Learn how to make the BEST Goat Cheese Crostini! This delicious goat cheese appetizer is topped with Whipped Goat Cheese and honey ... a total crowd-pleaser that's simple to make and so scrumptious!
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Have you tried Whipped Goat Cheese? It's one of my favorite dips! The flavor is truly phenomenal and the light, silky texture is ethereal.
Although this dip is perfectly tasty on it's own, it's creamy texture is even better when paired with something crunchy (opposites attract, after all), making this mouthwatering Goat Cheese Crostini is my favorite way to serve it!
This easy appetizer has everything: a wonderful creamy, crunchy texture; amazing mix of sweet-savory flavors; plus a little kick from the hot pepper flakes (totally optional if you can't take the heat, of course). Each bite is a little piece of heaven!
Best of all, this recipe couldn't be easier to make, and it's a total crowd pleaser. Make extra if you're planning a party, because it won't last long!
Ready to start cooking? Keep reading for all the recipe details and tips.
Ingredients
This easy goat cheese honey appetizer uses simple ingredients you can find in any grocery store. Here's what you'll need:
- Crostini - Homemade Crostini is super simple to prepare with just a baguette, olive oil, and a little salt, and it's so much better than store bought! Start these toasts firsts, and they'll be ready to top by the time the cheese part of the recipe is done.
- Goat Cheese Topping - To make the light, creamy topping, you'll whip together goat cheese / chèvre (the soft logs most grocery store carries work best), cream cheese, lemon juice + zest, garlic, and fresh thyme.
- Honey - A drizzle of honey adds a sweet touch that pairs perfectly with the tangy goat cheese. Hot Honey works well, too!
- Spicy Pepper Flakes - A dash of crushed red pepper flakes add the perfect amount of heat. Skip them if you don't like spicy food, or if you're planning to use hot honey.
- Thyme - A sprinkle of fresh thyme is the perfect finishing touch, adding flavor and a little color to the finished appetizer.
This recipe is naturally vegetarian. If you'd like to make it gluten free, use a gluten free baguette to make the crostini.
You'll Also Need
You'll need a sharp knife (I recommend using a serrated knife) and a baking sheet or two (these Circulon baking sheets are my fave) to make the crostini. To prepare the topping, you'll need a stand mixer or a food processor. I used a food processor for the photo below, but I'd recommend using a stand mixer (or even a hand mixer), if you have one, as it will incorporate more air into the dip. A zester also comes in handy ... this microplane zester is one of my favorite (and most used) kitchen tools!
How to Make Goat Cheese Crostini
This recipe for Crostini with Goat Cheese has a few steps, but it couldn't be easier to prepare! You'll find a detailed recipe card below, but here's an overview of the steps:
- Prepare the crostini. Start by cutting your baguette on an angle into ¼-inch thick slices (a serrated knife works best for this). Then brush both sides with olive oil and top with a pinch of salt. Bake until the toasts are crisp throughout (no need to flip).
- Make the goat cheese topping. Combine the goat cheese, cream cheese, lemon juice and zest, garlic, and salt and pepper in a stand mixer. Mix until smooth, then continue whipping the ingredients together for another two to three minutes (this adds air and creates a lighter texture). Add the thyme, then mix just until combined. Tip: If you are using a stand mixer, start on low, then gradually increase the speed as the ingredients come together.
- Assemble the toasts. To assemble the crostini, begin by spreading the toasts with the goat cheese topping. Next, drizzle them lightly with honey, and then finally, sprinkle them with crushed red pepper flakes and thyme. Tip: push the toasts close together before adding the honey ... that way most of it will end up on crostini, not your cutting board.
Time to eat your gorgeous Goat Cheese Crostini ... don't they look amazing? And trust me, they taste even better than they look!
For best results, make sure to serve this bite-sized appetizer shortly after assembling it. That way, the toasts will stay crisp and crunchy.
Tip: Save time when prepping this recipe, by grabbing a friend and putting it together assembly line-style. First top all the toasts with the goat cheese topping, then add the honey, and finally sprinkle with crushed pepper flakes and thyme.
Variations
Have fun experimenting with one of these easy ideas:
- Hot Honey - Swap the regular honey for Hot Honey! You can skip the red pepper flakes if you do.
- Fruit Preserves - Instead of honey, add sweetness by spreading the toasts with a fruit preserve (such as fig spread or apricot jam) before dolloping the goat cheese spread on top.
- More / Less Spicy - To make this appetizer extra spicy, add more crushed red pepper flakes. To make it less spicy, add less red pepper (or skip them altogether).
- Herbs - Other fragrant herbs, such as basil or rosemary, can be used instead of thyme.
- Roasted Garlic - Instead of fresh garlic, make the cheese topping with Roasted Garlic for a less sharp, more earthy flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this Whipped Goat Cheese Crostini with a glass of wine (try Sauvignon Blanc, dry Rose, or maybe even a Gewürztraminer) or something sparkling, and you have yourself a party! If you want to go all out, plan on serving a variety of crostini toppings, or pair this appetizer with fresh fruit, such as grapes or strawberries, or another snack, like these Mini Cheese Balls or this Cream Cheese Dip.
Storage
If you have leftovers (or you'd like to prepare the recipe in advance), store the different components separately. The crostini can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature, while the goat cheese topping should be stored in an airtight container in your refrigerator (where it will stay fresh for about four days). To serve, let the cheese warm up slightly on your counter before assembling the crostini.
Related Recipes
Looking for similar appetizer ideas? You'll love these recipes, too:
- How to Make Crostini - Get more tips for making these crunchy baguette toasts, plus tons of topping ideas!
- Mushroom Goat Cheese Crostini - Another mouthwatering combo that's perfect for mushroom lovers.
- Roasted Grape Tomatoes - These delicious tomatoes make an wonderful crostini topper, too!
- Herb Parmesan Crackers - Crunchy, easy to make crackers that are perfect for cheese trays or served with dips.
- Pita Chips - This recipe is the best way to use leftover pita bread!
Craving more goat cheese recipes? Try this Zucchini Couscous Casserole, savory Cheese Truffles, beautiful Pomegranate Salad, or Summer Veggie Pizza next!
If you like the hot honey and thyme combo in this recipe, don't miss my Peach Toast and Honey Halloumi recipes ... they feature similar flavors you'll love!
Frequently Asked Questions
Crostini (which means "little toasts" in Italian) are thin, small slices of bread (typically a baguette) that have been brushed with olive oil and baked until crisp. They're served with various toppings, such as veggies, cheeses, mushrooms, and more. Tip: The word crostini is plural; the singular version is crostino.
Crostini may be served hot, room temperature, or cold, depending on the toppings you pair it with. It's often eaten at room temperature, which makes it perfect for large parties! For this Goat Cheese Crostini recipe, I'd recommend serving it at room temperature, although it's okay if the topping is slightly chilled.
Crostini should be crunchy, but not be hard. If your Crostini is too hard, try slicing it thinner (about ¼-inch thick is best) or choosing a bread with a lighter texture.
To keep crostini from getting soggy, make sure to assemble it just before serving. You can save time by preparing all the components, such as the toasts and toppings, in advance.
Goat Cheese Crostini
Ingredients
For Crostini:
- 1 (½ pound / 255 gram) baguette (see note)
- 2 to 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
For Goat Cheese Topping:
- 8 ounces (227 grams) goat cheese, softened (see note)
- 4 ounces (113 grams) cream cheese, softened (see note)
- 1 large lemon, zested and juiced (you'll need 2 tablespoons juice)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- ⅛ teaspoon freshly ground pepper
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
For Assembling:
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (or to taste)
Equipment
- Stand Mixer (or Food Processor)
Instructions
Prepare Crostini:
- Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
- Using a sharp serrated knife, cut 40 slices from the baguette (on an angle, ¼-inch thick).
- Place the slices on a large baking sheet in a single layer (you will probably need two sheets). Brush both sides with olive oil, then sprinkle one side lightly with salt.
- Bake for 5 to 10 minutes, or until crisp throughout and lightly golden (no need to flip). Set aside to cool before assembling.
Prepare Goat Cheese Topping:
- While crostini bakes, add goat cheese, cream cheese, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, salt, and pepper to a stand mixer bowl (or food processor).
- Mix the ingredients together until they are totally smooth and no small chunks of cheese remain. Once mixed, continue whipping the ingredients together for another two to three minutes (this adds air and creates a lighter texture).
- Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper, if needed. Then mix in thyme just until blended throughout.
Assemble Crostini:
- Once everything is ready, top crostini toasts with a generous teaspoon of goat cheese topping.
- Drizzle with honey, then sprinkle with thyme and crushed red pepper flakes.
- Serve immediately. Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
