This mouthwatering Strawberry Goat Cheese Crostini is an easy strawberry appetizer that’s perfect for summer entertaining.
This simple sweet-and-savoury appetizer showcases fresh strawberries on crunchy toasted baguette slices topped with creamy goat cheese and finished with a glossy maple-balsamic reduction and a scattering of fresh herbs.
Bright, colorful, and quick to assemble, these crostini are ideal for summer gatherings, potlucks, or a light starter before a meal. Use ripe local strawberries for the best flavor.
How to Make this Strawberry Appetizer
These crostini combine a few simple components that come together in minutes: toasted baguette, tangy goat cheese, sliced strawberries, a sweet balsamic glaze, and fresh mint or basil. Below is a concise overview of the ingredients and steps; the full recipe with exact amounts follows.
Ingredients Overview
- Baguette, thinly sliced
- Fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- Goat cheese (ricotta or mascarpone can be substituted)
- Extra-virgin olive oil
- Balsamic vinegar
- Pure maple syrup
- Fresh mint or basil, finely chopped
Steps Overview
- Make a maple-balsamic reduction by simmering equal parts maple syrup and balsamic vinegar until the mixture reduces and thickens into a glossy glaze.
- Toast the baguette slices until golden and crisp; you can do this ahead and store them in an airtight container for a day or two.
- Spread goat cheese on each crostini, top with sliced strawberries, then drizzle with the balsamic reduction.
- Finish with a sprinkle of thinly sliced fresh mint or basil and serve immediately.
Serving Suggestions
Assemble the crostini shortly before serving to preserve the crispness of the toasted bread. They pair beautifully with chilled white wine, sparkling water with lemon, or a light summer cocktail. A platter of crostini also complements a simple green salad or a cheese board for a relaxed gathering.
If you go strawberry picking and come home with an abundance of berries, this recipe is a delicious way to showcase them.
Enjoy serving a platter of these refreshing, elegant crostini at your next summer get-together!
More Mouthwatering Appetizers
- Pear and Brie Crostini
- Smoked Salmon and Boursin Crostini
- Muhammara (Roasted Red Pepper Dip)
- Mixed Spiced Nuts
- Rosemary Spiced Roasted Almonds
Strawberry Goat Cheese Crostini Recipe
Ingredients
Strawberry Goat Cheese Crostini
- ½ baguette, thinly sliced crosswise into ½ inch slices
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil (more if needed)
- 4 ounces goat cheese (approx. ½ cup)
- 1 cup strawberries, fresh, stems removed and sliced
- 2 sprigs fresh mint or basil, thinly sliced
Maple Balsamic Reduction
- ¼ cup pure maple syrup
- ¼ cup balsamic vinegar (good quality)
Instructions
Maple Balsamic Reduction
- Add equal parts maple syrup and balsamic vinegar to a small pot over medium heat. When it begins to simmer, reduce heat to medium-low and let it gently simmer until reduced by about half (6–8 minutes). Remove from heat and cool before drizzling.
Strawberry Goat Cheese Crostini
- Place an oven rack in the highest position and preheat the broiler. Arrange the baguette slices on a baking tray and brush one side with olive oil. Broil until lightly golden, about 3 minutes. Turn slices, brush the other side with oil, and broil about 3 minutes more. Let crostini cool to room temperature.
- Spread goat cheese over each cooled crostini, top with sliced strawberries, drizzle with the maple-balsamic reduction, and sprinkle with sliced mint or basil.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- Store-bought balsamic glaze can be used instead of making a homemade reduction.
- For a less-sweet glaze, try a 2:1 ratio of balsamic vinegar to maple syrup.
- Baguette slices can be toasted ahead and stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one day.