Description
These Tomato Goat Cheese Crostini offer a perfect balance of creamy goat cheese, fresh cherry tomatoes, and aromatic basil atop crispy baguette slices. A drizzle of sweet balsamic glaze finishes this elegant appetizer, ideal for entertaining or a light snack.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Crostini
- 1 baguette, sliced into 1/2” thick diagonal slices
- 4 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil (divided)
For the Tomato Topping
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes (12 oz), quartered
- 2 Tbsp fresh basil, chopped
- 1 garlic clove, minced or squeezed
- 1/8 tsp fine sea salt
- 1/8 tsp freshly ground black pepper
For Assembly
- 4 oz goat cheese (or Boursin cheese, or cream cheese)
- 2 Tbsp balsamic glaze (homemade or storebought)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Slice Baguette: Preheat your oven to 400°F, placing a rack in the center position to ensure even heat. Using a serrated knife, carefully slice the baguette into 1/2-inch thick diagonal slices for ideal texture and appearance.
- Toast the Bread: Arrange the baguette slices on a rimmed baking sheet to catch any drips. Brush both sides of each slice with approximately 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil from the total amount. Bake in the oven for 7 to 10 minutes until the edges turn a slight golden color, indicating crispiness. Remove from the oven and allow them to cool to room temperature to maintain crunch.
- Prepare Tomato Topping: While the bread is toasting, combine quartered cherry tomatoes, chopped basil, minced garlic, the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and black pepper in a mixing bowl. Gently toss all the ingredients together to blend the flavors without breaking down the tomatoes.
- Assemble the Crostini: Once the toasts have cooled, spread a generous layer of goat cheese (or your preferred soft cheese) evenly over each slice. Top with the prepared tomato mixture, distributing it equally among all crostini.
- Finish with Balsamic Glaze: Arrange the crostini on a serving platter and drizzle each piece with balsamic glaze to add a sweet, tangy finish that complements the creamy cheese and fresh tomatoes perfectly. Serve immediately to enjoy the contrasting textures and fresh flavors.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, use cream cheese or a plant-based goat cheese alternative.
- Balsamic glaze can be homemade by simmering balsamic vinegar until it thickens, or storebought for convenience.
- Make sure to cool the toasted bread before spreading the cheese to prevent melting and sogginess.
- Can be prepared ahead by making the tomato topping and toasting bread in advance; assemble just before serving.
- Use fresh basil for best flavor; dried basil will not provide the same freshness.
