Jump to Recipe Print RecipeThe sun was setting, casting a warm glow over the dining table, where laughter echoed alongside the clinking of glasses—perfect moments call for perfect bites. Enter the Marinated Goat Cheese Strawberry Crostini, a delightful summer appetizer that transforms creamy goat cheese and fresh strawberries into a feast for the senses. With just a little marination, that cheese absorbs the aromatic flavors of basil and thyme, creating an irresistible harmony of tastes. Not only is this dish a quick triumph that you can whip up in under an hour, but it’s also gluten-free if you choose the right bread—making it a fantastic option for gatherings. Whether you’re hosting a picnic, brunch, or a casual night in with friends, these crostini are sure to impress. What twist will you add to make this crowd-pleaser your own? Why You’ll Love Goat Cheese Strawberry Crostini Versatility: This recipe adapts effortlessly with different cheeses and fruits, allowing you to customize it for every season. Simplicity shines through as it requires minimal prep time, making it your go-to dish for unexpected guests. Flavor explosion: The marinated cheese, combined with fresh strawberries, creates a picturesque layering of taste that will leave everyone asking for the recipe. Perfect for gatherings: Whether for brunch or an outdoor picnic, these crostini are a guaranteed hit! If you’re looking to pair them with something fresh, try making Cottage Cheese Raspberry or refreshing Strawberry Shortcake Bars. Goat Cheese Strawberry Crostini Ingredients • A delightful mix awaits! For the Cheese Marinade Goat Cheese – Creamy base that adds tanginess; if you dislike goat cheese, substitute with burrata or cubed feta. Extra Virgin Olive Oil – Enhances richness and flavor of the cheese; use high-quality olive oil for the best results. Fresh Basil – Adds a sweet and aromatic flavor; can be substituted with chives or oregano. Crushed Red Pepper Flakes – Provides a hint of spice; omit for a milder flavor. Fresh Thyme – Complements the cheese with earthy notes; use any fresh herbs you prefer. For the Crostini Sourdough or French Baguette – Creates a crunchy base; use any crusty bread you like. Fresh Strawberries – Brings sweetness and freshness; raspberries, blackberries, or peaches can be great substitutes. Honey – Drizzled on top for added sweetness; adjust to your taste. This Goat Cheese Strawberry Crostini recipe will not only tantalize your taste buds but also delight your guests! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Goat Cheese Strawberry Crostini. Step 1: Marinate Cheese Begin by slicing the goat cheese into rounds and placing them in a square baking dish. Generously sprinkle fresh basil, thyme, and crushed red pepper flakes over the cheese, finishing with a dash of salt and pepper. Drizzle with high-quality extra virgin olive oil, ensuring each piece is coated. Allow the mixture to marinate at room temperature for 15 minutes to an hour, or refrigerate for up to 24 hours for deeper flavor infusion. Step 2: Prepare Bread While the cheese marinates, preheat your grill to high heat or your oven to 400°F (200°C). Take a sourdough or French baguette, and slice it into diagonal pieces about 1-inch thick. Lightly drizzle olive oil on both sides of each slice and season with salt. Grill the bread for about 2-3 minutes per side, or toast in the oven until golden brown and crispy, watching closely to avoid burning. Step 3: Assemble Crostini Once the bread is ready, it’s time to bring the Goat Cheese Strawberry Crostini to life. Spread a generous layer of the marinated goat cheese over each piece of grilled bread. Next, top the cheese beautifully with sliced fresh strawberries, allowing their natural sweetness to complement the tanginess of the cheese. For the finishing touch, drizzle honey over the topped crostini and sprinkle with a pinch of salt and extra herbs, if desired. Serve promptly for a delightful appetizer! Expert Tips for Goat Cheese Strawberry Crostini Marination Time: Allowing the cheese to marinate properly is essential for a full flavor infusion; a minimum of 15 minutes makes a world of difference. Fresh Herbs: Always opt for fresh herbs rather than dried; stale herbs won’t provide the aromatic depth that characterizes a great Goat Cheese Strawberry Crostini. Watch Your Bread: When toasting or grilling, keep an eye on the bread to avoid burning; a light golden color is perfect for the ideal crunch. Taste Adjustments: Feel free to adjust the amount of honey according to your taste; a little more can elevate the sweetness without overpowering other flavors. Bread Choice: Ensure to use a high-quality, crusty bread to create a satisfying contrast to the creamy goat cheese; stale bread can ruin the texture. How to Store and Freeze Goat Cheese Strawberry Crostini Fridge: Store leftover assembled crostini in an airtight container for up to 2 days. The bread may become soggy, so it’s best to keep cheese and toppings separate if you plan to enjoy them later. Freezer: While it’s not ideal to freeze assembled crostini, you can freeze the marinated goat cheese for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving and prepare fresh crostini with new bread. Reheating: If storing the bread separately, toast or grill the slices again for about a minute on each side to regain that delicious crunch before assembly. Preparation: Assembling the Goat Cheese Strawberry Crostini just before serving provides the best flavor and texture, ensuring that your guests enjoy them at their peak freshness. What to Serve with Goat Cheese Strawberry Crostini Enjoy these crostini as a stunning centerpiece for your summer gathering, effortlessly pairing flavors that delight the senses. Fresh Arugula Salad: A zesty arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette adds a peppery contrast, elevating your appetizer experience. Grilled Chicken Skewers: Juicy grilled chicken skewers infused with herbs provide heartiness, complementing the light crostini beautifully. Pineapple Salsa: Sweet and vibrant pineapple salsa enhances the dish with tropical flavors, making every bite a celebration of summer. Dive into delightful flavor combinations by serving a chilled glass of Prosecco, its effervescence refreshing your palate and enhancing the experience. Chilled Rosé: An ice-cold glass of rosé complements the dish’s sweetness while balancing the richness of the cheese. Balsamic Glaze Drizzle: For a tangy twist, a drizzle of balsamic glaze over the crostini adds depth and a sweet-savory layer to each bite. Feel free to add a refreshing fruit dessert, like a light berry sorbet, to cleanse the palate and keep things light and delightful! Make Ahead Options These Goat Cheese Strawberry Crostini are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can marinate the goat cheese up to 24 hours in advance, allowing those aromatic flavors to infuse fully. Simply slice the cheese, layer it with the herbs, drizzle with olive oil, and refrigerate in a covered dish until you’re ready to assemble. The bread can be grilled or toasted just before serving to ensure maximum crispness, so do this step fresh for the best quality. When it’s time to delight your guests, spread the marinated goat cheese over the warm, toasted bread, top with strawberries, drizzle with honey, and serve immediately—ensuring your appetizers are just as delicious as they are fresh! Goat Cheese Strawberry Crostini Variations Feel free to take creative liberties and make this recipe your own by exploring different flavors and textures! Dairy-Free: Substitute goat cheese with a plant-based cheese alternative for a creamy, dairy-free option. Cashew cream works beautifully here. Sweet Heat: Mix in some jalapeño or a dash of hot sauce before marinating for an exciting spicy twist. It adds an unexpected kick that balances well with the sweetness of strawberries. Herb Explosion: Experiment with a mix of herbs like dill or mint alongside basil and thyme; the freshness will elevate the flavor profile. Each herb brings its unique charm, making every bite a different experience. Balsamic Glaze: Instead of honey, drizzle balsamic glaze over the top for a rich and tangy touch. This adds depth and complexity to your crostini, turning them into a sophisticated appetizer. Seasonal Fruits: Swap out strawberries for other fruits such as peaches or nectarines when they are in season. The sweetness and juiciness of summer fruits make for a refreshing change. Crunchy Add-Ins: Top your crostini with crushed nuts like walnuts or pistachios for added crunch. It brings a lovely textural contrast to the creamy cheese and sweet fruit. Savory Cheese Alternative: For a more robust flavor, consider substituting goat cheese with aged cheddar or blue cheese. Each variation will provide a whole new taste experience, sure to surprise your palate. For more delightful ideas, check out the Strawberry Shortcake Bars that perfectly complement these crostini, or try making a lovely Cottage Cheese Raspberry dish for a refreshing side. Goat Cheese Strawberry Crostini Recipe FAQs What’s the best way to select ripe strawberries for this recipe? Absolutely! Look for strawberries that are vibrant red, with a slight sheen and no dark spots or bruises. If they are too firm, they might not be sweet enough. I also recommend smelling them—ripe strawberries emit a sweet, fragrant aroma. How should I store leftover crostini? You can store leftover assembled crostini in an airtight container for up to 2 days in the fridge. Be mindful that the bread may become soggy; for the best results, keep the marinated goat cheese and toppings separate until you’re ready to enjoy them again. Can I freeze the goat cheese for later use? Yes, you can freeze the marinated goat cheese for up to 3 months! Just place it in a freezer-safe container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. When you’re ready to use it, thaw the cheese in the refrigerator overnight, and then prepare fresh crostini with new, crusty bread for the best experience. What do I do if my goat cheese isn’t spreading easily for the crostini? If your goat cheese is too firm, it might help to let it sit at room temperature for about 15-30 minutes before spreading. You can also mix in a little extra virgin olive oil or even a splash of milk to soften it. Blend it with a fork until creamy; this should make it easier to spread onto the bread. Are there any dietary considerations for allergies? Absolutely! If you’re preparing this for someone with a dairy allergy, you can substitute the goat cheese with a dairy-free cheese alternative that has a similar creamy texture. Furthermore, to make it gluten-free, select a gluten-free baguette or crusty bread, ensuring everyone’s dietary needs are met. Can I use different fruits or cheeses in this recipe? Yes, the beauty of this Goat Cheese Strawberry Crostini is its versatility! Feel free to use raspberries, blackberries, or even peaches as a substitute for strawberries. Additionally, swapping goat cheese for burrata or cubed feta can give the dish a whole new flavor profile, perfect for any occasion! Savory Goat Cheese Strawberry Crostini for Summer Delight Enjoy delicious Goat Cheese Strawberry Crostini, a perfect summer appetizer blending creamy goat cheese and fresh strawberries. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 15 minutes minsCook Time 5 minutes minsMarination Time 15 minutes minsTotal Time 35 minutes mins Servings: 8 crostiniCourse: AppetizersCuisine: EuropeanCalories: 150 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Cheese Marinade8 oz Goat Cheese Substitute with burrata or cubed feta if disliked.2 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil Use high-quality for best flavor.1 tbsp Fresh Basil Can substitute with chives or oregano.1 tsp Crushed Red Pepper Flakes Omit for a milder flavor.1 tsp Fresh Thyme Use any fresh herbs you prefer.For the Crostini1 loaf Sourdough or French Baguette Use any crusty bread you like.1 cup Fresh Strawberries Substitutes can be raspberries, blackberries, or peaches.2 tbsp Honey Adjust to taste for added sweetness. Equipment GrillOvenbaking dish Method Step-by-Step InstructionsBegin by slicing the goat cheese into rounds and placing them in a square baking dish. Generously sprinkle fresh basil, thyme, and crushed red pepper flakes over the cheese, finishing with a dash of salt and pepper. Drizzle with high-quality extra virgin olive oil, ensuring each piece is coated. Allow to marinate at room temperature for 15 minutes to an hour, or refrigerate for up to 24 hours.While the cheese marinates, preheat your grill to high heat or your oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice the sourdough or French baguette into diagonal pieces about 1-inch thick. Drizzle olive oil on both sides of each slice and season with salt. Grill the bread for about 2-3 minutes per side, or toast in the oven until golden brown and crispy.Spread a generous layer of the marinated goat cheese over each piece of grilled bread. Top with sliced fresh strawberries, allowing their sweetness to complement the tanginess of the cheese. Drizzle honey over the topped crostini and sprinkle with a pinch of salt and extra herbs if desired. Serve promptly. Nutrition Serving: 1crostiniCalories: 150kcalCarbohydrates: 12gProtein: 5gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 200mgPotassium: 150mgFiber: 1gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 100mgIron: 0.5mg NotesAllow the cheese to marinate for full flavor infusion. Use fresh herbs for the best aromatic depth. Keep an eye on the bread to avoid burning while grilling or toasting. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
