Cranberry Sauce Crostini With Creamy Goat Cheese

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll love this Cranberry Sauce Crostini with Creamy Goat Cheese because it’s effortlessly impressive and full of contrasting flavors and textures. The creamy goat cheese pairs beautifully with the tart cranberries, while the crunchy crostini add the perfect finishing touch. It’s easy to make, visually stunning, and a great way to use leftover cranberry sauce.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Baguette, sliced into ½-inch rounds
• Olive oil (for brushing)
• Goat cheese, softened
• Cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought)
• Fresh thyme or rosemary (optional, for garnish)
• Honey or balsamic glaze (optional, for drizzling)

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Arrange the baguette slices on a baking sheet and brush lightly with olive oil on both sides.
3. Bake for 6–8 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and crisp.
4. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.
5. Spread a layer of creamy goat cheese on each crostini.
6. Top with a spoonful of cranberry sauce.
7. Garnish with a small sprig of thyme or rosemary, if desired.
8. Drizzle lightly with honey or balsamic glaze for a touch of sweetness and shine.
9. Serve immediately, or refrigerate and bring to room temperature before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 20 crostini.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 8 minutes
Total time: 18 minutes

Variations

• Whipped Goat Cheese: Blend the goat cheese with a little cream or milk for a lighter, fluffier texture.
• Brie or Cream Cheese Substitute: Swap the goat cheese for brie or cream cheese if you prefer a milder flavor.
• Savory Touch: Add a sprinkle of sea salt and cracked pepper on top.
• Nutty Crunch: Add chopped pecans or walnuts for extra texture.
• Herb Infusion: Mix fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary directly into the goat cheese for added flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Crostini are best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare components ahead of time. Store toasted baguette slices in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Keep goat cheese and cranberry sauce refrigerated separately for up to 4 days. Assemble just before serving to maintain crispness. If needed, re-crisp the crostini in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 3–4 minutes before topping.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought cranberry sauce?

Yes, store-bought works great, but homemade cranberry sauce adds a fresher, more vibrant flavor.

Can I make these ahead of time?

You can toast the bread and prep the toppings ahead, but assemble right before serving for best texture.

What type of bread works best?

A French baguette or any crusty artisan loaf is ideal for making crisp crostini.

Can I use another cheese instead of goat cheese?

Yes, cream cheese, ricotta, or brie all work beautifully as substitutes.

Is this dish served hot or cold?

It’s best served at room temperature, though you can warm the crostini slightly before assembling.

Can I add meat to make it heartier?

Yes, a small piece of prosciutto or turkey adds a savory touch and pairs well with the cranberry.

What wine pairs best with this appetizer?

A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light red such as Pinot Noir complements the flavors nicely.

Can I use flavored goat cheese?

Yes, honey or herb-infused goat cheese enhances the flavor even more.

How do I prevent the crostini from getting soggy?

Assemble right before serving, and avoid adding too much cranberry sauce.

Can I make a gluten-free version?

Yes, simply use gluten-free baguette or crackers in place of traditional bread.

Conclusion

Cranberry Sauce Crostini with Creamy Goat Cheese is a beautiful and flavorful appetizer that brings together sweet, tangy, and savory elements in every bite. Quick to prepare yet elegant enough for any celebration, it’s a perfect way to impress guests and make the most of seasonal ingredients. Simple, festive, and delicious—this crostini is sure to become a new holiday favorite.

Cranberry Sauce Crostini With Creamy Goat Cheese

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Cranberry Sauce Crostini with Creamy Goat Cheese is a festive, elegant appetizer that combines crisp toasted baguette slices with tangy goat cheese and sweet-tart cranberry sauce. Perfect for the holidays, dinner parties, or using up leftover cranberry sauce, it’s a simple yet stunning bite-sized treat.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 minutes
• Total Time: 18 minutes
• Yield: About 20 crostini
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baked
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

• 1 French baguette, sliced into ½-inch rounds
• 2–3 tablespoons olive oil (for brushing)
• 8 oz goat cheese, softened
• 1 cup cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought)
• Fresh thyme or rosemary, for garnish (optional)
• Honey or balsamic glaze, for drizzling (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Arrange baguette slices on a baking sheet and brush both sides lightly with olive oil.
3. Bake for 6–8 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crisp.
4. Remove from oven and let cool slightly.
5. Spread a layer of goat cheese on each crostini.
6. Top with a spoonful of cranberry sauce.
7. Garnish with fresh thyme or rosemary, if desired.
8. Drizzle lightly with honey or balsamic glaze for extra sweetness.
9. Serve immediately, or refrigerate and bring to room temperature before serving.

Notes

• Use a French baguette or any crusty artisan bread for the best crostini texture.
• Assemble just before serving to keep the bread crisp.
• Try whipped goat cheese for a lighter texture.
• Add chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch.
• For a savory twist, top with prosciutto or turkey slices.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 crostini
• Calories: 110
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 130mg
• Fat: 6g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 9g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 10mg