This Marinated Goat Cheese Strawberry Crostini is an elegant, no-fuss appetizer featuring creamy goat cheese marinated in olive oil, herbs, and garlic, topped with sweet strawberries on crisp toasted baguette. It’s perfect for parties, brunch, or gatherings when you want something impressive yet simple.
Ingredients
- Main Ingredients
- 8 oz fresh goat cheese plain, soft
- 1½ cups fresh strawberries washed, dried, hulled, and thinly sliced
- 1 baguette sliced into ½-inch rounds
- Marinade / Flavor Base
- ½ –¾ cup extra virgin olive oil enough to mostly submerge cheese
- 1 –2 cloves garlic thinly sliced or lightly crushed
- 2 –3 sprigs fresh herbs thyme, rosemary, or basil
- Freshly cracked black pepper to taste
- Pantry Staples & Optional Finish
- Salt to taste
- Honey or balsamic glaze for drizzling (optional)
Instructions
- Marinate the Goat Cheese
- Place the goat cheese in a shallow dish. Pour olive oil over the cheese until mostly submerged. Add garlic, herbs, cracked black pepper, and a pinch of salt.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 24 hours). Remove from the fridge 15 minutes before using so the oil softens and the cheese becomes spreadable.
- Toast the Crostini
- Preheat oven to 400°F (205°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Arrange baguette slices on the sheet and brush lightly with olive oil.
- Bake for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crisp. Let cool slightly.
- Assemble
- Spread a generous layer of marinated goat cheese onto each crostini.
- Top with sliced strawberries.
- Finish with a light drizzle of honey or balsamic glaze if desired, and garnish with fresh herbs.
Notes
- Let goat cheese come to room temperature for smooth spreading.
- Drain excess oil if the cheese feels too oily before assembling.
- Assemble just before serving to prevent soggy crostini.