Goat Cheese Crostini Recipe
These Goat Cheese Crostini are a delicious appetizer featuring crispy baguette slices topped with creamy herb-infused goat cheese and sweet, tangy balsamic caramelized onions. Perfect for entertaining or a sophisticated snack.
- Author: liam
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 24 crostini 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Bread and Topping
- 1 baguette (sliced into 1/2-inch rounds)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic (minced for brushing the bread)
Goat Cheese Mixture
- 8 ounces goat cheese (softened at room temperature)
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme (finely chopped)
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary (finely chopped)
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
Balsamic Caramelized Onions
- 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
- Prepare the Crostini: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the baguette slices on a baking sheet. In a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of olive oil with the minced garlic and melted butter. Brush both sides of each baguette slice with this mixture. Bake for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the crostini are golden and crispy. Remove from oven and set aside.
- Make the Herb-Infused Goat Cheese: In a medium bowl, combine the softened goat cheese with 1 tablespoon of fresh thyme, 1 tablespoon of fresh rosemary, and 1 teaspoon of lemon zest. Mix until well combined and set aside.
- Make the Balsamic Caramelized Onions: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 15-20 minutes until they become soft and golden. Add the balsamic vinegar, sugar, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and black pepper. Stir well and continue cooking for another 5-7 minutes until the onions are deeply caramelized. Remove from heat.
- Assemble the Crostini: Spread a generous layer of the herb-infused goat cheese on each crostini. Top with a spoonful of the balsamic caramelized onions. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh thyme and rosemary, if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Use day-old baguette for better texture when toasting.
- Softening the goat cheese at room temperature makes it easier to mix with herbs.
- You can prepare the caramelized onions in advance and store them refrigerated for up to 3 days.
- For a vegan version, substitute goat cheese with a plant-based soft cheese alternative.
- Adjust the amount of garlic in the crostini butter to suit your taste.
Keywords: Goat Cheese Crostini, Crostini with Onions, Appetizer, Balsamic Onion Crostini, Easy Party Snacks