Description
These Balsamic Blueberry Goat Cheese Crostinis are a delightful appetizer featuring toasted baguette slices topped with creamy goat cheese, fresh blueberries, and a drizzle of tangy balsamic glaze. Garnished with fresh herbs, they offer a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and aromatic flavors. Ready in just 20 minutes, they make an elegant and easy-to-prepare snack or party bite.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Crostinis
- 1 baguette, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for brushing the baguette slices)
For the Topping
- 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 to a crispy golden perfection.
- Slice the Baguette: Cut the baguette into rounds about 1/2-inch thick to create a suitable base for the crostinis.
- Brush with Olive Oil: Arrange the baguette slices on a baking sheet and use a pastry brush to lightly coat both sides with olive oil, which helps achieve a crispy texture and adds flavor.
- Toast the Bread: Bake the bread slices for 8–10 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure even toasting. Keep a close watch to avoid burning. Once golden and crisp, remove from the oven and let cool slightly.
- Spread the Goat Cheese: When the toasted slices are still warm but manageable, spread a thin layer of softened goat cheese on each piece using a knife or small spatula for a creamy base.
- Add Fresh Blueberries: Gently place 3–5 fresh blueberries per crostini on top of the goat cheese layer, depending on berry size, to add a burst of freshness and sweetness.
- Drizzle Balsamic Glaze: Drizzle each crostini with balsamic glaze using a spoon or squeeze bottle to impart a tangy sweetness that complements the berries and cheese.
- Add Honey (Optional): For extra sweetness, lightly drizzle each crostini with honey, enhancing the flavor balance.
- Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle fresh thyme leaves or chopped basil over the crostinis for a fragrant, colorful finish.
- Arrange and Serve: Place the completed crostinis on a serving platter and serve immediately to maintain crispness and vibrant flavors.
Notes
- Ensure the goat cheese is softened at room temperature for easy spreading.
- Watch the bread closely while toasting to avoid burning.
- Fresh blueberries can be substituted with other small berries like raspberries or blackberries if desired.
- Balsamic glaze adds a concentrated sweetness; regular balsamic vinegar would be too watery.
- These crostinis are best served immediately to keep the bread crisp.
