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The Best Goat Cheese Crostini with Caramelized Onion Recipe

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4.3 from 13 reviews

These Goat Cheese Crostini with Caramelized Onion are a perfect appetizer featuring crispy baguette slices topped with creamy, herb-infused goat cheese and sweet, deeply caramelized balsamic onions. Ready in just 35 minutes, this elegant and flavorful recipe combines the creamy tang of goat cheese with the rich sweetness of onions, balanced by fresh herbs and a hint of lemon zest.

  • Author: Chef
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: French
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Bread and Topping

  • 1 baguette (sliced into 1/2-inch rounds)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced, for brushing the bread)

Herb-Infused Goat Cheese

  • 8 ounces goat cheese (softened at room temperature)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme (finely chopped)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary (finely chopped)
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest

Balsamic Caramelized Onions

  • 2 large onions (thinly sliced)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking the onions)
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt (divided)
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Crostini: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the baguette slices on a baking sheet. In a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons olive oil with minced garlic and melted butter. Brush both sides of each baguette slice with this mixture. Bake for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the crostini are golden and crispy. Set aside.
  2. Make the Herb-Infused Goat Cheese: In a medium bowl, combine the softened goat cheese with fresh thyme, rosemary, and lemon zest. Mix thoroughly until well combined and set aside.
  3. Make the Balsamic Caramelized Onions: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until soft and golden. Add balsamic vinegar, sugar, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and black pepper. Stir well and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes until the onions are deeply caramelized. Remove from heat.
  4. Assemble the Crostini: Spread a generous layer of the herb-infused goat cheese over each crostini. Top with a spoonful of the balsamic caramelized onions. Garnish with fresh thyme and rosemary if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • For best results, use day-old baguette to ensure crisp crostini.
  • Caramelizing onions slowly enhances their natural sweetness; avoid cooking over high heat.
  • Goat cheese can be softened by leaving it at room temperature for about 30 minutes before preparation.
  • These crostini are best served fresh but can be assembled up to a few hours ahead and refrigerated.
  • Try substituting fresh thyme and rosemary with other herbs such as oregano or basil according to your preference.