Strawberry Goat Cheese Bruschetta Recipe
Introduction
Strawberry Goat Cheese Bruschetta is a delightful and fresh appetizer that combines sweet, tangy strawberries with creamy goat cheese and fragrant basil. Perfect for warm weather gatherings or a light snack, this easy-to-make dish brings a burst of flavor to your table.
Ingredients
- 1 pound (454g) fresh strawberries, chopped
- ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 8 ounces (227g) French bread slices or French baguette, sliced into ¾” slices
- Olive oil for brushing
- 8 ounces (227g) goat cheese, softened to room temperature
- Balsamic glaze, as needed
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine the chopped strawberries and chopped basil. Stir gently to mix and set aside.
- Step 2: Preheat your oven or air fryer to 350ºF (177ºC) or heat a cast iron grill pan over medium-high heat.
- Step 3: Brush both sides of the baguette slices with olive oil. Grill the slices without crowding for about 3 minutes per side, or until toasted to your liking. Alternatively, broil the slices in the oven, flipping halfway to toast both sides.
- Step 4: Spread each toasted baguette slice with a generous amount of goat cheese, then top with a scoop of the strawberry and basil mixture.
- Step 5: Drizzle balsamic glaze over each bruschetta and serve immediately.
Tips & Variations
- Use herbed goat cheese, such as garlic and herbs flavor, for an extra layer of taste.
- Adjust the amount of basil according to your preference for a more or less pronounced herbal flavor.
- To make your own balsamic glaze, simmer 1 cup (240mL) balsamic vinegar with 2 tablespoons (25g) granulated sugar until syrupy, about 10–15 minutes, then cool before drizzling.
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The bruschetta will soften over time, so it’s best enjoyed within a day. Keep the strawberry and basil mixture covered and refrigerated for up to 2 days for freshness.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I prepare the strawberry mixture in advance?
Yes, the strawberry and basil mixture can be prepared up to 2 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld nicely.
What can I substitute for goat cheese?
If you prefer, you can use cream cheese or ricotta as a creamy alternative, although goat cheese provides a distinctive tang that pairs beautifully with strawberries.
PrintStrawberry Goat Cheese Bruschetta Recipe
Strawberry Goat Cheese Bruschetta is a delightful and fresh appetizer featuring toasted French bread topped with creamy herbed goat cheese, a vibrant mix of fresh strawberries and basil, and finished with a sweet balsamic glaze. This easy-to-make dish perfectly balances sweet, tangy, and savory flavors, making it ideal for parties, gatherings, or a light snack.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Total Time: 16 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Strawberry Mixture
- 1 pound (454g) fresh strawberries, chopped
- ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
Bread and Topping
- 8 ounces (227g) French bread slices or French baguette sliced into ¾” slices
- Olive oil for brushing
- 8 ounces (227g) goat cheese, softened to room temperature
- Balsamic glaze as needed
Instructions
- Prepare the strawberry mixture: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the chopped fresh strawberries and chopped basil leaves. Stir gently until the mixture is evenly mixed. Set aside to allow the flavors to meld.
- Preheat and prepare bread: Preheat your oven or air fryer to 350ºF (177ºC), or alternatively, heat a cast iron grill pan over medium-high heat. Brush both sides of the French bread or baguette slices with olive oil to promote even toasting and crispness.
- Toast the bread: Grill the oiled bread slices in the pan (or under broiler in the oven) without crowding for approximately 3 minutes per side, or until the slices are toasted to your preferred level of crispiness with beautiful grill marks.
- Assemble the bruschetta: Spread a generous layer of softened goat cheese on each toasted bread slice. Then, top each with a scoop of the strawberry and basil mixture. Drizzle balsamic glaze over the top to add a sweet and tangy finish.
- Serve and store leftovers: Serve immediately for best texture. Store any leftovers in the refrigerator; note that the bread will soften over time. The strawberry and basil mixture can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Notes
- Basil leaves: Adjust the quantity based on how prominent you want the basil flavor to be.
- Goat cheese: For enhanced flavor, use herbed goat cheese such as garlic & herbs variety.
- Make your own balsamic glaze: Combine 1 cup (240mL) balsamic vinegar and 2 tablespoons (25g) granulated sugar in a small saucepan. Heat over medium heat, bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Stir occasionally until syrupy (about 10-15 minutes). Cool to room temperature before drizzling.
Keywords: Strawberry Bruschetta, Goat Cheese Bruschetta, Appetizer, Fresh Strawberry Recipes, Party Appetizers, Quick Snacks, Basil and Strawberry
