These Goat Cheese Cranberry Crostini are the perfect little bites for any gathering! The creamy goat cheese pairs wonderfully with the sweet, tangy cranberry topping.
They’re so easy to make! Just toast some bread, spread on the goat cheese, and add a scoop of cranberries. I always steal a few before serving—who could resist? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Baguette: A crusty baguette gives these crostini a great texture. If you can’t find a baguette, you can use any crusty bread like ciabatta or sourdough. Just remember to slice it thin for that perfect crunch!
Goat Cheese: Creamy goat cheese is essential for its rich flavor. If you’re not a fan, try using cream cheese mixed with a bit of lemon juice for tang. Ricotta also works, but it’s less creamy.
Cranberry Sauce: Fresh or canned cranberry sauce works well. If you’re looking for a twist, consider using fig jam or a sweet chutney instead for a different flavor profile!
Herbs: Rosemary and thyme add great freshness. If you’re short on herbs, dried versions can be used, but I recommend fresh wherever possible for the best taste.
How Do I Get My Baguette Perfectly Toasted?
Toasting the baguette slices just right is key to achieving that crisp texture. Start with a good quality baguette, slice it evenly, and brush with olive oil for flavor.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s nice and hot.
- Arrange the baguette slices on a baking sheet. Brush both sides with olive oil—this adds flavor and helps crispiness!
- Toast them for about 8-10 minutes. Flip halfway through to ensure they’re evenly crispy.
- Keep an eye on them towards the end to avoid burning!
Once done, they should be golden and ready to be topped with your tasty goat cheese and cranberry mix. Enjoy your crostini!
How to Make Goat Cheese Cranberry Crostini
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Crostini:
- 1 baguette, sliced diagonally into 1/2-inch thick slices
- 1 tbsp olive oil
For the Topping:
- 8 oz goat cheese, softened
- 1 cup fresh or canned cranberry sauce (whole cranberry style)
- 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped (optional)
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh mint or sage leaves for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 15 minutes to prepare and assemble the ingredients, plus an additional 10 minutes for toasting the bread. In total, you’re looking at around 25 minutes from start to finish! Perfect for a quick and tasty appetizer.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will get the oven nice and hot for toasting those baguette slices perfectly!
2. Prepare the Baguette:
Next, take your sliced baguette and arrange them on a baking sheet. Brush each slice lightly with olive oil on both sides—this adds flavor and helps them turn golden and crispy.
3. Toast the Bread:
Now, place the baking sheet in the oven and toast the bread slices for about 8-10 minutes. Make sure to flip them halfway to ensure both sides get crispy. Keep an eye on them, so they don’t burn!
4. Make the Goat Cheese Mixture:
While the bread is toasting, grab a bowl and mix the softened goat cheese with the finely chopped fresh rosemary and thyme, if you’re using them. Add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. This mix will be creamy and flavorful!
5. Assemble the Crostini:
Once the bread is done toasting and has cooled slightly, spread a generous layer of the herbed goat cheese mixture on each slice. Don’t be shy with that cheese!
6. Add the Cranberry Sauce:
Spoon the cranberry sauce over the goat cheese on each crostini. The sweet tartness of the cranberry sauce pairs beautifully with the creamy cheese.
7. Garnish and Serve:
For the finishing touch, garnish each crostini with a fresh mint or sage leaf. This adds a nice pop of color and a hint of freshness.
8. Enjoy!
Serve the crostini immediately and watch them disappear! These bites are perfect for parties, holiday gatherings, or even as a snack at home.
With the creamy tang of goat cheese and the sweet tart cranberry topping, these crostini will be a hit every time! Enjoy!
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! If goat cheese isn’t your favorite, you can substitute it with cream cheese for a milder flavor or brie for a more decadent touch. Just make sure to soften them for easy spreading.
How Can I Store Leftover Crostini?
If you have any leftovers, store the assembled crostini in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. However, to keep the bread crispy, it’s best to store the goat cheese and cranberry sauce separately and assemble them just before serving.
Can I Make These Crostini Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the goat cheese mixture and toast the baguette slices in advance. Just store them separately in the fridge until you’re ready to assemble and serve them for freshness!
What Can I Serve with These Crostini?
These crostini pair wonderfully with a variety of beverages. A nice white wine or sparkling cider complements the dish perfectly. You can also serve them alongside a simple arugula salad for a more substantial appetizer spread!