Hot Honey Goat Cheese Crostini

These Hot Honey Goat Cheese Crostini are a sophisticated and easy-to-make appetizer that perfectly balances creamy, crunchy, sweet, and spicy flavors. Featuring golden toasted baguette slices topped with a smooth blend of goat and cream cheese and finished with a kick of red pepper-infused honey, they are a guaranteed hit for any occasion.

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With a yield of 16 crostini, this recipe is designed for sharing. The preparation is straightforward, making it an ideal choice for hosts who want to spend more time with guests and less time in the kitchen.

Ingredients

• Bread: 1 baguette, sliced into ½-inch slices (about 16 slices)
• Cheese: 4 oz (115 g) fresh goat cheese, softened; 4 oz (115 g) cream cheese, softened
• Hot Honey: ¼ cup (60 ml) honey; ½–1 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• Garnish (optional): 1 tbsp fresh chives or thyme, finely chopped; flaky sea salt, to taste
• For Brushing: 2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the baguette slices on a baking sheet and brush both sides lightly with olive oil.

Step 2

Bake for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crisp. Let cool slightly.

Step 3

In a small bowl, mix goat cheese and cream cheese until smooth and creamy.

Step 4

In a microwave-safe bowl or small saucepan, combine honey and red pepper flakes. Warm gently for 15–20 seconds in the microwave or over low heat on the stove until just warm and fragrant. Stir and let sit for a minute to infuse.

Step 5

Spread a layer of the goat cheese mixture onto each toasted baguette slice.

Step 6

Drizzle each crostini generously with hot honey.

Step 7

Garnish with fresh herbs and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, if desired. Serve immediately.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

To ensure success, have your baking sheet, small mixing bowls, a pastry brush, and a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl ready. Make sure both the goat cheese and cream cheese are softened to room temperature before mixing to achieve a perfectly smooth and spreadable consistency.

Varianten und Anpassungen

For a tangier flavor, you can substitute whipped feta for the goat cheese. If you enjoy a bit of extra texture, add a sprinkle of chopped toasted nuts like walnuts or pecans. To make this appetizer gluten-free, simply use a gluten-free baguette or bread alternative.

Serviervorschläge

These crostini pair wonderfully with crisp white wines such as Sauvignon Blanc or your favorite sparkling wine. For the best experience, assemble and serve them immediately to enjoy the contrast between the warm honey and the crisp bread.

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Each crostini contains approximately 110 calories, 5g of fat, 13g of carbohydrates, and 3g of protein. Enjoy this simple yet elegant dish that brings a touch of gourmet flair to any appetizer spread.

Recipe Questions & Answers

→ Can I make these ahead of time?

Prepare the toasted baguette slices up to a day in advance and store in an airtight container. The cheese blend can be mixed ahead and refrigerated. Warm the hot honey just before serving and assemble everything right before guests arrive for optimal texture.

→ How spicy is the hot honey?

The spice level is customizable. Start with ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes for mild heat, or increase to a full teaspoon for more kick. The honey's sweetness balances the warmth beautifully, creating approachable heat rather than overwhelming spice.

→ What can I substitute for goat cheese?

Whipped feta offers a tangier alternative, while Brie provides a milder, buttery profile. For a completely different direction, try ricotta mixed with lemon zest and herbs. The creamy element needs enough structure to stay on the toasted bread.

→ How do I store leftovers?

These are best enjoyed immediately as the bread can become soggy over time. If you must store them, keep components separate: bread in a sealed container, cheese blend refrigerated, and hot honey at room temperature. Assemble fresh when ready to serve.

→ Can I use different bread?

While baguette provides the classic crostini experience, you can use ciabatta, sourdough, or French bread slices. For gluten-free needs, opt for a sturdy gluten-free baguette that holds up well to toasting without crumbling.

→ What wine pairs well with these?

Crisp white wines like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complement the creamy cheese and honey's sweetness. Sparkling wine or Champagne adds festive bubbles that cut through the richness. A dry rosé also balances the sweet-heat profile beautifully.