Cranberry Crostini is a delightful and elegant appetizer that combines the tangy sweetness of cranberries with the creamy richness of goat cheese, all atop a crunchy base of toasted bread. This dish is perfect for the holiday season, offering a vibrant pop of color and a blend of flavors that are both festive and sophisticated. The combination of fresh cranberries, orange zest, and aromatic spices creates a truly captivating taste experience that is sure to impress your guests. Whether you’re hosting a cozy dinner party or a grand holiday gathering, Cranberry Crostini is an ideal choice to kick off the festivities.
Ingredients
- , sliced into ½-inch thick slices
- 2+ tablespoons olive oil
- Sea salt
- 10 ounces goat cheese, preferably at room temperature
- ½ cup+ honey
- ½ cup water
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ¼ teaspoon ground allspice
- 1 (12-ounce) bag fresh cranberries
- Zest of 1 orange (orange part only), divided
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Prepare the Bread: Lightly brush both sides of each bread slice with olive oil and arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Sprinkle with sea salt.
- Toast the Bread: Bake the bread slices in the oven for 10 to 12 minutes, turning halfway, until they are lightly golden on both sides. Let them cool.
- Make the Cranberry Sauce: Rinse the cranberries and discard any squishy ones. In a large saucepan, combine ½ cup water, honey, cinnamon, cloves, and allspice. Bring to a gentle boil. Add the cranberries and cook, stirring frequently, for about 3 minutes or until the cranberries have popped and the sauce is saucy. Remove from heat and stir in about two-thirds of the orange zest.
- Assemble the Crostini: Spread a generous amount of goat cheese on each toasted bread slice, followed by a spoonful of cranberry sauce. Sprinkle with the remaining orange zest.
Top Tips
- Use Fresh Cranberries: Fresh cranberries provide the best flavor and texture for this recipe.
- Adjust Spice Levels: Feel free to adjust the amount of cinnamon, cloves, and allspice to suit your taste preferences.
- Toast Bread Just Before Serving: For the crispiest crostini, toast the bread just before assembling the dish.
- Room Temperature Cheese: Ensure the goat cheese is at room temperature for easier spreading.
- Customize with Herbs: Consider adding fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for added depth of flavor.
- Make Ahead: Prepare the cranberry sauce and toast the bread ahead of time to streamline the assembly process.
Variations
- Brie and Fig Jam: Replace goat cheese with Brie and pair with fig jam for a sweet and savory twist.
- Cranberry and Lime: Add a squeeze of fresh lime juice to the cranberry sauce for a zesty flavor.
- Rosemary and Garlic: Infuse the goat cheese with minced garlic and chopped rosemary for a savory twist.
- Apricot Chutney: Substitute cranberry sauce with a homemade apricot chutney for a sweet and spicy variation.
- Prosciutto and Arugula: Top the crostini with prosciutto and arugula for a salty, peppery contrast.
Nutritional Guide
| Servings | Calories | Fat | Carbohydrates | Protein |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12 | 220 | 12g | 25g | 8g |
Additional nutritional notes: This recipe is relatively low in calories and fat, making it a healthier appetizer option. The goat cheese provides a good source of protein, while the whole grain bread contributes fiber. Cranberries are rich in antioxidants, adding to the dish’s nutritional value. However, the honey adds natural sweetness, so it’s best to consume in moderation.
