Looking for an easy strawberry appetizer recipe that is perfect for summer entertaining? This mouthwatering Strawberry Goat Cheese Crostini will delight your guests!
This simple sweet and savoury appetizer featuring fresh strawberries is just perfect for serving at summer gatherings.
This colourful appetizer consists of thin slices of toasted baguette topped with creamy tangy goat cheese, sweet juicy strawberries, a drizzle of maple balsamic reduction and finally a sprinkle of finely chopped fresh mint or basil.
You'll find this recipe as well as this fabulous Strawberry Spinach Salad especially delicious when you can get your hands on fresh local ripe strawberries.
How to Make this Strawberry Appetizer
This strawberry crostini appetizer is a great example of how we can combine sweet and savoury ingredients to create amazing flavour combinations and tantalizing recipes.
What's great about this Strawberry Goat Cheese Crostini is how easily it comes together. Here's an overview of the ingredients and steps for making this strawberry appetizer.
The full recipe with ingredient amounts is available at the end of this post.
Ingredients Overview:
- Baguette
- Fresh strawberries
- Goat cheese (ricotta or mascarpone cheese are great substitutes)
- Olive oil
- Balsamic reduction. Make a homemade version with Balsamic vinegar and maple syrup.
- Sprigs of fresh mint or basil
Steps Overview:
- For a homemade balsamic reduction, you'll need to simmer equal parts of maple syrup and balsamic vinegar to create a luscious glaze.
- The crostini (toasted bread portion), can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- To assemble the appetizer, spread goat cheese over the crostini tops and add enough strawberry slices to cover the bread.
- Drizzle a touch of balsamic reduction on each crostini and sprinkle with a few shreds of fresh mint or basil.
Serving Suggestions
Plan on serving the strawberry crostini immediately after having assembled them.
This recipe is especially handy to have in your repertoire if you love to go strawberry picking and need a recipe for using up some fresh strawberries.
I hope you have a chance to serve a platter of this delicious strawberry appetizer at your next summer gathering.
Enjoy!
More Mouthwatering Appetizers
- Pear and Brie Crostini
- Smoked Salmon and Boursin Crostini
- Mixed Spiced Nuts
- Rosemary Spiced Roasted Almonds
Strawberry Goat Cheese Crostini
Ingredients
Strawberry Goat Cheese Crostini
- ½ baguette thinly sliced crosswise into 1/2 inch slices
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil more if needed
- 4 ounces goat cheese approx. 1/2 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 set over medium heat. Reduce the heat to medium-low once the mixture begins to simmer. Let the mixture simmer until it is reduced by about half, approximately 6-8 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside to cool before drizzling onto the crostini.
Strawberry Goat Cheese Crostini
- Place an oven rack to the highest position and preheat the broiler. Arrange the baguette slices on the baking tray and brush one side with olive oil. Toast until lightly golden, about 3 minutes. Turn the slices over, brush with oil and toast under the broiler for approx. 3 minutes more. Let the crostini cool to room temperature.
- Once at room temperature spread goat cheese over crostini and top with sliced strawberries. Drizzle balsamic reduction on crostini and sprinkle with sliced mint or basil.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- A good quality storebought balsamic glaze can be used instead of a homemade reduction.
- If you prefer a less sweet glaze, you can use a 2 to 1 ratio for the balsamic vinegar and maple syrup.
- Baguette slices can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one day.
Louise Crosby
Friday 29th of June 2018
These look delicious, Fida. Bright and fresh and healthy, perfect for a hot summer day.
Sweet and Savoury Pursuits
Sunday 1st of July 2018
Thanks so much Louise! Yes they’re especially good in this hot weather and with all the delicious sweet local strawberries they’re perfect right now!