sure to do both sides. This will give them a nice crunch when baked!
3. Toast the Bread:
Now it’s time to toast! Place the baking sheet in your preheated oven and bake for about 8-10 minutes. Be sure to flip the slices halfway through so they brown evenly. You want them to be golden and crispy!
4. Spread the Goat Cheese:
Once the baguette slices are done, take them out of the oven and let them cool for a minute. Then, spread a generous amount of soft goat cheese on each slice while they’re still warm. This helps the cheese melt a little and blend beautifully with the bread.
5. Top with Cranberry Sauce:
Next, add a spoonful of cranberry sauce or jam on top of the goat cheese. The sweet-tart flavor of the cranberries pairs perfectly with the creamy cheese!
6. Garnish and Season:
For a nice finishing touch, place a small sprig of fresh rosemary on each crostini. If you like a bit of spice, you can also sprinkle a tiny bit of freshly ground black pepper on top. This step is totally optional, but it adds a nice flavor!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Arrange your gorgeous crostini on a serving platter and serve them immediately. These delightful bites are perfect as an appetizer or a snack, and they’re sure to be a hit with everyone!
Enjoy your Goat Cheese and Cranberry Crostini—they’re delicious little treats that are easy to make and even easier to eat!
Can I Use Other Types of Bread for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While a baguette is traditional, you can use ciabatta, sourdough, or even gluten-free bread. Just make sure to slice it thick enough to hold the toppings without getting soggy.
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Rosemary?
No worries! If you don’t have fresh rosemary, you can use dried rosemary—just use a smaller amount since dried herbs are more concentrated. Alternatively, thyme or basil could also work for a different flavor profile.
Can I Make These Crostini in Advance?
While it’s best to serve them fresh, you can prepare the components ahead of time. Toast the baguette slices and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Refrigerate the goat cheese and cranberry sauce separately, then assemble just before serving for optimal freshness!
How Should I Store Leftover Crostini?
Leftover crostini can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. However, the bread may lose its crunch. To refresh, re-toast them briefly in the oven before enjoying!