Goat Cheese, Honey, & Fruit Crostini Recipe

Baguette: A French bread that is sliced into ½-inch pieces to create the base for the crostini.

Goat cheese: A soft, tangy cheese that is spread on the crostini for a creamy texture.

Honey: A natural sweetener that is drizzled over the goat cheese for added sweetness.

Fresh fruit: Such as berries, figs, or sliced peaches, used to top the crostini and provide a burst of fresh flavor.

Olive oil: Used for brushing the baguette slices before baking to give them a golden, crisp texture.

To enhance the flavor of your crostini, try toasting the baguette slices on a grill instead of baking them. This will add a subtle smoky flavor and beautiful grill marks. Additionally, when spreading the goat cheese, make sure it is at room temperature for easier spreading and a creamier texture. For the fruit, choose ripe and seasonal options to ensure the best taste and presentation.

• baguette - Substitute with sourdough bread: Sourdough bread has a similar texture and can be sliced into pieces just like a baguette.

• baguette - Substitute with ciabatta: Ciabatta has a slightly different texture but works well for crostini due to its airy and crusty nature.

• goat cheese - Substitute with cream cheese: Cream cheese has a similar creamy texture and mild flavor, making it a good alternative.

• goat cheese - Substitute with ricotta cheese: Ricotta is also creamy and can be spread easily, providing a similar mouthfeel.

• honey - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup has a similar sweetness and can be drizzled over the crostini just like honey.

• honey - Substitute with agave nectar: Agave nectar is another sweetener that can be used in place of honey, offering a similar consistency.

• fresh fruit - Substitute with dried fruit: Dried fruit like apricots or cranberries can add a different texture but still provide sweetness and flavor.

• fresh fruit - Substitute with fruit preserves: Fruit preserves or jams can be spread on the crostini to add a fruity flavor if fresh fruit is not available.

• olive oil - Substitute with butter: Butter can be used for brushing to add a rich flavor and help the bread crisp up.

• olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a similar consistency and can be used for brushing to achieve a similar result.

• Allow the crostini to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation from making them soggy.
• Store the baguette slices separately from the toppings. Place the toasted slices in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay crisp for up to 2 days.
• For the goat cheese, transfer it to a small airtight container and refrigerate. It will remain fresh for up to a week.
• Keep the fresh fruit in the refrigerator. Store berries, figs, or sliced peaches in a separate container to maintain their freshness.
• If you need to freeze the crostini, place the toasted baguette slices in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
• When ready to serve, reheat the frozen baguette slices in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes or until they are crisp again.
• Assemble the crostini just before serving. Spread the goat cheese, drizzle with honey, and top with fresh fruit for the best texture and flavor.
• Avoid freezing the goat cheese and fresh fruit together on the crostini, as the texture of the fruit may become mushy, and the cheese may lose its creamy consistency.

• Oven Method:

  1. preheat your oven to 350°f (175°c).
  2. place the leftover crostini on a baking sheet, ensuring they are spaced out evenly.
  3. cover the baking sheet loosely with aluminum foil to prevent the goat cheese from over-browning.
  4. bake for about 5-7 minutes, or until the baguette slices are warmed through and slightly crisp.
  5. remove from the oven and let cool for a minute before serving.

• Toaster Oven Method:

  1. preheat your toaster oven to 350°f (175°c).
  2. arrange the crostini on the toaster oven tray.
  3. cover with a piece of aluminum foil to protect the goat cheese.
  4. heat for about 5 minutes, checking occasionally to ensure they don’t overheat.
  5. let them cool slightly before serving.

• Microwave Method:

  1. place the crostini on a microwave-safe plate.
  2. cover with a microwave-safe lid or another plate to prevent splattering.
  3. microwave on medium power for 20-30 seconds, checking to see if the goat cheese is warmed through.
  4. be cautious not to overheat, as the baguette can become chewy.
  5. allow to cool for a moment before enjoying.

• Skillet Method:

  1. heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
  2. place the crostini in the skillet, cheese side up.
  3. cover the skillet with a lid to create a mini-oven effect.
  4. heat for about 2-3 minutes, or until the baguette is warm and the goat cheese is slightly melty.
  5. remove from the skillet and let cool briefly before serving.

• Air Fryer Method:

  1. preheat your air fryer to 320°f (160°c).
  2. place the crostini in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
  3. air fry for about 3-4 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure even heating.
  4. let them cool for a minute before serving.

• Broiler Method:

  1. preheat your broiler on low.
  2. place the crostini on a baking sheet.
  3. broil for about 1-2 minutes, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.
  4. remove from the broiler and let cool slightly before serving.

• Oven: To preheat and bake the baguette slices until they are golden and crisp.

• Baking sheet: To arrange the baguette slices on for baking.

• Pastry brush: To brush the baguette slices lightly with olive oil.

• Knife: To slice the baguette into ½-inch pieces.

• Cutting board: To provide a stable surface for slicing the baguette.

• Spreading knife: To spread the softened goat cheese on each crostini.

• Measuring spoons: To measure out the honey and olive oil.

• Serving platter: To arrange and serve the finished crostini.

• Small bowl: To hold the honey for drizzling.

• Spoon: To drizzle the honey over the crostini.

Pre-slice the baguette: Slice the baguette ahead of time and store in an airtight container to save prep time.

Soften the goat cheese: Leave the goat cheese out at room temperature for about 30 minutes before spreading to make it easier to work with.

Use pre-cut fruit: Buy pre-cut fruit from the store to eliminate chopping time.

Prepare in batches: Toast the baguette slices in large batches to reduce oven time.

Assemble just before serving: Have all ingredients ready and assemble the crostini just before serving to keep them fresh and crisp.