Introduction

Goat Cheese Crostini is a delightful appetizer that pairs creamy, herb-infused goat cheese with sweet balsamic caramelized onions on crispy toasted baguette slices. It’s perfect for entertaining or a simple snack that feels elegant yet easy to make.

The image shows a wooden board filled with small toasted baguette slices, each topped with a thick layer of creamy white cheese and a generous pile of caramelized dark brown onions. The toasts are laid out closely together, scattered with small green herb sprigs. Nearby, a white bowl holds more creamy cheese with a wooden spreader inside, and part of a bread loaf is visible on a beige cloth. The background is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 baguette (sliced into 1/2-inch rounds)
2 tablespoons olive oil (for brushing the bread)
2 tablespoons butter (melted, for brushing the bread)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
8 ounces goat cheese (softened at room temperature)
1 tablespoon fresh thyme (finely chopped)
1 tablespoon fresh rosemary (finely chopped)
1 teaspoon lemon zest
2 large onions (thinly sliced)
1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking the onions)
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon salt (divided)
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the baguette slices on a baking sheet.
Step 2: In a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons olive oil with the minced garlic and melted butter. Brush both sides of each baguette slice with this mixture.
Step 3: Bake the slices for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the crostini are golden and crispy. Set aside.
Step 4: In a medium bowl, combine the softened goat cheese with 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, and 1 teaspoon lemon zest. Mix until well combined. Set aside.
Step 5: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, for 15-20 minutes until soft and golden.
Step 6: Add balsamic vinegar, sugar, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and black pepper to the onions. Stir well and cook for another 5-7 minutes until onions are deeply caramelized. Remove from heat.
Step 7: Spread a generous layer of the herb-infused goat cheese on each crostini.
Step 8: Top each with a spoonful of balsamic caramelized onions and garnish with extra fresh thyme and rosemary if desired.

Tips & Variations

Use day-old baguette for better texture and crispiness when toasting.
Swap thyme and rosemary for sage or basil for a different herb flavor.
Add a drizzle of honey over the assembled crostini for a touch of sweetness.
For a vegan version, substitute goat cheese with a plant-based soft cheese.

Storage

Store leftover caramelized onions in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Assemble crostini just before serving to maintain crispiness. If you need to prepare crostini in advance, toast the bread and store in a sealed bag for up to 2 days; reheat briefly in the oven before assembling.

How to Serve

Slices of toasted bread are spread out across a brown baking tray. Each slice has a golden-brown crust with a soft, light beige inside full of large holes typical of artisan bread. The top of each slice glistens with melted butter, creating a shiny, yellow layer that contrasts with the light bread. The buttery topping is unevenly spread, making some parts look gooey while others are more soaked into the bread. Drops of melted butter also lie scattered around the slices on the tray, adding a wet shine to the scene. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought caramelized onions?

Yes, store-bought caramelized onions can be used for convenience, but homemade versions have a richer, fresher flavor that complements the goat cheese beautifully.

How do I soften goat cheese quickly?

To soften goat cheese faster, leave it at room temperature for about 30 minutes before use. Alternatively, microwave it on low power in short 10-second intervals, softening it gently without melting.