Description

This easy peach appetizer is perfect for summer!

Ingredients

Scale

For the whipped goat cheese:

8-10 ounces goat cheese (1 large goat cheese log)
2 ounces cream cheese (about 1/4 cup)
Kosher salt to taste

For assembling the bruschetta:

1 baguette, sliced
2 Tablespoons olive oil
2 large peaches, sliced
1/2 cup fresh basil, roughly chopped
1/4 cup thick balsamic vinegar or balsamic reduction
Flakey sea salt (optional, for topping)

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Instructions

Make the whipped goat cheese:

Crumble goat cheese into the bowl of a food processor. Add cream cheese and a pinch of salt.
Blend until smooth, scraping down the sides of the food processor as needed. Use immediately or store in an airtight container in the fridge for 4-5 days.

For the bruschetta:

Toast the crostini: Heat oven to 400° Fahrenheit. Lay baguette slices in a single layer on a large baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil. Bake at 400° F for 5-10 minutes until bread is toasted and lightly browned.
Make the balsamic reduction: Put balsamic vinegar in a small saucepan over medium heat and bring to a low simmer. Simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until vinegar has reduced to a thick syrup-y consistency. Remove from heat and set aside.
Assemble! Spread a spoonful of whipped goat cheese on each crostini piece. Top with one or two peach slices and a pinch of fresh basil. Use a spoon to drizzle a bit of the balsamic reduction over the crostini and serve immediately.

Notes

Use ripe, fresh summer peaches here for best results (canned or previously frozen peaches just don’t have the same pizzazz!)

Additions and Substitutions. Use a thick, aged balsamic vinegar or a store-bought balsamic glaze if you don’t have time to make your own balsamic reduction (you can also swap the balsamic for a drizzle of honey). Use sliced sourdough or crusty french bread in place of baguette slices if you like. Use feta or ricotta in place of goat cheese. Top with chopped pistachios or walnuts for extra texture.

Bruschetta vs. Crostini. This recipe was inspired by traditional Italian bruschetta, although bruschetta is typically associated with larger bread slices (as opposed to the baguette slices we’re using here, which are more closely associated with crostini). Use any size bread you like in this recipe!

Make Ahead Tips. The whipped goat cheese and balsamic reduction can each be made up to 5 days in advance; store in airtight containers in the fridge until you’re ready to use them. Let balsamic reduction come to room temperature for an hour or so before using to make it easier to drizzle.

Keywords: crostini, appetizer, summer