Description
This Marinated Goat Cheese and Strawberry Crostini recipe features creamy, herb-infused goat cheese paired with fresh, juicy strawberries on toasted sourdough baguette slices. The goat cheese is marinated with basil, thyme, olive oil, and a hint of crushed red pepper flakes to add depth of flavor. Toasted bread is drizzled with olive oil and seasoned before being topped with the flavorful goat cheese, fresh strawberries, a drizzle of honey, and garnished with basil and sea salt. Perfect as an elegant appetizer or light snack, this dish delivers a delightful balance of creamy, sweet, and savory flavors.
Ingredients
Marinated Goat Cheese
- 1 (10 ounce) log goat cheese, sliced into 1/4 inch rounds
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil (plus more for drizzling)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil, plus more for serving
- 1 pinch crushed red pepper flakes
- Kosher salt and fresh black pepper, to taste
- 4 sprigs fresh thyme
For the Crostini
- 1 sourdough or French baguette, sliced
- Olive oil, for drizzling on bread
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
- Honey, for serving
- Sea salt, for sprinkling
Instructions
- Marinate the Goat Cheese: Arrange the goat cheese slices in a square baking dish. Sprinkle the chopped basil, crushed red pepper flakes, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper evenly over the cheese. Add the sprigs of fresh thyme on top. Drizzle 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil over everything to coat the goat cheese and herbs. Let the mixture sit at room temperature for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld, or refrigerate for up to 24 hours for deeper marination.
- Preheat the Grill or Oven: If using a grill, preheat it to high heat. If using an oven, preheat it to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (204 degrees Celsius).
- Prepare and Toast the Bread: Place the sliced baguette on a baking sheet. Drizzle olive oil on both sides of each slice and season lightly with salt. Place the bread slices on the grill and toast each side for 2-3 minutes until they are lightly golden and have grill marks. Alternatively, in the oven, toast the bread on a baking sheet for about 5-7 minutes per side until lightly golden and crisp. Remove the toasted bread from heat.
- Assemble the Crostini: Spread a generous layer of the marinated goat cheese onto each toasted bread slice. Top with a handful of sliced fresh strawberries. Garnish with additional fresh basil leaves and drizzle honey over the top. Finish with a light sprinkle of sea salt to enhance the flavors.
- Serve and Enjoy: Arrange the assembled crostini on a platter and serve immediately to enjoy the perfect contrast of creamy, sweet, and savory bites.
Notes
- You can marinate the goat cheese ahead of time to save prep time; refrigeration up to 24 hours deepens flavor.
- If you don’t have a grill, toasting the bread in the oven works equally well.
- For a spicier kick, increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes.
- Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best sweet and tangy contrast.
- Serve immediately after assembling to keep the bread crisp.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American