Herbed Goat Cheese Crostini Bites
Highlighted under: World Cuisine Recipes
Delightful bites of crispy crostini topped with creamy herbed goat cheese, perfect for any gathering.
These Herbed Goat Cheese Crostini Bites are the ultimate appetizer! With a perfect blend of fresh herbs and creamy goat cheese, they are sure to impress your guests. Serve them at your next party or enjoy them as a delightful snack.
Why You'll Love These Bites
- Creamy goat cheese with fresh herbs for a burst of flavor
- Crunchy crostini that adds the perfect texture
- Quick and easy to prepare, making them ideal for last-minute gatherings
Perfect for Any Occasion
Herbed Goat Cheese Crostini Bites are the ultimate appetizer that can elevate any gathering. Whether you're hosting a formal dinner party, a casual get-together, or a holiday celebration, these bites will impress your guests. Their delightful combination of creamy goat cheese and crunchy bread makes them a versatile choice that complements a variety of dishes and drinks.
Not only do they look gorgeous on a platter, but they're also incredibly easy to make. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal preparation time, you can whip up a delicious hors d'oeuvre that looks like it came from a gourmet kitchen. Your friends and family will be raving about these crostini long after the last bite.
A Flavorful Twist
The herbed goat cheese spread adds a burst of flavor that is both fresh and satisfying. Using a mix of chives, parsley, and thyme not only enhances the taste but also brings vibrant colors to your appetizer. This blend of herbs beautifully complements the creamy texture of the goat cheese, creating an irresistible topping that pairs perfectly with the crispy crostini.
Feel free to get creative with the herb selection! You can substitute or add other herbs like basil, dill, or even a hint of rosemary for a unique twist. This recipe is very forgiving and allows you to tailor the flavors to suit your personal preferences or what's available in your pantry.
Serving Suggestions
These crostini can be served as a standalone appetizer or paired with a variety of accompaniments. Consider adding a side of olives, marinated artichokes, or a seasonal fruit platter to create a beautiful charcuterie board. The combination of flavors will entice your guests and provide a delightful culinary experience.
For an extra touch, drizzle a bit of balsamic glaze over the assembled crostini before serving. This not only adds a lovely presentation but also introduces a sweet and tangy element that balances the richness of the goat cheese beautifully.
Ingredients
For the Crostini
- 1 French baguette, sliced into 1/2 inch rounds
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Herbed Goat Cheese Spread
- 8 oz goat cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Prepare the Crostini
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the baguette slices on a baking sheet and brush both sides with olive oil. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
Make the Goat Cheese Spread
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened goat cheese, chives, parsley, thyme, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined and creamy.
Assemble the Crostini
Spread a generous layer of the herbed goat cheese mixture onto each crostini. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Tips for Success
To achieve the best texture for your crostini, ensure that your oven is fully preheated before baking. This helps the bread crisp up perfectly without becoming too hard. Additionally, flipping the crostini halfway through baking can ensure even browning and crispiness on both sides.
When preparing your herbed goat cheese spread, allowing the goat cheese to soften at room temperature will make it easier to mix and spread. This step is crucial for achieving that creamy texture that makes these bites so enjoyable.
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftover herbed goat cheese spread, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s great for up to a week and can be used as a spread for sandwiches or as a dip for fresh vegetables and crackers.
For the crostini, it's best to store them separately from the cheese spread to prevent them from becoming soggy. Keep the baked crostini in a sealed container at room temperature for a day, or in the freezer for longer storage. Just re-toast them in the oven to bring back their crispness.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can substitute goat cheese with cream cheese or ricotta if preferred.
→ How can I make the crostini ahead of time?
You can prepare the crostini and store them in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Toast them again before serving.
→ What herbs work best for this recipe?
Fresh herbs like basil, dill, or oregano can also be used for a different flavor profile.
→ Can I add toppings to the crostini?
Absolutely! Consider adding sliced tomatoes, olives, or a drizzle of balsamic glaze for extra flavor.
Herbed Goat Cheese Crostini Bites
Delightful bites of crispy crostini topped with creamy herbed goat cheese, perfect for any gathering.
Created by: Emily
Recipe Type: World Cuisine Recipes
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 12 servings
What You'll Need
For the Crostini
- 1 French baguette, sliced into 1/2 inch rounds
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Herbed Goat Cheese Spread
- 8 oz goat cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the baguette slices on a baking sheet and brush both sides with olive oil. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened goat cheese, chives, parsley, thyme, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined and creamy.
Spread a generous layer of the herbed goat cheese mixture onto each crostini. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Total Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sodium: 200mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 12g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 1g
- Protein: 5g