This is one of those appetizers that feels super fancy but takes barely any time. Strawberry balsamic crostini is sweet, tangy, a little creamy, and absolutely perfect for summer-or honestly, any time you want a fresh bite that tastes like sunshine. It's ready in about 30 minutes, completely customizable, and always a hit at parties.
Photo by Janie Jones
Strawberry Balsamic Crostini and Lots of Variations
Sweet, tangy, and perfect for entertaining, this Strawberry Balsamic Crostini recipe is easy to make in under 30 minutes. Featuring juicy strawberries, creamy cheese, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze, it's a crowd-pleasing appetizer. Try fun variations like strawberry bruschetta with cream cheese or peach burrata crostini, and lots of seasonal variations. Ideal for gatherings, brunch, or happy hour or a start to your Italian dinner party menu.
Equipment
- Sheet Pan
- mixing bowl
Ingredients
- 1 Loaf Italian or French bread cut into 12 slices (save the rest of the bread for another use)
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil
- 1 pound Strawberries washed and sliced
- 1 tablespoon Sugar
- 2 teaspoons Fresh thyme basil, or mint leaves, plus more for serving
- 1 cup Goat, Mascarpone or Buratta cheese room temperature
- Good balsamic or balsamic glaze I prefer Olive Tree Strawberry or Traditional Balsamic
- Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
Instructions
- Combine strawberries and sugar in a small bowl and set aside.
- Brush bread with vanilla olive oil and a sprinkle of kosher salt
- Position oven rack a few inches below broil and preheat broiler. Align bread slices on a baking sheet. Broil first side until golden brown, about 1 minute (don't walk away and keep and eye on them they'll brown quickly), then flip slices to the opposite side and broil opposite side until golden brown.
- Spread cheese on toasted bread. Add black pepper, salt, and herbs to the strawberry mixture. Spoon over the cheese-topped bruschetta. Garnish with additional herbs. Drizzle lightly with balsamic vinegar.
Notes
If you are serving these for a party, don't assemble them too eary as they may be soggy. Prepare these toasts and toppings in advance, and then build them before serving.
Topping Variations:
Spring: Fruit: Strawberries or early peaches Cheese: Cream cheese, whipped goat cheese Try a sweet version like strawberry bruschetta with cream cheese—add a touch of honey for extra spring sweetness. Summer: Fruit: Strawberries, ripe peaches, nectarines, cherries Cheese: Burrata, ricotta, goat cheese Go for a peach burrata crostini or grilled peach bruschetta—perfect with a drizzle of balsamic and fresh basil. Fall: Fruit: Figs, apples, pears Cheese: Blue cheese, mascarpone, brie Add toasted walnuts or pecans and swap the glaze for hot honey for cozy vibes. Winter: Fruit: Roasted grapes, dried cranberries, citrus segments Cheese: Ricotta, aged goat cheese, whipped feta Use heartier bread and warm ingredients for a cold-weather spin on strawberry balsamic crostini.Nutrition
Calories: 251kcalCarbohydrates: 32gProtein: 11gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 13mgSodium: 406mgPotassium: 156mgFiber: 2gSugar: 7gVitamin A: 324IUVitamin C: 34mgCalcium: 77mgIron: 3mg
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