My Summer Go-To
I make these little toasts all summer long. My tomato plants get so happy in the sun. They give me more fruit than I know what to do with.
This recipe is my favorite solution. It turns a bag of tomatoes into a party. Doesn’t that smell amazing? The garlic and basil together is pure summer.
A Funny Little Start
I first made these for my book club. I was in a big hurry. I accidentally used the entire garlic clove, not just one little press of it.
My friend Marge took one bite. Her eyes got very wide. She said, Tessa, that will certainly keep the vampires away! I still laugh at that. Now I measure my garlic carefully.
Why The Little Things Matter
Brushing the bread with oil is important. It makes each bite crisp and golden. Skipping this step gives you dry toast.
Letting the toasts cool matters too. If they are hot, the cheese will melt right off. Patience makes a prettier plate. What’s your biggest cooking patience test? Is it waiting for cookies to cool?
Make It Your Own
You do not need fancy cheese. Soft goat cheese is lovely. But a block of cream cheese works just fine. Use what you have.
Fun fact: That dark drizzle is called balsamic glaze. It is just vinegar cooked down until it gets sweet and thick. You can buy it in a bottle. It makes everything look fancy.
The Taste of Sharing
Food is about more than eating. It is about sharing a moment. These crostini are made for passing around a table.
Making them says, I’m glad you’re here. That feeling is the best ingredient. Do you have a simple recipe that makes people feel welcome? I would love to hear about it.
Let’s Get Cooking
Heat your oven to 400°F. Slice your baguette on an angle. Brush each side with olive oil. Bake for 7-10 minutes until golden. Let them cool completely.
Mix chopped tomatoes, basil, garlic, a little oil, salt, and pepper. Spread cheese on the cool toasts. Top with your tomato mix. Drizzle with that sweet balsamic glaze. Which will you try first, goat cheese or cream cheese?
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| baguette | 1 | sliced into 1/2” thick diagonal slices |
| extra virgin olive oil | 4 Tbsp, divided | |
| cherry tomatoes | 2 cups (12 oz) | quartered |
| basil | 2 Tbsp | chopped |
| garlic clove | 1 | minced or squeezed with a garlic press |
| fine sea salt | 1/8 tsp | |
| freshly ground black pepper | 1/8 tsp | |
| goat cheese, Boursin Cheese, or cream cheese | 4 oz | |
| balsamic glaze | 2 Tbsp | to drizzle, homemade or storebought |
My Favorite Summer Snack: Tomato Goat Cheese Crostini
Hello, my dear! Come sit at the counter. Let’s make my favorite little toasts. They taste like a sunny garden. I first had these at my neighbor’s picnic. I still laugh at that. I asked for the recipe right away!
They are perfect for sharing. You can make them in just minutes. Doesn’t that smell amazing? The garlic and basil together is magic. Let me show you how it’s done. It’s easier than you think.
Step 1: First, get your oven nice and warm. Set it to 400°F. Slice your baguette on a diagonal. This makes pretty, long slices. Brush both sides with good olive oil. This makes them crisp and golden.
Step 2: Now, bake those slices for 7-10 minutes. Watch them closely. You want light gold edges. Let them cool completely on the sheet. Warm bread makes the cheese melt too much. Use this time to make the tomato mix.
Step 3: Toss your quartered tomatoes in a bowl. Add the chopped basil and minced garlic. A little salt and pepper goes in too. Drizzle with that last tablespoon of oil. Gently mix it all with your hands.
What’s your favorite summer herb? Share below!
Step 4: Time to put it all together! Spread the cool toasts with goat cheese. I like the creamy kind. Then, spoon your tomato mixture on top. Finish with a drizzle of balsamic glaze. It looks so fancy, but it’s simple. Arrange them on a big plate and serve.
Three Fun Twists to Try
You can change this recipe so easily. It’s fun to play with flavors. Here are three ideas I love. Try one next time you make them.
The Garden Twist: Add thin slices of fresh cucumber on the cheese. It adds a cool, crunchy surprise.
The Sweet & Spicy Twist: Mix a tiny bit of honey into your goat cheese. Top with a pinch of red pepper flakes.
The Autumn Twist: Use roasted butternut squash instead of tomatoes. Add a sprinkle of chopped sage. It’s so cozy.
Which one would you try first? Comment below!
Serving Them Up Just Right
These toasts are wonderful all on their own. But you can make a whole meal. I like to serve them on a big wooden board. Add some green olives and nuts on the side. It looks so inviting.
For a drink, I have two choices. A glass of chilled rosé wine is lovely for grown-ups. For everyone, try sparkling lemonade with a sprig of mint. Both are perfectly refreshing.
Which would you choose tonight?
Keeping Your Crostini Crisp and Fresh
Let’s talk about keeping these tasty toasts. First, store everything separately. Keep the toasted bread in a bag at room temperature. Put the tomato mix in a container in the fridge. This stops the bread from getting soggy. You can prep both parts a day ahead. Just assemble right before serving.
I learned this the hard way. I once mixed it all up the night before. The next day, my crostini was a sad, mushy mess. Now I know better! Batch cooking the toasts is a great time-saver. Bake a whole baguette’s worth and freeze them. They thaw quickly for a fast snack.
Why does this matter? It means less stress when friends visit. You can have a fancy snack ready in minutes. Good planning makes happy hosting. Have you ever tried storing it this way? Share below!
Simple Fixes for Common Crostini Troubles
Even simple recipes can have hiccups. Here are three common ones. First, soggy bread. Your bread might be too thick. Aim for that half-inch slice. Also, let the toasts cool completely before topping them.
Second, bland tomatoes. They need a little help. Always add that pinch of salt. It wakes up their flavor. I remember using unsalted tomatoes once. The whole dish tasted flat.
Third, cheese that won’t spread. Goat cheese can be crumbly straight from the fridge. Let it sit out for 15 minutes first. It will soften up nicely. Fixing these small issues builds your cooking confidence. It also makes your food taste so much better. Which of these problems have you run into before?
Your Crostini Questions, Answered
Q: Can I make this gluten-free? A: Yes! Use your favorite gluten-free baguette. The method is exactly the same.
Q: How far ahead can I make it? A: Prep parts 1 day ahead. Assemble just before you eat for the best crunch.
Q: What if I don’t have goat cheese? A: Cream cheese or Boursin work wonderfully. Use what you love. Fun fact: Boursin is a soft cheese with herbs already mixed in!
Q: Can I double the recipe for a party? A: Absolutely. Just use two baking sheets. You might need to bake them in batches.
Q: Is the balsamic glaze necessary? A: It adds a sweet-tangy finish. But your crostini will still be delicious without it. Which tip will you try first?
From My Kitchen to Yours
I hope you love making these little bites. They always remind me of summer lunches on the porch. Cooking is about sharing joy and good food.
I would be so delighted to see your creations. Did you add your own twist? Have you tried this recipe? Tag us on Pinterest! You can find me at @TessasKitchenNook. I love seeing your family tables.
Happy cooking!
—Tessa Hammond.
Tomato Goat Cheese Crostini Recipe
Description
These easy and elegant crostini feature crispy baked baguette slices topped with creamy goat cheese, a fresh tomato basil salad, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F with a rack in the center of the oven. Using a serrated knife, slice the baguette into 1/2” thick slices, cutting them diagonally.
- Arrange toasts on a rimmed baking sheet. Brush both sides with extra virgin olive oil, about 3 Tbsp for 1 baguette. Bake the toast for 7 to 10 minutes until the edges are slightly golden. Remove them from the oven and cool to room temperature.
- While the toasts are in the oven, make your tomato topping. In a mixing bowl, combine tomatoes, basil, garlic, 1 Tbsp olive oil, salt, and pepper and toss gently to combine.
- Once the toasts are cooled to room temperature, spread the goat cheese or your desired cheese over the tops of your toasts then add your tomato topping. Set the crostini on a serving platter and drizzle the tops with balsamic glaze.
Notes
- Nutrition Per Serving (1 toast): Calories: 65, Total Fat: 4g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.4g, Monounsaturated Fat: 2g, Cholesterol: 2mg, Sodium: 95mg, Potassium: 42mg, Total Carbohydrates: 6g, Dietary Fiber: 0.3g, Sugars: 1g, Protein: 2g, Vitamin A: 118IU, Vitamin C: 3mg, Calcium: 20mg, Iron: 1mg
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