Balsamic Roasted Cherry and Goat Cheese Crostini
Balsamic Roasted Cherry and Goat Cheese Crostini combines roasted cherries, creamy goat cheese, honey, and balsamic glaze on toasted baguette slices.
Ingredients
Crostini
- 12 slices baguette
- 4 tablespoons olive oil divided
- 1 cup goat cheese
Roasted Cherries
- 2 cups cherries pitted and halved
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme plus extra for garnish
- 2 tablespoons cherry juice or non-alcoholic cherry beverage
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
For Finishing
- Honey for drizzling
- Balsamic glaze for drizzling
- Fresh thyme sprigs
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a medium bowl, combine the halved cherries, 2 tablespoons olive oil, cherry juice, balsamic vinegar, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Toss until evenly coated.
- Arrange the baguette slices on a baking sheet.
- Brush both sides lightly with the remaining olive oil.
- Bake on the lower oven rack for about 7 minutes until lightly golden and crisp.
- Meanwhile, spread the cherry mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Place the cherries on the upper oven rack.
- Roast for 5–7 minutes until softened, juicy, and slightly bubbling.
- Remove both trays from the oven.
- Spread approximately 1 teaspoon of goat cheese onto each toasted baguette slice.
- Top each crostini with 2–3 roasted cherry halves.
- Garnish with fresh thyme leaves or small thyme sprigs.
- Drizzle lightly with honey.
- Finish with a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
- Sprinkle with a pinch of salt and black pepper.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- Cherry juice is an excellent halal-friendly substitute for cherry liqueur.
- Goat cheese can be replaced with whipped ricotta if preferred.
- Fresh thyme adds an aromatic finish.
- Balsamic glaze provides sweetness and depth.