Goat Cheese Appetizer
This Goat Cheese Appetizer is the perfect choice if you’re in need of an impressive, yet easy hors d’oeuvre! Topped with honey, pecans, and fresh thyme, it’s a breeze to make and packed with flavor. The creamy goat cheese pairs beautifully with the sweetness of honey, the crunch of pecans, and the fresh herbal touch of thyme.
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A Note from Kim
The Perfect Party Starter
A delicious Goat Cheese Appetizer is just what you need to take your holiday parties and gatherings to the next level! These little goat cheese crostini are perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or anytime you’re in the mood for something quick that looks gourmet. I love serving them alongside a cheese board or with other finger foods and dips, they fit right in and always disappear fast!
I’m all about how fuss-free these are to make. In just a few minutes, you’ve got a beautiful bite that combines creamy, tangy goat cheese with sweet honey, crunchy pecans, and a sprinkle of fresh thyme on crisp toasted bread. It’s that perfect mix of flavors and textures, fancy-looking and guaranteed to be a crowd favorite every single time.
With love (and lots of good eats), 
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
Ingredients Needed
Only 5 ingredients and about 5 minutes of hands-on time is all you need to add a little extra pizzaz to snack spread with this delicious goat cheese appetizer recipe! 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.
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. You could also add red pepper flakes.
- Crackers: Use large sturdy crackers instead of the crostini.
- Make gluten free: Use any favorite gluten-free baguette or loaf to make this recipe.
Goat Cheese Appetizer
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
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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
Did you make this recipe?
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How to Make Goat Cheese Crostini
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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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). Sprinkle with chopped pecans, fresh thyme leaves and a pinch of sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper, if desired.
- Serve: Crunchy, tangy, and sweet. An extra drizzle of honey is always welcome! Try not to eat them all off the serving tray before your guests arrive!
Helpful 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.
- Add honey just before serving to keep it looking fresh and prevent the bread from absorbing moisture.
- Smaller pieces of chopped pecans make it easier to enjoy a bite with all the flavors together.
- This appetizer is flexible! You can serve it warm or room temp, making it ideal for entertaining.
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
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, apricots or apples over the top of the crostini. A few dried cranberries over the top would be lovely too. It also goes great with fig jam!
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.
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 easy appetizer, 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. Be sure to subscribe to our mailing list to receive more healthy delicious recipes straight to your inbox.
Awesome appetizer on Thanksgiving! Super easy to make and delicious.
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!
Such a yummy appetizer! Easy but had great flavors. I used Mike’s Hot Honey which was really delicious.
10/10! The perfect recipe to impress one and all when hosting! Also makes for an incredible lunch with a side salad. Can’t wait to make this again and again!
This was simple and delicious! Just the kind of appetizer I love. 🙂
PERFECT app for any occasion. So good and easy to make!! Would highly recommend.
These were just perfect! Pecans, honey, and goat cheese tasted amazing together.
These were perfect for NYE! So much goodness in every bite! Will definitely make again!
This is one of my favorite appetizers and it is always the first to go. It is truly a match made in heaven that everyone enjoys.
I LOVE goat cheese, and this is an absolutely gorgeous and delicious way to display and eat it!