Description
1 French baguette, sliced into ½-inch rounds
2 tbsp olive oil
2 medium beets, roasted, peeled, and sliced thin
4 oz goat cheese, softened
¼ cup walnuts, chopped
1 tbsp honey
½ tsp sea salt
¼ tsp black pepper
1 tbsp balsamic glaze (for drizzling)
Fresh thyme leaves (for garnish)
Directions:
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange baguette slices on a baking sheet and brush lightly with olive oil.
Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until golden and crispy. Remove and let cool.
In a small pan over medium heat, toast walnuts for 2 minutes, then drizzle with honey and stir to coat. Remove from heat and set aside.
Spread a layer of softened goat cheese onto each crostini.
Top with thin slices of roasted beet and a sprinkle of honeyed walnuts.
Season with sea salt and black pepper, then drizzle with balsamic glaze.
Garnish with fresh thyme leaves and serve immediately. Enjoy!
Prep Time: 10 minutes Cooking Time: 10 minutes Total Time: 20 minutes Kcal: 150 per crostini Servings: 12 crostini
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Prepare the Beets: If not pre-cooked, wrap whole, unpeeled beets in foil and roast at 400°F (200°C) for 45-60 minutes until tender. Let cool, then peel and slice thinly.
2. Toast the Bread: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange baguette slices in a single layer on a baking sheet. Brush one side lightly with olive oil. Bake for 8-10 minutes until golden and crisp. Let them cool completely on the sheet.
3. Candy the Walnuts: While the bread toasts, place chopped walnuts in a small, dry skillet over medium heat. Toast for 2-3 minutes until fragrant. Reduce heat to low, add the honey, and stir constantly for 1 minute until walnuts are coated and glossy. Transfer to a plate to cool and harden.
4. Assemble in Order: Take a cooled crostini. Spread a generous layer of softened goat cheese. Add 1-2 thin slices of roasted beet. Top with a few pieces of the honeyed walnut.
5. Final Seasoning: Finish with a tiny pinch of sea salt, a crack of black pepper, a delicate drizzle of balsamic glaze, and a few fresh thyme leaves.
Serving Suggestions
These elegant crostini are versatile. Serve them as a starter at a dinner party or as the centerpiece of a light lunch. Pair with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a sparkling Prosecco. For a larger spread, accompany with a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette, a bowl of marinated olives, and some cured meats.
How-to Summary
Roast and slice beets. Toast baguette slices until crisp. Honey-glaze walnuts in a pan. Assemble each crostini by layering: goat cheese, beet slices, and candied walnuts. Finish with salt, pepper, balsamic glaze, and thyme.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make any components ahead of time? Yes. Roast and slice the beets up to 3 days in advance; store chilled. Toast the crostini and candy the walnuts 1 day ahead; store separately at room temperature in airtight containers. Assemble just before serving.
What can I use instead of goat cheese? For a similar tangy profile, try whipped feta or ricotta. For a milder flavor, a creamy burrata or mascarpone works well.
How do I prevent the crostini from getting soggy? Ensure the beet slices are patted completely dry after roasting and cooling. Always assemble the crostini right before serving.
Can I use pre-cooked beets? Absolutely. Vacuum-packed cooked beets from the produce section are a major time-saver. Just pat them dry before slicing.
Is there a nut-free alternative to walnuts? Yes. For crunch, try toasted pumpkin seeds (pepitas) drizzled with honey, or simply omit the nuts and add a sprinkle of coarse salt for texture.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid spreading goat cheese on warm crostini, as it will melt and make the bread soggy. Do not skip toasting the walnuts; this step deepens their flavor. Do not slice the beets too thickly, as they can slide off and overwhelm the bite. Finally, do not assemble more than 30 minutes before serving, or the bread will lose its crucial crispness.
Conclusion
These Beet and Goat Cheese Crostini are a perfect harmony of earthy, tangy, sweet, and crunchy elements. They prove that impressive, flavorful appetizers don’t require hours in the kitchen. By following the step-by-step guide and tips provided, you can create a stunning dish that is as delightful to look at as it is to eat. Perfect for any occasion, they are sure to become a trusted favorite in your entertaining repertoire.
