Balsamic Cherry & Goat Cheese Crostini

Written by on in Appetizer, Bread, Snack

I know summer is waning, and I have been meaning to share this recipe the past few months while cherries were in season, because this is the perfect summer appetizer! There is nothing better than great bread with some yummy cheese and a savory/sweet topping. Spread your baguette slices with goat cheese, top with the cherry mixture, and you have a perfect two-bite appetizer that takes very little time to make and assemble. A cherry pitter will make quick work of removing the pits, but a sharp knife will work too. Plan to have very red, cherry-dyed fingers, unless you wear gloves…

I have also mastered the art of making perfect toasted baguette! The secret? Flipping the bread over to toast on both sides and SALT! Who knew?! I love Diamond Crystal, but any kosher salt will work.

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Ingredients

  • 1 pound fresh cherries, pitted and coarsely chopped

  • 1 tablespoon honey

  • 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar

  • 1/4 cup fresh basil, cut into ribbons, divided

  • 8 ounces creamy goat cheese, plain or honey

  • kosher salt

  • extra virgin olive oil

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Directions

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  • In a medium saucepan, combine cherries, honey, balsamic vinegar, 2 tablespoons of the basil and a pinch of salt. Cook over medium heat for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cherries are just starting to release their juice. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  • Slice baguette into 1″ slices. Arrange bread slices on sheet pan. Lightly spread olive oil on one side of bread with a pastry brush and sprinkle generously with kosher salt. Toast for 5 minutes. Remove from oven, flip each piece over and repeat the steps above. After 10 minutes you will have perfect toasted baguette!
  • To assemble the crostini, spread each baguette slice with goat cheese, then top with a spoonful of the cherry mixture. Sprinkle the remaining basil over the crostini and serve immediately.