Irresistible Strawberry Goat Cheese Crostini

Featured in Start the Party: Crowd-Pleasing Appetizers.

This easy appetizer blends bright, creamy, and sweet flavors for an impressive treat. Slice up fresh baguette and bake until golden. Fluffy goat cheese whipped with lemon zest adds a tangy base, while sliced strawberries bring fresh sweetness. Add a final touch with a reduced balsamic drizzle made by simmering vinegar and sugar until thick and sticky. This crowd-pleaser is simple but feels fancy with its perfect mix of flavors.
A chef holding a plate of food.
Updated on Fri, 07 Mar 2025 05:22:16 GMT
Savory garlic Parmesan roasted shrimp, a quick and flavorful appetizer or main dish. Pin it
Savory garlic Parmesan roasted shrimp, a quick and flavorful appetizer or main dish. | linacooks.com

Looking for an impressive yet effortless seafood dish? These garlic and Parmesan roasted shrimp deliver restaurant-quality results with minimal kitchen time. The combination of fresh garlic, quality Parmesan, and perfectly roasted shrimp creates an elevated dish that's ready in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for both special occasions and weeknight meals.

The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity - when you start with quality ingredients and proper technique, extraordinary flavors naturally follow. The high-heat roasting method creates perfectly cooked shrimp every time.

Key Ingredients

  • Shrimp: Select large or jumbo (16-20 count), peeled and deveined shrimp for best results
  • Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves, finely minced - essential for authentic flavor
  • Parmesan: Freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano provides the best melt and flavor
  • Olive Oil: High-quality extra virgin olive oil forms the marinade base

Preparation Method

Creating the Marinade:
Mix minced garlic with olive oil, dried Italian herbs, and fresh lemon zest. Season with kosher salt and black pepper until well combined.
Preparing the Shrimp:
Coat shrimp thoroughly in marinade mixture. Refrigerate 1-3 hours. Before cooking, bring to room temperature and toss with grated Parmesan.
Roasting Method:
Arrange on baking sheet with space between pieces. Roast at 400°F for 8 minutes until pink and just curled.

Temperature Guidelines

Maintaining a 400°F oven temperature ensures proper caramelization while preventing overcooking. This high heat creates the perfect balance of exterior browning and interior tenderness.

Selecting Shrimp Size

Larger shrimp varieties work exceptionally well for roasting, maintaining better texture and moisture. The 16-20 count size provides optimal results.

Serving Options

These versatile shrimp pair beautifully with pasta, crusty bread, or fresh greens. The roasting creates a flavorful sauce that's perfect for soaking up with artisan bread.

Advance Preparation

Prepare the marinade and shrimp up to 3 hours ahead. Add Parmesan just before roasting for optimal results.

This recipe demonstrates how simple ingredients, properly prepared, can create an exceptional dish. The combination of fresh garlic, quality Parmesan, and precise cooking technique delivers consistently impressive results.

Roasted shrimp with garlic and Parmesan, perfect for pasta or salads. Pin it
Roasted shrimp with garlic and Parmesan, perfect for pasta or salads. | linacooks.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I prepare the balsamic sauce in advance?
Absolutely! Keep it in the fridge for up to 2 weeks after making it.
→ What's a good bread choice for this recipe?
A classic French baguette, cut diagonally, gives the perfect base with the right crisp and size.
→ How far ahead can I prepare these for an event?
You can toast the bread and prep toppings ahead, but put it together just before serving so it's nice and fresh.
→ How will I know the balsamic reduction is ready?
Once it's reduced by half and sticks to a spoon, you’ll know it’s done.
→ Can I swap the strawberries for other fruits?
For sure! Try using raspberries or blackberries for a twist.

Goat Cheese & Strawberry Toast

Crispy baguette slices dressed with lemony goat cheese, topped with juicy strawberries, and finished with a sweet balsamic glaze.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
20 Minutes
Total Time
30 Minutes
By: Paolina

Category: Appetizers

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 8 Servings

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

→ Base

01 One loaf of French bread, cut diagonally into slices
02 A tablespoon of olive oil

→ Toppings

03 Four ounces of goat cheese
04 Two cups of fresh strawberries, sliced up
05 Two teaspoons of grated lemon peel

→ Balsamic Glaze

06 One cup of balsamic vinegar
07 A quarter cup of brown sugar

Instructions

Step 01

Set your oven to 325°F. Use olive oil to coat one side of the bread slices, then lay them on a baking sheet. Pop them in the oven for 2 to 3 minutes until slightly crispy.

Step 02

Mix the balsamic vinegar and brown sugar in a small pot over medium heat until it starts boiling. Turn the heat down low and let it simmer for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. Let it cool down after.

Step 03

Whip up the goat cheese in a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment until it’s smooth and airy. Gently stir in the lemon zest when it’s ready.

Step 04

Spread the fluffy goat cheese over the toasted bread slices. Layer the strawberry slices on top and give it all a drizzle of your cooled balsamic glaze.

Tools You'll Need

  • Baking tray
  • Small pot
  • Stand mixer with whisk

Allergy Information

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

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

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