These goat cheese cranberry crostinis are a fun and tasty snack! With creamy goat cheese and sweet-tart cranberry sauce on crispy bread, they’re perfect for party time or cozy evenings!
Who could resist that pairing? I love making a big batch and enjoying them while binge-watching my favorite shows. So easy to make, and everyone always asks for the recipe! 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Baguette: A French baguette gives a nice crunch. If you can’t find one, try ciabatta or sourdough for a different twist. Just look for bread with a crispy crust!
Goat Cheese: Soft goat cheese is ideal, but if you’re not a fan, cream cheese or ricotta can work in a pinch. For a tangy flavor, you might even try feta cheese.
Cranberry Sauce: Store-bought cranberry sauce saves time, but homemade is delightful! You can easily make it with fresh or frozen cranberries, sugar, and a splash of orange juice. If you want less sweetness, a relish can be great too!
Fresh Herbs: Herbs elevate the flavor! If fresh herbs aren’t handy, dried ones are a good backup. Just use less—about a third of the amount recommended since dried herbs are stronger.
How Do You Toast Bread for Perfect Crostini?
Toasting bread for crostini is key to getting that satisfying crunch. Here’s a simple way to do it:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) while you slice the bread.
- Lay the bread slices on a baking sheet in a single layer. This helps them toast evenly.
- Brush lightly with olive oil for flavor and crispness.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes; keep an eye on them! They should be golden, not burnt.
Make sure to let them cool slightly before adding toppings. This keeps the cheese from melting too much!
Goat Cheese Cranberry Crostini
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Crostini:
- 1 French baguette or similar crusty bread, sliced about 1/2 inch thick
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Topping:
- 6 oz (170 g) goat cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup fresh herbs (such as thyme, rosemary, or tarragon), finely chopped (optional)
- 1 cup cranberry sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- Fresh herbs or zest (like lemon or orange zest) for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This easy recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and about 10 minutes to cook. In just 25 minutes, you’ll have delicious crostinis ready to impress your guests!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Before you start preparing the crostini, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your bread toasts evenly while you gather your ingredients.
2. Prepare the Bread:
Slice the baguette into pieces about 1/2 inch thick. Place these slices on a baking sheet in a single layer. Lightly brush each slice with olive oil to add flavor and help achieve that nice, crunchy texture.
3. Toast the Bread:
Pop the baking sheet into your preheated oven and toast the bread for about 8-10 minutes. Keep an eye on them; you want them golden and crisp but not burnt! Once they’re done, take them out and let them cool for a moment.
4. Prepare the Goat Cheese Mixture:
While the bread is cooling, grab a bowl and mix the softened goat cheese with the finely chopped fresh herbs if you’re using them. This adds a lovely flavor to the cheese!
5. Assemble the Crostini:
Now comes the fun part! Spread a generous layer of the herb goat cheese on each slice of toasted baguette. You really want to get a nice creamy layer on there.
6. Add the Cranberry Sauce:
Top the goat cheese with a spoonful of cranberry sauce on each crostini. The sweet-tart flavor of the cranberry is such a perfect match for the creamy cheese!
7. Garnish:
For a touch of color and flavor, garnish each crostini with some fresh herb sprigs or thin strips of zest. This will make them look as good as they taste!
8. Serve and Enjoy!
Arrange your beautiful crostinis on a serving platter and enjoy immediately. They make a delightful appetizer or a decadent snack! Everyone will love them!
Enjoy your delicious Goat Cheese Cranberry Crostini!
Can I Use a Different Type of Cheese?
Absolutely! If goat cheese isn’t your favorite, try cream cheese, ricotta, or even feta for a different flavor profile. Just make sure the cheese is spreadable for easy application on the bread!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover crostini in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. However, keep in mind that the bread may lose its crispness. If possible, it’s best to store the toppings separately and assemble them fresh when ready to eat!
Can I Make Crostini Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can toast the bread ahead of time and store it in an airtight container. Just assemble the crostini with goat cheese and cranberry sauce shortly before serving to maintain the texture and freshness.
What if I Don’t Have Fresh Herbs?
No worries! If you don’t have fresh herbs on hand, you can use dried herbs instead. Just use about a third of the amount, as dried herbs are more concentrated in flavor. Mix them directly into the goat cheese for added taste!