Delicious Cherry Goat Cheese Crostini

Featured in Start the Party: Crowd-Pleasing Appetizers.

Take your appetizers to the next level with these Cherry Goat Cheese Crostini. Crispy slices of baguette are topped with a blend of whipped goat cheese and cream cheese, then layered with juicy rosemary-roasted cherries. Sweet honey and tangy balsamic glaze bring bold, balanced flavors, and a sprinkle of sea salt ties it all together perfectly. They’re ready in just 17 minutes and can be partially prepped ahead of time for stress-free entertaining.
A chef holding a plate of food.
Updated on Fri, 07 Mar 2025 05:22:21 GMT
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Cherry Goat Cheese Appetizer on Crostini | linacooks.com

Elegant goat cheese crostini topped with honey-roasted cherries combine crispy toasted baguette, creamy whipped cheese, and juicy fruit. This sophisticated appetizer balances sweet and savory flavors perfectly, making it ideal for both casual gatherings and special occasions. The concentrated sweetness of roasted cherries pairs beautifully with tangy cheese spread.

These crostini consistently impress guests with their refined yet approachable flavors. Quality ingredients and proper roasting technique are key to achieving the best results.

Key Components

  • Cherries: Fresh dark cherries or frozen pitted cherries work equally well
  • Goat Cheese: Select a soft, mild variety, enhanced with cream cheese
  • Baguette: Traditional French baguette provides the ideal base
  • Fresh Herbs: Rosemary or thyme add aromatic depth
Crispy crostini topped with roasted cherries and creamy goat cheese, a perfect appetizer. Pin it
Crispy crostini topped with roasted cherries and creamy goat cheese, a perfect appetizer. | linacooks.com

Preparation Method

Roasting Cherries:
Toss pitted cherries with olive oil and herbs. Spread on lined baking sheet and roast until softened and caramelized.
Preparing Cheese Spread:
Mix goat cheese with cream cheese, lemon zest, and honey until light and spreadable.
Making Crostini Base:
Slice baguette diagonally, brush with oil, toast until golden. Cool before assembling.

This recipe draws inspiration from Mediterranean wine bars, where simple ingredients transform into memorable appetizers.

Assembly Technique

Proper timing ensures optimal texture. Prepare components ahead but assemble just before serving.

Serving Temperature

Serve cheese spread at room temperature and cherries slightly warm for optimal flavor development.

Advance Preparation

Components can be prepared several hours ahead and assembled fresh before serving.

Seasonal Adaptations

Adapt this recipe using roasted figs during autumn or fresh peaches in late summer.

These crostini demonstrate how carefully prepared simple ingredients create exceptional results. They suit any occasion from casual gatherings to formal events.

Crispy crostini topped with roasted cherries and creamy goat cheese, a perfect appetizer. Pin it
Crispy crostini topped with roasted cherries and creamy goat cheese, a perfect appetizer. | linacooks.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I prepare the elements of this ahead of time?
Yes, make the goat cheese spread up to 5 days in advance and roast the cherries up to 3 days before serving. Assemble when ready to eat.
→ Will frozen cherries work in this dish?
Absolutely! Both fresh and frozen cherries are great for this recipe.
→ How should I store the components if I have leftovers?
Place roasted cherries in the fridge for up to 3 days and whipped goat cheese mixture for up to 5 days.
→ What can I use if I don’t have balsamic glaze?
You can simmer regular balsamic vinegar until it thickens, or buy pre-made balsamic glaze.
→ Is there a gluten-free option for this recipe?
Yes, just swap out the regular baguette for gluten-free bread slices.

Cherry Crostini with Goat Cheese

Toasty baguette base loaded with creamy goat cheese and rosemary-infused cherries, drizzled with honey and balsamic for a sweet-savory finish.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
7 Minutes
Total Time
17 Minutes
By: Paolina

Category: Appetizers

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Italian-American Fusion

Yield: 12 Servings (12 crostini)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

→ Base

01 12 pieces of baguette, sliced about 1/2-inch thick
02 2 teaspoons of high-quality olive oil

→ Toppings

03 24 cherries, either fresh or frozen, pitted and halved
04 A sprig of rosemary, fresh
05 1/4 cup of creamy goat cheese
06 1/4 cup of cream cheese
07 1/2 teaspoon of flaky sea salt
08 1 tablespoon and an additional teaspoon of honey
09 1 tablespoon of balsamic glaze, either homemade or store-bought

Instructions

Step 01

Use a brush to coat each baguette slice with some olive oil, then bake them at 375°F for 7-8 minutes. Flip them halfway through so both sides turn golden. Aim for crispy exteriors but soft centers for the crostini.

Step 02

Set the cherry halves on a lined baking tray, add a drizzle of olive oil, and sprinkle rosemary over them. Roast them for about 5-7 minutes while the bread bakes. Afterward, toss out the rosemary sprigs.

Step 03

In a food processor, throw in goat cheese, cream cheese, a teaspoon of honey, a tiny splash of lemon juice, and a faint touch of lemon zest. Pulse everything until it’s silky and smooth.

Step 04

Spread the whipped cheese blend on the toasts, then add two or three of the roasted cherry halves. Drizzle some honey and a bit of balsamic glaze over the top. Finish with rosemary pieces and a pinch of flaky sea salt.

Notes

  1. You can keep roasted cherries in the fridge for up to three days.
  2. The goat cheese mixture can be whipped up to five days in advance if you store it in a sealed container.

Tools You'll Need

  • Tray for baking
  • Non-stick parchment paper
  • Processor, blender, or electric hand mixer

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Includes dairy (cream cheese, goat cheese)
  • Has gluten (baguette)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 132
  • Total Fat: 4 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 21 g
  • Protein: 4 g