This Goat Cheese Crostini with fig jam is the perfect bite-sized appetizer! With creamy goat cheese, sweet fig jam and a tangy balsamic drizzle, each bite is bursting with flavor. The fresh thyme on top adds the perfect touch that makes it an extra special elegant appetizer. This recipe is ideal for gatherings or just a simple snack!
This recipe is super easy to throw together, making it great for just about any occasion. Whether you're hosting a dinner party, need a quick snack or want something a little fancy for wine night, these crostini have you covered. They come together fast but still pack tons of flavor and your guests will definitely love them. Serve them up at your next dinner party and watch how quickly they disappear!
If you are looking for more appetizer recipes, check out our: Crunchy Winter Kale and Pomegranate Salad Recipe, Pinwheel Sandwiches, Baked Clams Oreganata, Burrata and Prosciutto, or Healthy Mexican Street Corn Salad.
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Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Ready in 20 minutes:Â With just six ingredients and minimal prep work, these crostini are an easy appetizer you can put together at the last minute.
- Perfect for entertaining:Â Toast the baguette slices ahead of time, then add the toppings right before serving. They're great for holiday parties, dinner parties, or serving alongside a charcuterie board.
- Sweet and savory:Â Creamy, tangy goat cheese pairs perfectly with sweet fig jam, balsamic glaze, and fresh thyme. The crispy baguette adds just the right amount of crunch.
Ingredients
Here are the ingredients you will need for this easy appetizer:
- French Baguette: Use a fresh baguette for the best texture. I recommend using fresh, crusty bread in this recipe. I like to slice my bread in diagonal slices to get the most surface area out of each slice.
- Olive oil: Use a good quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor.
- Plain Goat cheese: I recommend using plain goat cheese for this recipe; however, if you have an herbed goat cheese on hand, that will work too.
- Fig jam: You can use any brand of fig jam or fig preserves. I love using Davina Orange Fig Jam in this recipe.
- Balsamic glaze
- Thyme: Use fresh thyme leaves. You can also use fresh rosemary or fresh basil.
How To Make Goat Cheese Crostini
Let's make this holiday season snack together!
Step 1
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Slice the baguette into ½-inch thick pieces and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
Step 2
Brush both sides of bread slices with olive oil.
Step 3
Bake in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Step 4
Spread goat cheese on each slice, followed by a dollop of fig jam, a drizzle of balsamic glaze, and fresh thyme. Serve and enjoy!
Tina's Tips and Tricks
Here are some expert tips to make this crostini appetizer:
- Slice the baguette evenly. Cut the bread into ½-inch thick slices so the crostini toast evenly. I like cutting the baguette on a diagonal to create a little more surface area for the toppings.
- Don't overtoast the bread. The crostini should be golden and crispy around the edges but still easy to bite into. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes of baking so they don't get too hard.
- Soften the goat cheese. Let the goat cheese sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before assembling. This makes it much easier to spread without breaking the toasted bread.
- Use a thick fig jam. A thicker fig jam or preserve works best because it stays on top of the goat cheese instead of running off the crostini.
- Assemble just before serving. You can toast the bread ahead of time, but wait to add the goat cheese, fig jam, and balsamic glaze until you're ready to serve. This keeps the bread nice and crispy.
- Don't overdo the balsamic glaze. A little goes a long way! A light drizzle adds the perfect amount of tanginess without overpowering the goat cheese and fig jam.
Kitchen Equipment
Here is some kitchen equipment you will need for this perfect appetizer. You can find all of these products on Amazon.
- Baking sheet - Use a good quality sheet pan for even cooking!
Recipe Substitutions/Variations
Here are some common recipe substitutions and variations for this goat cheese crostini recipe.
- Different jams:Â Swap the fig jam for apricot preserves, raspberry jam, or blackberry preserves. Hot pepper jelly is another delicious option if you want something sweet with a little heat.
- Different cheeses:Â Whipped ricotta, cream cheese, or Brie are great alternatives to goat cheese. Each will give the crostini a slightly different flavor and texture.
- Add crunch:Â Sprinkle chopped toasted walnuts, pecans, or pistachios over the crostini for extra texture.
- Fresh fruit:Â Add thinly sliced pears, apples, or fresh figs for a seasonal variation. These are especially delicious for fall entertaining.
- Different herbs:Â Swap the fresh thyme for chopped rosemary or basil, depending on the flavors you're using.
What To Serve With
Here are some recipes to serve alongside the best appetizer:
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can prepare components of this ahead of time. Slice and toast the baguette slices in advance, then store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Keep the goat cheese and fig jam in the fridge until you're ready to assemble the crostini right before serving for the freshest taste.
For this recipe, a soft, creamy goat cheese works best, as it spreads easily and complements the fig jam nicely. Look for fresh goat cheese, which has a mild flavor and a smooth texture. If you prefer a stronger flavor, you could try aged goat cheese, which has a firmer texture and a more pronounced tang. Just make sure the cheese you choose is easy to spread on the baguette slices for the best results!
To make balsamic glaze from scratch, simmer 1 cup of balsamic vinegar in a small saucepan over medium heat until it reduces by half, which takes about 10-15 minutes. For added sweetness, you can mix in 2 tablespoons of honey or sugar. Once thickened, let it cool and store it in a jar in the refrigerator for several weeks.
Recipe Storage and Reheating
Here are storage and reheating instructions for this perfect holiday appetizer.
- Make Ahead:Â You can toast the baguette slices up to 2 days in advance and store them in an airtight container at room temperature once completely cooled. Keep the goat cheese and fig jam refrigerated separately, then assemble the crostini right before serving.
- Refrigerator Storage:Â If you have leftover assembled crostini, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep in mind that the bread will soften as it sits, so these are best enjoyed fresh.
- Freezer Storage:Â I don't recommend freezing assembled goat cheese crostini because the bread and toppings won't have the same texture after thawing.
- Reheating: If your toasted baguette slices have softened during storage, place them in a 350°F oven for a few minutes to crisp them up before adding the toppings.
Other Recipes to Try
Goat Cheese Crostini
Ingredients
- 1 Baguette or two demi baguettes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 oz Goat Cheese
- 4 tablespoons Fig Jam
- Balsamic Glaze for topping
- Fresh Thyme for topping
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350F.
- Slice the baguette. Place baguette slices on a lined baking tray and brush both sides with olive oil.
- Bake the baguette slices for 10 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Top each baguette slice with goat cheese and fig jam. Drizzle with balsamic glaze, then top with fresh thyme and serve.
Did You Make This Recipe?
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