This Cranberry Goat Cheese Crostini recipe is the ultimate festive bite—crispy baguette slices topped with tangy goat cheese, sweet-tart cranberry sauce, and a drizzle of honey. It’s quick to make, stunning on a platter, and always disappears first. Tested twice for texture and flavor balance; the contrast of creamy, crunchy, and tart makes every bite craveable.

At a Glance

Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Yield: 24 crostini
Best For: Holidays, Parties, Make-Ahead Appetizers

Ingredients

1 French baguette, sliced into ½-inch rounds
2 tbsp olive oil
8 oz (225g) goat cheese, softened
1 cup whole berry cranberry sauce (homemade or canned)
2 tbsp honey or maple syrup
2 tbsp chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
1 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary or thyme (optional garnish)
Salt and black pepper, to taste

(For metric: 1 baguette ≈ 250g, 2 tbsp ≈ 30ml oil.)

Swaps & Notes

Need	Swap	Note
Dairy-free	Use plant-based goat-style cheese	Still creamy and tangy
Gluten-free	Use GF baguette or rice crackers	Keeps it party-friendly
No alcohol	Use honey or maple syrup	Sweetens naturally
Nut-free	Omit nuts or use pumpkin seeds	Adds crunch without allergens
Make-ahead	Toast crostini and prep toppings	Assemble before serving

Step-by-Step Instructions

Toast the crostini.
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange baguette slices on a baking sheet, brush with olive oil, and toast for 5–7 minutes until golden and crisp. Let cool.
Assemble the toppings.
Spread each crostini with goat cheese. Top with a spoonful of cranberry sauce and drizzle lightly with honey.
Garnish and serve.
Sprinkle with chopped nuts, herbs, and a pinch of black pepper. Serve immediately or chill up to 2 hours before serving.

Pro Tips & Variations

For smoother goat cheese: Blend with a tablespoon of milk or yogurt before spreading.
Make-ahead: Toast bread and prep toppings up to 1 day ahead; assemble just before serving.
No cranberry sauce? Use fig jam, cherry preserves, or pomegranate arils.
Add savory flair: Drizzle with balsamic glaze (non-alcoholic).
Holiday touch: Garnish with rosemary for a festive red-and-green look.
Crowd tip: Double the recipe—it’s always gone first!

Serving Suggestions

Serve on a wooden board or marble platter for a rustic look.
Pair with fresh fruit, nuts, or sparkling mocktails.
Perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or New Year’s Eve gatherings.
Add to a cheese or appetizer board for variety.

Storage & Reheating

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container up to 2 days.
Reheat: Toast crostini at 350°F (175°C) for 3–5 minutes before topping.
Freeze: Not recommended once assembled (bread softens).
Food safety: Keep under 40°F (4°C); discard after 2 hours at room temperature.

FAQs

Q1: Can I make cranberry goat cheese crostini ahead of time?
A1: Yes! Toast the bread and prep toppings in advance; assemble just before serving for best crunch.

Q2: Can I use cream cheese instead of goat cheese?
A2: Yes, cream cheese gives a milder flavor but still pairs beautifully with cranberry sauce.

Q3: What can I use instead of nuts?
A3: Try pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, or skip the crunch for a nut-free version.

Nutrition (per crostini)

Calories: 90; Protein: 3g; Carbs: 10g; Fat: 4g