About Strawberry and Goat Cheese Bruschetta
For anyone that’s visited this little food blog before, you might already know how much I love appetizers – because, seriously, they’re like my lifeblood – and if you’ve been with me for the past year (is that you!? *high five!*) you know that I’m mildly obsessed with all things balsamic.
Because, well, why not?
It’s balsamic!
Ever since I embraced the beauty of this slightly tart dressing/glaze/marinade I’ve become convinced that it’s an absolute culinary wonder for all savory (and sometimes sweet) foods.
I can’t tell you how many times my recipe brainstorming sessions start with this question:
“Yeah, sounds good, but can I put balsamic on it?”
The answer to that is almost always yes.
I’ve been wanting to make another balsamic-glazed appetizer for a while now, but it hasn’t felt like the “right” time. For better or for worse, I tend to think of balsamic as a summery flavor, and whether it’s been the unseasonably warm weather we’ve been having – yes, even for Phoenix – or just a good dose wishful thinking, for the first time in months I felt like I simply had to have a tasty balsamic dish.
Couldn’t do without it.
Went straight to the store to get it.
My original plan was to make a salad, but then I walked by the bakery. Because I have no self-control always find my way to the bakery, whether I need a baked good or not, as if my subconscious knows that all I really want is to gaze at all the bread and frosting despite the fact that my conscious mind knows that I really can’t afford the new wardrobe all that chocolate and cheese would bring me.
So, anyway, I was going to make a salad, but there I was at the bakery. Again. And then I spied the baguettes, all lined up in a pretty display, and suddenly I was hit when an even better idea for my lunch mid-day snack food extravaganza: bruschetta! I’ve had something very like this at a restaurant before and suddenly I just had to try making it myself.
Couldn’t be that hard, right?
And seriously, this strawberry and goat cheese bruschetta was so easy to throw together, and hits all the right marks: sweet strawberries, tart balsamic, flavorful basil, and tangy goat cheese, all on a comforting baguette. It’d make the perfect low-hassle appetizer at a house party, and you know what? We’re long overdue for hosting one. Not gonna lie, I may just organize the whole party just so I have a good excuse to make this bruschetta again.
Because I have no self-control like to share good food with good friends.
And I’m okay with that.
Recipe Details
Strawberry and Goat Cheese Bruschetta
Ingredients
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 400 F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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Place sliced baguette pieces on the parchment paper, about 1 inch apart, and brush the tops with olive oil. If desired, lightly season with salt and pepper.
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Bake bread for 5 minutes or until edges look golden brown. Be careful not to toast the bread too much.
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While bread is still warm, sprinkle (or spread) goat cheese on the sliced baguette. Arrange sliced strawberries on top, then sprinkle with basil. Finish by drizzling balsamic glaze on top.
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Serve immediately.
Recipe Notes
* To make your own Balsamic Glaze:
- In a small sauce pan, bring 1 cup of balsamic vinegar to boil over medium heat. Reduce heat and let balsamic simmer for at least 20 minutes or until vinegar has reduced by 1/2. Use a spoon to test the glaze - it should leave a film on the back of the spoon when ready. Glaze will thicken more once removed from heat.
- Place glaze in the refrigerator until ready to use. If glaze thickens too much while resting, stir in 1/4 tsp of water at a time until desired consistency is reached.
This will make more balsamic glaze than you need for the Bruschetta, but just store the extra in the fridge and use it on more tasty dishes!
my mouth is watering just looking at this! I love the mix of the sweet strawberries with the balsamic! looks amazing!
What a perfect appetizer! Unexpected and totally delicious!
I’d be first in line for any house party that served strawberry & goat cheese bruscetta. LAWDY! Does that ever look good.
These are so pretty and they sound absolutely delicious! I LOVE appetizers as well. My happiness can often be found in a plate full of just appetizers. Can’t wait to make these for some spring & summer parties!
This looks sooo yummy, I am printing this for my recipe book 🙂
Yum! These look so delicious! I love goat cheese so much!
I love how this is easy to make but looks fancy, the perfect party snack! I am also a balsamic-a-holic 😉
These look amazing. I love the sweetness of the strawberries and the creaminess of the goat cheese, not to mention the balsamic glaze to top it off.
These are so pretty, and love the flavor combo! I loooove summer food, but hate our summer weather in PHX. Was just already starting to whine about it recently! This will be a good recipe to make me happier!
Yummmmmm! That is a spectacular recipe, and I really want to eat it. Thanks for sharing!
Yummmm! This looks perfect for a spring/summer soirée! Will def have to try! xx
Gosh those look good. What a wonderful combination of flavors! I’m sure the pan get eaten before you know it! This will be great for an upcoming gathering I’m hosting. Thank you so much for sharing this, I’m excited to try it soon!
What!! These sound amazing. I love love love goat cheese. Never would have thought to add strawberries 🙂 Mmm thanks for the idea!
This is dreamy!!! This gets me excited for summer meals!!
Wow this looks amazing , a sweet twist on traditional bruschetta ! I need to try it!
Danielle Greco | AccordingtoD.com
These look absolutely delicious! I’m obsessed with balsamic as well – it just makes everything better, don’t you think? 😀 And a combination of goat cheese & strawberries sounds amazing!
OMG I just died and went to food heaven. I wouldn’t have thought that strawberries and goat cheese would have gone together but this looks amazing. Like seriously amazing. I can’t wait to try it!
This is such a great appetizer! Love how beautiful it looks too 🙂
Thank you Quin! 😀
This is something I would have NEVER thought to make, but it looks amazing so now I have to try it out.
Thanks Deynece! I’m right there with ya – it’s only in the past year that I’ve embraced strong cheeses with sweet fruits. Ends up working really well!
Oh my goodness these look tasty!
Thanks Bella!
This really does look like the perfect appetizer! I love roasted strawberries and balsamic.
Thanks Joanie! 😀