Tomatoes and goat cheese—what a pair! Every time I bite into one of these crostinis, I’m transported to a sun-drenched Italian piazza, even if I’m just standing in my kitchen with crumbs all over my shirt. The creamy tang of goat cheese against the sweet burst of cherry tomatoes is an experience, not just a taste—like a summer romance for your tastebuds, fleeting yet unforgettable.
Steps
- Preheat your oven to 400°F and slice a baguette into 1/2-inch thick diagonal slices. Arrange these slices on a baking sheet and brush each side with extra virgin olive oil.
- Toast the bread slices in the oven for 7 to 10 minutes until the edges turn golden, then let them cool to room temperature. Meanwhile, prepare the tomato topping by tossing quartered cherry tomatoes, chopped basil, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl.
- Once the toasted bread has cooled, spread goat cheese on each slice. Top with the prepared tomato mixture.
- Arrange the assembled crostini on a serving platter and finish with a drizzle of balsamic glaze before serving.
Ingredients
- 1 baguette, sliced into 1/2” thick diagonal slices
- 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes (approximately 12 ounces), quartered
- 2 tablespoons chopped basil
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/8 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 4 ounces goat cheese, or Boursin Cheese, or cream cheese
- 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze, for drizzling (homemade or store-bought)
Nutritional Values
Total Nutritional Values for the Entire Recipe (24 toasts) | Calories: 1560 kcal | Carbs: 144 g | Protein: 48 g | Fat: 96 g | Saturated Fat: 24 g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 9.6 g | Monounsaturated Fat: 48 g | Cholesterol: 48 mg | Sodium: 2280 mg | Potassium: 1008 mg | Fiber: 7.2 g | Sugar: 24 g | Vitamin A: 2832 IU | Vitamin C: 72 mg | Calcium: 24 mg | Iron: 24 mg
FAQ
- Can I use a different type of cheese instead of goat cheese?
- Yes, you can substitute goat cheese with Garlic and Herb Boursin cheese or even make a herbed cream cheese. Each option offers a unique flavor, so feel free to choose based on your preference.
- What type of tomatoes work best for this recipe?
- Cherry tomatoes are recommended because they are sweet and look attractive, but you can also use Roma or heirloom tomatoes when they are in season.
- Can I prepare any components of this dish in advance?
- Absolutely, you can toast the bread up to a day ahead and store it at room temperature. The tomato topping can also be made a day in advance, but omit the salt to prevent juiciness. The balsamic glaze can be prepared weeks in advance and stored at room temperature.
- How should I serve Tomato Goat Cheese Crostini to prevent it from getting soggy?
- If the crostini will be out for a while, consider letting guests assemble them themselves to keep them from becoming mushy. Arrange the toasted bread, tomato mixture, and glaze on a platter so guests can build their own.
- What are some alternative bread options for this recipe?
- Besides a baguette, you can use sliced sourdough or French bread. You might even opt for a whole slice of bread to make an open-faced sandwich. Choose whichever bread you prefer.
Tips
- Bread Consistency: When toasting the baguette slices, ensure the edges are golden and crisp while the center remains slightly soft. This balance prevents the crostini from becoming too hard, maintaining the perfect texture for your appetizer.
- Cheese Alternatives: If you’re not a fan of goat cheese, consider using Garlic and Herb Boursin cheese or herbed cream cheese instead. These alternatives offer a different flavor profile while maintaining the creamy texture that complements the other ingredients.
- Preparing Basil: To chop basil without bruising, stack the leaves, roll them into a tube, and then slice thinly with a sharp knife. Avoid running the knife over the basil more than once to preserve its fresh flavor and appearance.
- Make-Ahead Preparation: You can toast the bread and prepare the balsamic glaze up to a day in advance. Keep the tomato mixture in the fridge without salt to prevent it from becoming watery, and add salt just before assembling to ensure freshness.
Equipment
- Serrated Knife – Useful for slicing the baguette into even pieces.
- Rimmed Baking Sheet – For baking the crostini slices.
- Pastry/Basting Brush – To brush olive oil on the baguette slices.
- Garlic Press – For mincing or squeezing garlic cloves.
