Honey Goat Cheese Crostini made with crunchy toasted bread and spread with creamy goat cheese, sticky honey, toasted walnuts, and sweet ruby red pomegranate arils. A perfect balance of salty, sweet, and tangy, everyone loves this easy 15-minute appetizer!
Easiest Appetizer Ever
Hands down, one of the very best holiday – or anytime – appetizers you could ever make.
Now, I know you probably feel like I say this a lot and maybe that’s because I do, but I really do mean it. I mean, delicious little toasted bread slices topped with goat cheese would be enough to make my taste buds go wild, but goat cheese plus walnuts, pomegranates, AND honey! I mean, c’mon! How can anyone resist?
People can’t, actually. And they don’t. I know this because I make these perfect little bite-size crostini all the time and it is always the first thing to fly off the table.
A perfect marriage of flavors, you’ve for tart, sweet and earthy, all piled atop lightly toasted (fresh!) bread that’s been slathered in olive oil. Totally dreamy. And, like everyone else, I can’t stop eating them too.
What is Crostini?
Small, thinly sliced, crunchy bread that’s been lightly toasted or fried and (probably) slathered with olive oil for flavor. You’ve probably run into a crostini or two at some point in your life and perhaps didn’t even know it. Often compared to croutons, except that they’re larger and flatter, crostini are most often served with soups, salads, dips, and other dishes. You may also find these toasted little bread slices topped with tangy cheese, roasted vegetables, fresh produce, and sweet sauces.
What is the Difference Between Bruschetta and Crostini?
Wait. There’s a difference?
Yes. There is a difference between Bruschetta and Crostini.
Bruschetta, as we know, comes from the Italian word bruscare which means to “roast over coals”. It is made using thicker slices of Italian or French bread and is, at least traditionally, grilled over a fire.
Crostini, on the other hand, which means “little toasts” is typically made using a smaller, more round-shaped bread (like a baguette), that is sliced into much thinner slices when compared to Bruschetta. Usually toasted in the oven, perhaps the most significant difference is that crostini is almost never eaten without some kind of topping.
Goat Cheese Crostini Ingredients
Bread – The best type of bread for any crostini recipe is either a long baguette or ciabatta bread. This is due to their smaller, rounder diameter, but also because they are perfect for soaking up leftover sauce or holding up when topped with heavy toppings.
Olive oil – Given that this is an Italian appetizer, at least traditionally, using good olive oil that actually tastes good is your best bet. For best results, use a pastry brush to brush over each side of your sliced bread rather than drizzling straight from the bottle.
Toppings – You may add whatever toppings you like, but in this recipe, I wanted a balance of tart, sweet and earthy. I added tangy goat cheese, earthy walnuts, sweet pomegranates, and a light drizzle of honey.
Topping Variations:
- Fig, pistachio, and goat cheese.
- Honey, walnut, goat cheese, and fresh rosemary.
- Smoked salmon, cream cheese, and fresh dill.
- Homemade cranberry bacon jam.
- Blue cheese, pear, and honey.
- Roasted butternut squash, ricotta, and sage.
- Cranberry, brie, and honey.
How to Make Honey Goat Cheese Crostini
To make these delicious little goat cheese toasts you’ll need approximately 15-30 minutes, an oven, and two baking sheets.
-
Always start by preheating your oven. For this recipe, preheat to 350 degrees F.
-
Next, slice your baguette into slices approximately 1/4 – 1/2 inch thick and arrange them on a large baking sheet. Use a pastry brush to lightly coat both sides with olive oil. On a second baking sheet, arrange your walnuts in a single layer.
-
Transfer both baking sheets to the oven and roast your walnuts for 4-7 minutes, or until golden and fragrant (they burn quickly, so check every minute or so). Allow your crostini to bake for 15 minutes, or until they are nice and golden. Remove from the oven.
-
Allow your crostini to cool for a few minutes before applying the toppings (this prevents the goat cheese from melting). Once cooled, spread a thin layer of goat cheese onto each and top with the toasted walnuts, pomegranate arils, and a drizzle of honey. Best served warm, but they are also delicious cold.
Can these Goat Cheese Crostini be made ahead?
To make this recipe ahead of time, prepare your toasts and allow to come to room temperature. Transfer the toasts (without toppings) to an airtight container for up to two days. If you live in a place that is very humid, or you find that your toasts soften, you may want to re-crisp your crostini in the oven for a few minutes.
Wait until you are ready to serve before adding any toppings.
How many Crostini per person?
I will typically prepare 3-4 crostini per person when other appetizers will be served at a party. Allow 6+ per person if this goat cheese crostini will be the only appetizer food served.
More Easy Appetizers,
- Soppressata Provolone Cones
- The Best Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe
- Baked Brie Recipe
- Bruschetta Recipe
- Beautiful Autumn Cheese Board (Vegetarian)
If you try this Honey Goat Cheese Crostini Recipe with Walnuts, please leave me a comment and let me know! I always love to hear your thoughts.
RECIPE CARD
Honey, Walnut and Goat Cheese Crostini
Ingredients
- 1 French-bread baguette - 1lb
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 1 cup raw walnut pieces - roughly chopped
- 8 oz fresh herbed goat cheese
- ½ cup pomegranate arils
- ⅓ Honey for drizzling - approximately 1/4 - 1/2 cup
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
- Slice your baguette into slices approximately 1/4 - 1/2 inch thick and arrange them on a large baking sheet. Use a pastry brush to lightly coat both sides with olive oil. On a second baking sheet, arrange your walnuts in a single layer.
- Transfer both baking sheets to the oven.
- Roast your walnuts for 4-7 minutes, or until golden and fragrant (they burn quickly, so check every minute or so). Meanwhile, allow your bread to bake for 15 minutes, or until they are nice and golden. Remove from the oven.
- Allow your crostini to cool for a few minutes before applying the toppings (to prevent the goat cheese from melting). Once cooled, spread a thin layer of goat cheese on to each and top with the toasted walnuts, pomegranate arils, and a drizzle of honey. Best served warm, but they are also delicious cold.
Jessica's Notes
- If your oven has hot spots you may want to rotate the baguette once throughout the baking time.
- To make this recipe ahead of time, prepare your toasts and allow to come to room temperature. Transfer the toasts (without toppings) to an airtight container for up to two days. If you live in a place that is very humid, or you find that your toasts soften, you may want to re-crisp your crostini in the oven for a few minutes.
- I will typically prepare 3-4 crostini per person when other appetizers will be served at a party. Allow 6+ per person if this goat cheese crostini will be the only appetizer food served.
Nutritional Information
(Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and specific brands of ingredients used.)
Last Updated | 0 Comments