Pin Recipe These Hot Honey Goat Cheese Crostini are a sophisticated appetizer that perfectly balances creamy, sweet, and spicy flavors. Toasted baguette slices serve as the crisp foundation for a tangy goat cheese spread, finished with a luscious drizzle of red pepper-infused honey. Whether you are entertaining guests or looking for an elegant snack, these bites are guaranteed to impress.
Pin Recipe This recipe transforms simple ingredients like baguette and honey into a gourmet experience. By combining goat cheese with cream cheese, you achieve a smoother, more spreadable texture that pairs beautifully with the crunch of the toasted bread.
Ingredients
- 1 baguette, sliced into 16 1/2-inch pieces
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 oz (115 g) goat cheese, softened
- 4 oz (115 g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 tbsp fresh chives, finely chopped (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) honey
- 1/2–1 tsp red pepper flakes (to taste)
- Fresh thyme or microgreens (optional)
Instructions
- 1. Oven Prep
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- 2. Toast Baguettes
- Arrange baguette slices on the sheet. Brush both sides lightly with olive oil. Bake for 6–8 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crisp. Let cool slightly.
- 3. Prepare Cheese Spread
- Meanwhile, in a small bowl, mix goat cheese, cream cheese, chives (if using), salt, and pepper until smooth and spreadable.
- 4. Infuse Hot Honey
- In a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, gently warm honey and red pepper flakes together for 1–2 minutes. Set aside to infuse.
- 5. Assemble
- Spread about 1 tablespoon of the cheese mixture onto each toasted baguette slice.
- 6. Garnish and Serve
- Drizzle with hot honey and garnish with fresh thyme or microgreens if desired. Serve immediately.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
To ensure the best texture, let the baguette slices cool slightly before spreading the cheese mixture. This helps prevent the cream cheese and goat cheese blend from becoming too runny. When warming the honey, keep a close eye on it to prevent it from boiling, as you only want it warm enough to infuse the red pepper flakes.
Varianten und Anpassungen
Feel free to customize the herbs in the cheese spread by swapping chives for fresh basil or parsley. You can also adjust the heat level of the hot honey by increasing or decreasing the amount of red pepper flakes based on your preference for spice.
Serviervorschläge
For the best experience, serve these crostini immediately after assembly to maintain the maximum crispness of the bread. Arrange them on a rustic wooden board or a festive platter for a beautiful presentation at your next gathering or party.
Pin Recipe
Enjoy these elegant Hot Honey Goat Cheese Crostini as a sophisticated start to any meal. With their vibrant garnish and delightful contrast of textures, they are a certain crowd-pleaser.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I make these ahead of time?
You can prepare the cheese spread and hot honey up to 2 days in advance. Store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Toast the baguette slices and assemble just before serving for optimal texture and freshness.
- → How spicy is the hot honey?
The spice level is easily adjustable. Start with 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes for mild heat, or increase to 1 teaspoon for a more pronounced kick. The honey's sweetness balances the spice beautifully.
- → Can I use different types of cheese?
While goat cheese provides the signature tangy flavor, you can substitute with Boursin, herbed cream cheese, or a blend of ricotta and Parmesan. Each variation creates a unique flavor profile.
- → What other bread options work well?
Baguette is traditional, but ciabatta, sourdough baguette, or thinly sliced French bread all work wonderfully. Choose a sturdy bread that will hold the toppings without becoming soggy.
- → How do I store leftovers?
Best served fresh for maximum crispness. If storing, keep components separate: toasted bread in a paper bag, cheese spread refrigerated, and honey at room temperature. Assemble just before eating.