Need an easy and delicious hors d’oeuvre for your next gathering? This Goat Cheese Appetizer is sure to impress your guests! This recipe for goat cheese crostini with honey, pecans and thyme could not be more simple to whip up, and all of the flavors go so well together. Sweet notes from the honey meld perfectly with the smooth and creamy goat cheese which is then topped with fresh thyme – all complimented by the crunch from the pecans. This is one snack everyone is sure to love!

little toasts topped with goat cheese, honey and pecans served near a cheese board

I made these for a Thanksgiving appetizer and they were a big hit! They were so easy to make and absolutely delicious! Such a unique combination that just really worked with all the flavors. Will definitely make again!

— Shanika

Now that the holiday season is just around the corner, take your parties and gatherings to the next level with this DELICIOUS Goat Cheese Appetizer. It’s perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas or just anytime snacking. I love to serve it either on a cheese board or right alongside one! It only takes a few minutes to put the whole spread together and it’s full of wonderful textures and flavors. Your guests will love all of the tasty options, and you’ll love how quick and easy everything is to put together!

goat cheese on crostini with honey and pecans

Ingredients needed

Only 5 ingredients and about 5 minutes of hands-on time is all you need to add a little extra pizzaz to your cheese board with this delicious goat cheese appetizer! Here’s everything you’ll need:

  • Bread. We like to use a French baguette because it’s easy to slice and holds the toppings perfectly. Day-old bread works just fine!
  • Goat cheese log. Creamy, slightly tangy goat cheese pairs deliciously with the sweet honey.
  • Honey. To balance out the other flavors with the perfect amount of sweetness.
  • Toasted pecans. For a delicious nutty crunch. Feel free to sub with almonds, walnuts or pine nuts.
  • Fresh herbs. Top each crostini with fresh thyme leaves for a wonderful hint of freshness. Also, add a bit of sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper for presentation and taste.
cheese board with blue cheese, goat cheese, crackers, grapes and apple slices

How to make this

Easy crostini appetizers are the perfect addition to a party platter. Appetizers on bread happen to be my favorite kind! Here’s how to make this simple app:

  1. Toast bread slices. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. and slice a baguette. Place the slices on a baking sheet and bake for about 10 minutes until they are toasty.
  2. Make the spread. While the bread is toasting, in a small bowl, mix the goat cheese and honey together until relatively smooth. It’s okay if it’s a little crumbly.
  3. Assemble the crostini. Once the bread comes out of the oven, spread the goat cheese mixture on the toasted bread (while it’s still warm). Top with chopped pecans, fresh thyme leaves and a pinch of sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper, if desired.
  4. Serve. Crunchy, tangy, and sweet. An extra drizzle of honey is always welcome! Try not to eat them all before your guests arrive!
mixing goat cheese with honey in a small white bowl
spread bread with goat cheese and top with pecans and thyme

Expert tips

  • Taking the extra time to toast the baguette slices is super important. This not only gives them a pleasant crunch but allows the goat cheese to spread on easier since the bread is warm.
  • Use the best quality cheese. The Montchevre® Goat Cheese Logs, pictured, were really delicious! Here’s a guide to buying and storing goat cheese.
  • Hosting a party or large get-together? This appetizer serves 6 people, 2 crostini, however it is very easy to double or triple the recipe.

Variations

  • Cheese. Feel free to use ricotta or cream cheese instead of goat cheese. You could also add a slice of brie and just top with the honey and herbs, instead of making the cheese/honey mixture.
  • Herbs. Substitute the thyme with fresh basil, sage, or rosemary, if you’d prefer.
  • Spicy. Add a kick of heat to these and make them with hot honey, instead of regular.
  • Make gluten free. Use any favorite gluten-free baguette or loaf to make this recipe.
drizzling honey on goat cheese crostini

Frequently asked questions

Is crostini and baguette the same?

What is crostini? It is a sliced bread (a baguette or any long artisan loaf) that is either grilled or toasted with various toppings. The word crostini means “little toasts” in Italian.

What does goat cheese go well with?

Goat cheese pairs well with nuts, fresh fruit, dried fruit and honey. If you’d like to incorporate fruit into this recipe, add a few pear slices or apples over the top of the crostini. A few dried cranberries over the top would be lovely too.

Is goat cheese better warm or cold?

Goat cheese is best served at room temperature, so take it out of the fridge 30 minutes or so before serving.

Make ahead

If you’re making this dish for a holiday gathering or party and want to save some time, I’d suggest chopping and toasting the pecans the day before. You can also make the cheese/honey mixture several hours in advance and store it in the fridge. You can even slice up the baguette for convenience.

Storing tips

These goat cheese crostini are best eaten on the same day, so I’d recommend only assembling ones that will be eaten.

crostini topped with goat cheese, pecans, thyme and honey

I hope you’ll serve this goat cheese appetizer alongside your cheese boards this holiday season! The goat cheese and honey flavors blend together so nicely on little toasty crostini, that my mouth is watering just thinking about them. Adding in the nutty flavor of the pecans and the toasty crunch, makes these irresistible!

More easy appetizer recipes

If you try this snack idea, let me know! Leave a comment and if your family loves it as much as mine does, be sure to give it a five star ⭐️ rating! Also, tag @kimscravings on Instagram with a picture of your creation. It’s so fun to see what you’re cooking! Be sure to subscribe to our mailing list to receive more healthy delicious recipes straight to your inbox.

drizzling honey on goat cheese crostini
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Goat Cheese Crostini

Yield: 6 servings
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Sweet notes from the honey meld perfectly with the smooth and creamy goat cheese which is then topped with fresh thyme – all complimented by the crunch from the pecans. This is one appetizer everyone is sure to love!
Author: Kim

Ingredients

  • 1 (18 inch) French baguette, cut into 3/4-inch slices
  • 2 (4 oz.) Goat Cheese Logs, at room temperature
  • 2 tablespoons honey, plus more for drizzling
  • 1/4 cup coarsely chopped toasted pecans
  • 1/2 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
  • sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper

Instructions 

  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Place bread slices on a baking sheet. Bake 10 -12 minutes or until lightly toasted.
  • Meanwhile, mix the goat cheese and honey together until relatively smooth. It’s okay if it’s a little crumbly.
  • Spread the goat cheese mixture on the toasted bread (while it's still warm). Top with chopped pecans, fresh thyme leaves and a pinch of sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper, if desired.
  • Before serving, drizzle each crostini with honey.

Notes

Create the perfect cheese board by adding with your cheese:
  • Fresh fall fruit
  • Olives
  • Nuts & seeds
  • Crackers
  • Dried fruit
  • Greenery
Storing: These are best eaten on the same day, so I’d recommend only assembling ones that will be eaten. 
Author: Kim
Course: Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine: American, French
Serving: 2crostinis with toppings, Calories: 164kcal, Carbohydrates: 27g, Protein: 4g, Fat: 4g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 1mg, Sodium: 257mg, Potassium: 63mg, Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 6g, Vitamin C: 1mg, Calcium: 35mg, Iron: 1mg

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