These easy blackberry goat cheese crostini are perfect for summer entertaining! A simple whipped goat cheese and fresh summer blackberries make for a decadent bite that's sure to be a hit.
You can't go wrong with a crostini appetizer - especially when you're topping those crostini with creamy whipped goat cheese and fresh blackberries *swooooon*.
That sweet-and-tart combination is just SO flavorful. Plus, these simple appetizers are easy to make so you can have them ready in no time! (See also: Our easy strawberry crostini appetizers).
Time saving tips
These homemade crostini are perfect for a crowd, and you can prep some of the components ahead of time! Some of our favorite tips and shortcuts:
- Turn it into a crostini bar if you're cooking for a crowd so you don't have to assemble everything yourself. Serve the whipped goat cheese dip-style with a plate of toasted bread or crackers, and put all the other toppings in a few bowls so guests can DIY their own crostini.
- Skip toasting your own baguette slices: grab some store-bought crackers or pre-made crostini crackers to save time.
- Make the goat cheese ahead of time. Whip the goat cheese and store it in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge!
Riffs & Substitutions
Mix up the cheeses.
Whip feta or ricotta cheeses in place of the goat cheese, or skip the food processor step and just use fresh mozzarella, ricotta, burrata, or brie cheese.
Make it fancy!
Cook your bread slices on the grill for gorgeous grill marks and extra flavor. Add a slice of prosciutto or crispy bacon to each crostini piece if you like.
You can also heat your honey in a small skillet with a few sprigs of fresh herbs (we love rosemary!) to infuse it with extra flavor before drizzling it over your crostini bites.
Replace the blackberries
Use fresh raspberries, blueberries, strawberries, roasted beets, fresh tomato, or fresh figs here. You can also use a fig jam or fruity jam if you don't have fresh berries on hand!
Love this recipe? Try our Easy Warm Bruschetta →
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Blackberry Goat Cheese Crostini
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6-8 as an appetizer 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This easy goat cheese crostini features fresh blackberries - perfect for summer entertaining!
Ingredients
FOR THE WHIPPED GOAT CHEESE:
- 2 ounces cream cheese
- 8 ounces goat cheese
- 2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil
- salt to taste
FOR THE CROSTINI:
- 1 baguette, sliced
- 3 Tablespoons olive oil
- 6 ounces fresh blackberries
- ⅓ cup fresh basil, sliced (you can eyeball this - just grab a big handful of basil leaves!)
- ¼ cup honey
- zest of 1 lime (optional, for garnish; you won't need to juice the lime for this recipe, so use a microplane to shave off the zest and save the lime itself for later!)
Instructions
MAKE THE WHIPPED GOAT CHEESE:
- Crumble cream cheese, goat cheese, and salt into the bowl of a food processor. Pulse several times to break up and soften any chunks, then scrape down the sides of the bowl. Add olive oil and blend until cheese is creamy and smooth. about 1 minute. Set aside.
ASSEMBLE THE CROSTINI:
- Lay baguette slices in a single layer on a large sheet pan. Drizzle with olive oil and bake at 375° Fahrenheit for 4-7 minutes or until lightly toasted.
- Top crostini pieces with a spoonful of whipped goat cheese, then press a few fresh blackberries into the cheese to help them stay put. Top with fresh basil, a drizzle of honey, and a pinch of lime zest. Serve immediately.
Notes
Additions and substitutions. Use raspberries, peaches, figs, blueberries, strawberries, or roasted beets in place of the blackberries. If berries are out of season around you, use a spoonful of good jam instead of opting for whole frozen berries (these crostini are just better with fresh berries!) Use feta or ricotta in place of the goat cheese (they're both delicious in this creamy whipped cheese spread!) Skip the whipped cheese if you're short on time: use regular fresh mozzarella, burrata, ricotta, or brie instead. Use any fresh herbs you like - we love basil, but rosemary is also delicious here.
What kind of bread should I use? Use baguette slices for appetizer sized portions, or toast up some sourdough or crusty bread for larger pieces. Toast larger bread slices in the toaster (without olive oil) or cook them on the grill if you want to skip the oven.
Add extra flavor to your honey by warming it with a sprig of fresh rosemary in a small saucepan over very low heat for 10 minutes or so. You want it to warm up, but not simmer. The rosemary seeps into the honey and adds so much depth and flavor!
You can make the whipped goat cheese ahead of time - just store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days until you're ready to use it.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3-4 pieces
- Calories: 405
- Sugar: 15.7 g
- Sodium: 505.7 mg
- Fat: 21.6 g
- Carbohydrates: 41 g
- Protein: 13.5 g
- Cholesterol: 27 mg
Keywords: appetizers, canape, summer
C
My son is going on a big hiking trip, and do you know what he requested I make for him before he leaves???? These crostinis! Hands down, the most yummy recipe ever! Every time I make these, they are a huge hit!
★★★★★
Team Life As A Strawberry
YIPPEE! We're so happy that your whole family loves them!
Tater
This is The Best recipe! I have made it 6 or 7 times now. People go crazy over it every time I serve it! The rosemary infused honey is amazing! Thanks so much!
★★★★★
Team Life As A Strawberry
YIPPEE! We're so glad to hear how much you're loving this recipe!
Barb
These are amazing and what a presentation!! Made exactly as written and they are spectacular. Show stoppers for sure. I made them a year ago and, thank God, I found this recipe again --- in the process of printing. Everyone I served them too wanted the recipe. I have made them 30 min before serving and they are still delicious. Do yourself a favor and make as written. The blend of flavors is incredible.
★★★★★
Cindy o
This is The Best recipe I’ve ever gotten my hands on! Thank you! This is so yummy. Everyone that tries them absolutely loves them!
★★★★★
Jackie @ Life As A Strawberry
Hi Cindy, oh yes this is a favorite! Great for the holidays coming up.
Barb
I like to use garlic olive oil on the crostini and sliced pears on top of the goat cheese. Drizzle w Tupelo honey and grind a little black pepper on top!. Yummy. But I'm excited to try the whipped goat cheese - I've never done that.