You won't be able to eat just one of these delightful Strawberry Goat Cheese Bruschetta! This simple appetizer recipe combines the sweetest summer strawberries with creamy goat cheese, fragrant basil and a touch of tangy balsamic vinegar for an irresistible party bite that everyone will love.
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Summer food is meant to be easy and low key but that doesn't mean it can't be delicious. This Strawberry Goat Cheese Bruschetta recipe is the perfect example. Pieces of toasted bread are generously smeared with creamy goat cheese and topped with juicy strawberries, zesty balsamic vinegar and sprinkled with fresh basil for a simple, sweet and savory snack. It's the perfect start to any summer party.
Want more summer appetizers? Keep it classic with this easy with our Tomato Bruschetta recipe or break out the grill for these Stuffed Mini Peppers!
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Why you'll love this recipe
- It's packed with flavor: These delicious bites have it all - sweet, savory, tangy, creamy and crunchy goodness in every mouthful.
- It's easy to make: You only need a handful of ingredients to make this simple appetizer. Who doesn't love a reliable, easy recipe?
- It's so versatile: Make the recipe as is or create your own version. Swap strawberries for peaches or goat cheese for ricotta. You get the idea. Check out the ingredients and substitutions section below for loads of options to create an irresistible appetizer with whatever you have on hand.
Ingredients and Substitutions
This strawberry bruschetta recipe is made from just a handful of fresh ingredients:
ingredient notes
- Baguette: I toasted slices of fresh baguette bread, but feel free to use any sturdy artisan bread, including sourdough boule, ciabatta or crusty french bread.
- Strawberries: Pick the ripest strawberries you can find for the best flavor. Blackberries or chopped peaches would also be delicious.
- Goat cheese: I LOVE goat cheese, so it's no surprise that it's a primary ingredient in this goat cheese crostini recipe. If you're not a fan of tangy goat cheese, whipped feta cheese, ricotta cheese or even cream cheese will also work well.
- Cream cheese: I use just a bit to give the whipped goat cheese a smooth, creamy, spreadable texture.
- Balsamic vinegar: I prefer white balsamic vinegar as it retains the vibrant color of the berries, but you can also use dark balsamic vinegar if that's what you have on hand. Another option is to use a bottle of balsamic glaze. It will be sweeter than plain balsamic vinegar so reduce the amount you use initially and then adjust if needed.
- Basil: Fresh basil is a must. The vibrant flavor it gives this recipe cannot be duplicated with the dried version.
- Sea salt and coarsely ground black pepper: Don't skip these ingredients! They seem insignificant but a sprinkle on each crostini really adds to deliciousness of this recipe.
Instructions
This goat cheese appetizer comes together in minutes!
Brush slices of baguette with olive oil. Bake for 8 minutes or until lightly toasted. Remove from oven and allow to cool.
Toast Bread
Brush slices of baguette with olive oil. Bake until lightly toasted.
Make Goat Cheese Spread
Add goat cheese, cream cheese and honey to the bowl of a food processor and process until smooth.
Assemble
Stir together the strawberries and vinegar in medium bowl. Spread goat cheese mixture on toasted bread slices. Top with strawberries, basil, flaky sea salt and coarsely ground black pepper.
FAQs
In a word, crunchiness. Crostini actually translates to "little toasts" in Italian. They are small, thin slices of toasted bread that are usually quite crunchy. Bruschetta comes from the Italian word, "bruscare" which means to roast over hot coals. These thicker slices of rustic bread that are often brushed with olive oil and lightly grilled, but they can also be gently toasted in the oven. Bruschetta does not get as crunchy as crostini because of the thickness of the bread slice and the shorter cooking time. Both bruschetta and crostini can be topped with a variety of cold or warm toppings and served as appetizers.
Strawberries and basil are one of my favorite combinations, but nearly any berry or combination of berries works well. Ripe, juicy peaches would also be delicious!
Tips for making the BEST Strawberry Goat Cheese Bruschetta
- Lightly toast the bread: You can also grill the bread instead of toasting in the oven.
- Use room temperature cheeses: They will be easier to combine into a smooth mixture if not plucked straight from the fridge.
- Don't have a food processor? Add the room temperature cheeses to a large bowl along with the honey and stir with a wooden spoon until mixture is smooth.
- Make ahead: Toast the bruschetta one day before serving and store in a sealed container. You can make the goat cheese mixture up to three days ahead of time and keep covered in the fridge.
- Add balsamic vinegar just before serving: The vinegar will break down the strawberries if added too early and you'll be left with mushy berries.
More summer appetizers
These delicious party snacks celebrate all the fresh flavors of summer!
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Recipe
Strawberry Goat Cheese Bruschetta
Ingredients
- 1 baguette, cut into ¾" slices , cut into ¾" slices
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 8 ounces goat cheese , softened
- 3 ounces cream cheese , softened
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 pound strawberries , chopped
- 3 tablespoons white balsamic vinegar
- Fresh basil leaves , chopped
- Flaky sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
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Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Place baguette slices on prepared pans. Brush each slice with olive oil. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until just toasted and lightly browned. Remove from the oven and let cool.1 baguette, cut into ¾" slices, 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Meanwhile, place goat cheese, cream cheese and honey together in the bowl of a food processor. Process until smooth, stopping to scrape down the sides of the bowl when needed. Tip: scrape cheese mixture into another bowl to make it easier to spread on the crostini.8 ounces goat cheese, 3 ounces cream cheese, 2 tablespoons honey
- Stir together strawberries and vinegar in a medium bowl.1 pound strawberries, 3 tablespoons white balsamic vinegar
- Evenly spread the goat cheese mixture onto the toasted bread slices. Top with strawberries and plenty of chopped basil. Sprinkle the bruschetta with flaky sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. Serve immediately.Fresh basil leaves, Flaky sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
Notes
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Nutrition
Nutrition info not guaranteed to be accurate.
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