![Spicy Strawberry-Goat Cheese Crostini on a platter](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.southernliving.com/thmb/grIor8nRJIxZvgqO3DC_WnMK-8o=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/2662801_Strawberry-Goat-Cheese-Crostini037-1-f35eafa125314a34b37f2a1d8df85a26.jpg)
Antonis Achilleos; Food Styling: Chelsea Zimmer; Prop Styling: Christine Keely
Easy, beautiful, delicious. Those are the three criteria we use in selecting a perfect spring appetizer, and these strawberry-goat cheese crostini check every box.
The toasted baguette, smeared with tangy goat cheese and topped with sweet, lightly macerated strawberries with just enough heat from the jalapeños, delivers an explosion of fresh flavor. The final garnish of mint ties all the various notes together, creating a well-rounded appetizer that looks as good as it tastes.
Ingredients for Spicy Strawberry-Goat Cheese Crostini
This recipe may only call for a few ingredients, but each brings a key flavor to the final product.
- Jalapeño for slight spice.
- Lime for tang and zing.
- Honey for sweetness.
- Mint for a blast of fresh, herbal flavor.
- Strawberries for fruity freshness.
- Goat cheese adds creamy texture and a slightly tangy flavor.
This recipe is also easily customizable based on what you have in your fridge. No goat cheese? Go for ricotta. Out of limes? Sub lemon juice. The touch of jalapeño brings this strawberry-forward appetizer in a more savory direction, without overwhelming you with heat. If you want to dial up the heat, use the entire jalapeño.
While your baguette slices are toasting, set out your goat cheese to soften on the countertop, which will make it easier to spread. The riper the strawberries, the more vibrant and flavorful your crostini will be—but overripe berries will turn to mush when you try to slice them. Use those in a cooked application, like our Roasted Strawberry Compote or Cakey Strawberry Cobbler.
Ingredients
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1 (12-oz.) French baguette
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2 cups strawberries, chopped
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1 Tbsp. jalapeño chile, minced
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2 Tbsp. honey
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1 Tbsp. fresh lime juice
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1/4 tsp. kosher salt
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1 tsp. softened goat cheese (from 2 [4-oz.] logs)
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Fresh mint, chopped
Directions
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Toast baguette slices:
Cut French baguette into 1/4-inch-thick diagonal slices; place on a large baking sheet. Bake at 350°F until lightly toasted, about 10 minutes. Cool completely, about 20 minutes.
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Macerate strawberries:
Stir together chopped strawberries, minced jalapeño chile, honey, fresh lime juice, and kosher salt in a small bowl.
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Assemble crostini:
Spread about 1 rounded tsp. softened goat cheese on each baguette slice. Top goat cheese with 1 slightly rounded tsp. strawberry mixture. Sprinkle with chopped fresh mint.