Description
These Balsamic Blueberry Goat Cheese Crostinis are a delightful appetizer featuring crisp toasted baguette slices topped with creamy goat cheese, fresh blueberries, and a drizzle of sweet balsamic glaze. Garnished with fresh thyme or basil, they offer a perfect balance of tangy, sweet, and aromatic flavors — ideal for entertaining or a light snack.
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 evenly and to a perfect golden crisp.
- Slice the Baguette: Cut the baguette into rounds approximately 1/2-inch thick for ideal crostini size and texture.
- Brush with Olive Oil: Place the baguette slices on a baking sheet and lightly brush both sides with olive oil using a pastry brush. This helps achieve a crisp and flavorful base.
- Toast the Bread: Bake the slices in the oven for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure both sides become golden and crisp. Watch carefully to avoid burning. Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly.
- Spread the Goat Cheese: When the toasted baguette slices have cooled to a warm temperature, spread a thin layer of softened goat cheese on each slice using a knife or small spatula for a creamy topping.
- Add Fresh Blueberries: Place 3–5 fresh blueberries on top of the goat cheese layer on each crostini, depending on berry size, adding freshness and sweetness.
- Drizzle Balsamic Glaze: Lightly drizzle balsamic glaze over the blueberries on each crostini for a tangy-sweet flavor contrast. Optionally, add a small drizzle of honey for extra sweetness.
- Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle fresh thyme leaves or chopped basil on top to add aromatic depth and a pop of color.
- Arrange and Serve: Arrange the finished crostinis on a serving platter and serve immediately to keep the bread crisp and flavors vibrant.
Notes
- Use softened goat cheese for easy spreading and better texture.
- Balsamic glaze can be purchased or made at home by reducing balsamic vinegar until thickened.
- If fresh blueberries are not available, other berries like blackberries or raspberries can be used as alternatives.
- Serve immediately after assembling to prevent the bread from becoming soggy.
- For a vegan version, substitute goat cheese with a plant-based soft cheese and honey with maple syrup or agave.
