Blackberry Balsamic Whipped Goat Cheese Crostini
This elegant Whipped Goat Cheese Crostini is a little savory, a little sweet, and nothing short of delectable. Build a batch of them for your next shower or party spread, or simply whip up a few for an afternoon snack. Although it takes only a few simple ingredients and mere minutes to make, it’s sure to please even the most refined of palates!
These blackberry balsamic whipped goat cheese crostini are an absolute showstopper—perfect for entertaining or treating yourself to something a little fancy without the fuss. The creamy, tangy goat cheese mixture pairs beautifully with the juicy blackberries, while a touch of honey and lemon zest brighten every bite.
A drizzle of balsamic brings just the right amount of complexity and contrast for this goat cheese appetizer.
Equipment Needed
You just need a few kitchen essentials to make these crostini:
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Pastry brush
- Small bowl
- Offset spatula or small spreader
- Food processor or blender
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Serving platter or wooden board
Ingredients Needed
Here’s a quick breakdown of the key ingredients used in this goat cheese crostini recipe:
For the Crostini
- Baguette: Use a classic French baguette, sliced about ½ inch thick. Day-old or slightly stale bread works well here, or you can also use crackers. If you do use crackers, skip the toasting step!
- Olive Oil: A light brushing adds flavor and helps the baguette slices toast to golden perfection.
- Salt & Pepper: Season to taste.
For the Topping
- Goat Cheese: Tangy and creamy goat cheese forms the base of the spread. Choose a plain goat cheese in a log for the smoothest blend.
- Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese makes the goat cheese easier to whip and adds a bit of mellow richness.
- Lemon Zest: Fresh lemon zest adds brightness and depth to the cheese spread.
- Salt & Pepper: To taste!
- Blackberries: Fresh, plump blackberries bring juicy sweetness and a touch of tartness.
Garnish
- Balsamic vinegar or balsamic reduction: A drizzle of high-quality balsamic or a homemade reduction enhances the sweet-savory balance. Use a reduction if you want a thicker, more concentrated balsamic glaze.
- Fresh basil leaves: Aromatic and slightly peppery, basil adds freshness and color.
- Lemon zest: For a brighter flavor, if desired!
Variations & Substitutions
These crostinis are so versatile! There are lots of easy ways to tweak this recipe to suit your preferences or work with what you already have on hand:
- Use whipped cream cheese for an even lighter, airier texture in the cheese spread.
- Substitute ricotta for some or all of the goat cheese to mix it up.
- Make enough for a crowd! You can easily double or triple this recipe to feed a crowd.
- Prefer a softer texture? Macerate the blackberries with a fork before spooning them onto the crostini, or add them to the food processor with the cheese to blend them right in! Some people will enjoy the bite of a whole berry, while others may prefer the texture of a mashed berry.
- Italian or sourdough bread can be used instead of baguette—just cut to crostini-sized pieces.
- Yes, you can use a seasoned goat cheese log for your goat cheese, so long as you think the flavors will mesh!
- Substitute different fresh herbs if you don’t like basil.
- Try flavored balsamic vinegar like fig or raspberry for a unique variation.
- Raspberries, blueberries, or sliced strawberries can be used in place of blackberries, depending on what’s in season or on hand.
- Add a dollop of jam on top of the whipped goat cheese before adding the balsamic drizzle. I like fig jam or cherry jam for this recipe.
- Add a bit of heat with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot honey.
- Instead of the fresh herbs, try adding a sprinkle of chopped nuts! I recommend chopped pistachios, walnuts or pecans.
How to Make Blackberry Balsamic Whipped Goat Cheese Crostini
Here’s how to make easy whipped goat cheese crostini:
- Preheat: Preheat your oven to 375⁰ Fahrenheit, and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prep Baking Sheet: Arrange the baguette slices onto the baking sheet about a half-inch apart.
- Brush with Olive Oil & Season: Brush the tops of each baguette slice with olive oil and sprinkle with salt & pepper.
- Bake: Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until slightly crisp and golden on the edges.
- Blend the Filling: In a food processor or blender, combine the cream cheese, goat cheese, honey, and half of the lemon zest until smooth.
- Season: Add salt & pepper to taste and blend until thoroughly combined.
- Spread on Bread: Spread about a tablespoon of filling onto each slice of toasted baguette.
- Add Blackberries: Top each slice with 2-3 black raspberries.
- Garnish & Enjoy: Garnish with a drizzle of balsamic, a sprinkle of lemon zest, and a sprig or sprinkle of fresh basil before serving.
Have leftover fresh blackberries to use? I recommend making my Blackberry Dump Cake recipe, or this Blackberry Iced Tea!
How to Make a Homemade Balsamic Reduction
To make a balsamic reduction, bring 1 cup of balsamic vinegar to a boil on the stove. Reduce heat and simmer for 12-14 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool to room temperature before serving. The reduction with continue to thicken as it cools.
You can absolutely skip this step and purchase it in the store! I am almost always able to find a bottle of balsamic glaze at ALDI, it’s super affordable and very good.
Serving Suggestions
Not sure how to present these crostini? Here are some easy and elegant ideas for serving them at your next event—or just enjoying them at home:
- Arrange crostini on a wooden board, serving tray or platter with extra basil, lemon zest, and a bowl of balsamic reduction for drizzling. You can also choose to serve the whipped goat cheese in a small bowl or skillet, and allow your guests to assemble their own crostinis on a small plate.
- Pair with a crisp rosé, sparkling wine, or an iced americano for a refreshing contrast.
- Add to a cheese board or charcuterie spread alongside nuts, cured meats, and other small bites.
- Make it part of a brunch buffet with coffee cake cupcakes, ham and egg pot pies, and blueberry French toast casserole!
- Serve at a holiday party with more holiday appetizer dishes like my Cranberry Meatballs.
Pro tip: The Whipped Goat Cheese Dip is awesome by itself! Just drizzle it with olive oil and a bit of the balsamic and dip. Your guests will devour it.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can whip the goat cheese and cream cheese together by hand or with a hand mixer—it may not be quite as smooth, but it will still taste delicious. If doing it by hand, make sure that the cheese are at room temperature, and use a rubber spatula as opposed to a whisk.
Yes, but keep in mind it may overpower the balance of flavors. A mild herb goat cheese could work, but avoid anything too strongly flavored.
I can’t to hear how this recipe turns out in your kitchen! Drop a comment below with your results, modifications, or questions—bonus points for sharing photos of your creation. Happy cooking, friends!
Blackberry Balsamic Whipped Goat Cheese Crostini Recipe
Ingredients
For the crostini:
- 12 thin slices baguette
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For the topping:
- 4 ounces goat cheese
- ¼ cup 2 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- Sea salt & black pepper to taste
- 1 pint fresh blackberries
For garnish:
- Balsamic vinegar or balsamic reduction, see notes
- Fresh basil leaves
- Additional lemon zest
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375⁰ Fahrenheit, and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Arrange the baguette slices onto the baking sheet about a half-inch apart.
- Brush the tops of each baguette slice with olive oil and sprinkle with salt & pepper.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until slightly crisp and golden on the edges.
- In a food processor or blender, combine the cream cheese, goat cheese, honey, and half of the lemon zest until smooth.
- Add salt & pepper to taste and blend until thoroughly combined.
- Spread about a tablespoon of filling onto each slice of toasted baguette.
- Top each slice with 2-3 black raspberries.
- Garnish with a drizzle of balsamic, a sprinkle of lemon zest, and a sprig or sprinkle of fresh basil before serving.
Notes
- Best when fresh: These crostini are best served immediately. Leftovers will become soggy and lose their texture.
- Baguette slicing: Cut your baguette into slices about ½ inch thick for the ideal balance of crispness and chew.
- Bread options: If you can’t find a French baguette, Italian bread will work. If the slices are too large, cut them in halves or quarters.
- Stale bread works well: Slightly stale bread can actually yield a crustier, more satisfying base once toasted.
- Goat cheese spread storage: You can make the whipped goat cheese mixture up to 2–3 days in advance and store it in the fridge. Stir before using.
- Make ahead: If you need to prepare in advance, I recommend storing each element separately. Toast the baguette slices and place them into an airtight container or large zip lock bag until needed. You can prepare the goat cheese and keep it refrigerated for 2-3 days before using. Give it a good stir before spreading. Add the berries and garnish just before serving.
- Balsamic reduction: To make your own, bring 1 cup of balsamic vinegar to a boil, then simmer for 12–14 minutes until reduced by about half. Let cool—it will thicken as it sits.
- Garnishing basil: Use whole leaves for a dramatic look or finely chop and sprinkle over the top for even distribution.
