Description
1 baguette, sliced into ½-inch pieces
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 large onions, thinly sliced
1 tablespoon butter
1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
1 teaspoon honey
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
4 oz goat cheese, softened
2 tablespoons balsamic glaze
1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (optional)
Directions:
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the baguette slices on a baking sheet and brush with olive oil. Toast for 8-10 minutes until golden.
In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter and add sliced onions. Cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until deeply caramelized.
Stir in balsamic vinegar, honey, salt, and black pepper. Cook for another 2 minutes, then remove from heat.
Spread a thin layer of goat cheese on each toasted baguette slice.
Top with a spoonful of caramelized onions.
Drizzle balsamic glaze over the crostini and garnish with fresh thyme if using. Serve immediately.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Kcal: 180 kcal per serving
Servings: 12 crostini
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for perfect crostini every time. First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice the baguette into uniform ½-inch pieces to ensure even toasting. Arrange them on a baking sheet and lightly brush one side with olive oil. Toast for 8-10 minutes, checking at the 8-minute mark, until they are crisp and golden at the edges. While the bread toasts, begin the onions. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter with a tablespoon of olive oil. Add all the thinly sliced onions. The key is to cook them slowly, stirring only every 4-5 minutes, allowing them to soften and develop a deep, golden-brown color over 15-20 minutes. Once caramelized, stir in the balsamic vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper, cooking for 2 more minutes to meld the flavors.
Serving Suggestions
These elegant crostini are versatile. Serve them as a sophisticated appetizer at a dinner party alongside a charcuterie board and a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc. For a fuller gathering, pair them with a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette. They also make a perfect accompaniment to a warm bowl of tomato soup. For presentation, arrange them on a rustic wooden board and garnish with the fresh thyme just before serving to maximize visual appeal and freshness.
How-to Summary
In brief: Toast olive oil-brushed baguette slices. Slowly caramelize onions in butter, then finish with balsamic and honey. Spread goat cheese on the crisp toasts, top with the onion mixture, and finish with a balsamic glaze drizzle and thyme garnish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make any components ahead of time? Yes. The caramelized onions can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the fridge. The baguette slices can be toasted a day ahead and kept in an airtight container at room temperature. Assemble just before serving to keep the bread crisp.
What can I use instead of goat cheese? Cream cheese, ricotta, or a soft blue cheese like Gorgonzola Dolce are excellent substitutes, each offering a different flavor profile.
My onions are burning instead of caramelizing. What went wrong? The heat is likely too high. Caramelization requires low and slow cooking. If onions are browning too quickly, reduce the heat and add a splash of water to the pan to deglaze and slow the process.
Is there a substitute for balsamic glaze? You can make a quick reduction by simmering ½ cup of balsamic vinegar in a small saucepan until it thickens and reduces by half, about 10 minutes.
How do I store leftovers? Assembled crostini do not store well as the bread becomes soggy. Store components separately and assemble fresh portions as needed.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid these pitfalls: Slicing the bread too thick, which makes it chewy instead of crisp. Rushing the onions on high heat, which leads to burning rather than proper caramelization. Spreading the goat cheese on warm toasts, which can cause it to melt and become messy—ensure bread is cooled. Overloading each toast with onions, which can make them difficult to eat neatly. Finally, adding the balsamic glaze too early before serving, which can make the presentation look messy.
Conclusion
These Caramelized Onion and Goat Cheese Crostini are a testament to how simple ingredients, when treated with care, create an extraordinary appetizer. The combination of sweet, savory onions, tangy cheese, and acidic glaze on a crisp base is consistently impressive. Mastering the technique of slow caramelization is the key to their success. With the make-ahead tips provided, you can easily prepare this elegant, crowd-pleasing dish for any occasion, ensuring you spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your guests.
