Description
These Balsamic Blueberry Goat Cheese Crostinis are an elegant and easy appetizer featuring toasted baguette slices topped with creamy goat cheese, fresh blueberries, a drizzle of tangy balsamic glaze, and a hint of honey and fresh herbs. Ready in just 20 minutes, they are perfect for entertaining or a light, flavorful snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Bread
- 1 baguette, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for brushing the baguette slices)
Toppings
- 4 ounces goat cheese, softened
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
- 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze
- 1 teaspoon honey (optional, for additional sweetness)
- Fresh thyme leaves or chopped basil, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for toasting the baguette slices evenly and until golden brown.
- Slice the Baguette: Cut the baguette into 1/2-inch thick rounds, ensuring uniform thickness for even toasting.
- Brush with Olive Oil: Lay the bread slices on a baking sheet, and using a pastry brush, lightly coat both sides of each slice with olive oil to help them crisp up nicely in the oven.
- Toast the Bread: Bake the slices for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they turn golden and crisp. Watch closely to avoid burning. Remove from oven and let slightly cool.
- Spread Goat Cheese: Once the toasted baguette slices have cooled to a warm temperature, spread a thin layer of softened goat cheese evenly over each slice using a knife or small spatula.
- Add Fresh Blueberries: Place 3 to 5 fresh blueberries on top of the goat cheese on each crostini, depending on berry size, to add a refreshing burst of flavor.
- Drizzle Balsamic Glaze and Honey: Drizzle each crostini with balsamic glaze for tanginess and, optionally, a small amount of honey for extra sweetness.
- Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle fresh thyme leaves or chopped basil over the crostinis to add an aromatic touch and visual appeal.
- Serve: Arrange the finished crostinis on a serving platter and serve immediately to preserve the crisp texture of the bread and the vibrant flavors.
Notes
- Use fresh, ripe blueberries for the best flavor and texture.
- Softening the goat cheese beforehand makes spreading easier and more even.
- You can prepare the toasted crostinis in advance and assemble just before serving to maintain crispiness.
- For a vegan version, substitute goat cheese with a suitable plant-based cheese alternative.
- If balsamic glaze is unavailable, reduce balsamic vinegar with sugar until syrupy.
