Cranberry and Goat Cheese Crostini

Cranberry & Goat Cheese Crostini

This Cranberry & Goat Cheese Crostini is simple to make, tastes delicious and can be prepared ahead of time making it the perfect holiday appetizer!

The holiday season is considered to be the “most wonderful time of the year” but for many, it’s considered the most stressful ~ especially when it comes to entertaining. With so much on our plates, who has the time for recipes that require hours to prepare? Certainly not me! Whether you are hosting a holiday party or attending one, having a few simple but delicious go-to appetizers in your recipe rolodex is a sure way to conquer those holiday stressors.

One of my favorite go-to appetizers are Cranberry & Goat Cheese Crostini. They are quick and easy to make, create a beautiful presentation and are a total crowd-pleaser. Every time I serve this delicious appetizer they are a huge hit and someone inevitably begs me for the recipe.  The balance and combination of the sweet-tart cranberries, the earthy cheese, and the buttery toasted baguette, keeps everyone coming back for more. The star ingredient by far is the warm homemade cranberry sauce. This is a step you should not skimp on ~ store-bought in a can just won’t cut it. No worries though, this cranberry sauce is a cinch to make and complete in 15 minutes. Plus, it makes the perfect accompaniment to your Thanksgiving turkey. And with fresh cranberry season being so short I always make sure to double or triple the recipe and freeze portions for future meals ~ so do yourself a food favor and do the same!  

What I love most about this appetizer is its amazing taste but also its versatility and gorgeous presentation. It’s a recipe that allows you to be creative ~ if you want a little crunch add candied walnuts or pecans, switch out the cheese with a brie, whipped feta or ricotta, or even add a slice of prosciutto or bacon between the goat cheese and cranberry for a more substantial bite.  Whatever combinations you choose, the colors of this appetizer are festive and bright and incredibly appealing to the eye. I recommend serving this appetizer on a platter that is white, sterling silver, wooden or marble so it will highlight and accentuate its beauty. Adding a few fresh sprigs of thyme or rosemary to the platter makes a wonderful garnish and finishing touch.

During the upcoming holiday season be sure to serve this simple and delicious Cranberry and Goat Cheese Crostini recipe. It is guaranteed to make an impression on your guests while truly making it the “most wonderful time of the year” for you. Cheers and Happy Holidays!

 

Cranberry and Goat Cheese Crostini

Prep and cook time: 25 minutes

Serves 6-8

Ingredients: (Whenever possible, please shop for locally grown/made ingredients and support our amazing farmers, bakers, butchers and co-op’s)

·       12 ounce bag fresh cranberries

·       1 cup of water

·       ¾ cups of granulated sugar

·       1 orange

·       10 ounce goat cheese log

·       ¼ cup honey

·       1 loaf of baguette bread, cut into ½ inch slices (your preference - white, wheat, gluten-free)

·       olive oil

·       fresh sprigs of thyme

·       garlic powder

·       salt n pepper to taste

Instructions:

1.     Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

2.     Prepare cranberry sauce – In a small saucepan add 1 cup of water over medium heat. Add sugar to water and stir until dissolved. Turn up heat to medium-high until it reaches a gentle boil.  Add cranberries and cook, stirring frequently, until the cranberries begin to open and pop. Add 3-4 shavings of orange zest and the juice of ½ an orange to the cranberries. Continue to stir until most of the cranberries have popped and the sauce turns to a thicker consistency. Turn heat down to low for about 10 minutes. Set aside. **

3.     Meanwhile, lightly brush both sides of bread slices with olive oil and arrange them on a single layer on a baking sheet. Lightly sprinkle slices with salt n pepper and garlic powder. Toast bread in the oven until golden brown, about 7-10 minutes. Set pan aside.

4.     In a small bowl, whip the goat cheese and honey together with a spoon until it’s softened and fluffy.

5.     Assemble crostini – Top each slice of bread with a generous spread of cheese, then add warm cranberry sauce and top with fresh thyme leaves and some freshly ground pepper.

6.     Serve on a platter with extra sprigs of thyme and enjoy!

** The cranberry sauce can be stored in an airtight container for up to 10 days or stored in the freezer for up to a year.