Description
Rustic bruschetta celebrates classic Mediterranean appetizer technique with cranberry goat cheese spread. Crisp bread slices carry rich, tangy flavors that welcome winter gatherings and spark delightful conversations among guests.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (0.45 kg) fresh or frozen cranberries, washed
- 8 oz (226 g) goat cheese
- 1 thin baguette, sliced about ¼ inch thick
- 1 cup sugar
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil, plus extra for brushing
- ¼ cup honey
- ¾–1 cup pomegranate arils (reserve a few for garnish)
- ½ cup roughly chopped fresh cilantro
- 2 tsps chopped fresh ginger
- 1 tsp sriracha sauce
- 1 pinch kosher salt
- 1 pinch freshly ground black pepper
- Zest of 1 orange (reserve a bit for garnish)
- Additional finely chopped cilantro or parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Cranberry Mixture Preparation: Pulse cranberries, ginger, sugar, honey, and sriracha sauce in a food processor until achieving a coarse, textured consistency without over-blending.
- Herb Infusion: Gently incorporate chopped cilantro into the cranberry mixture with quick pulses, ensuring even herb distribution while maintaining visible fragments.
- Flavor Enhancement: Fold pomegranate arils and orange zest into the relish, then refrigerate for a minimum of two hours to allow flavors to meld and intensify.
- Crostini Preparation: Preheat oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper. Arrange baguette slices, delicately brushing with olive oil and seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Toasting Crostini: Bake baguette slices for 14-18 minutes, rotating pans midway to ensure uniform golden-brown coloration and crisp texture.
- Assembly and Garnishing: Once crostini have cooled completely, spread a generous layer of goat cheese on each slice. Top with cranberry relish, creating an appealing visual contrast. Finish by garnishing with reserved orange zest, scattered pomegranate arils, and optional finely chopped cilantro or parsley for added vibrancy and freshness.
Notes
- Boost Flavor Complexity: Allow cranberry mixture to chill for at least two hours, enabling ingredients to meld and intensify taste profiles.
- Prevent Soggy Crostini: Ensure baguette slices are completely cooled before adding cheese and relish to maintain crispy texture.
- Customize Heat Level: Adjust sriracha sauce quantity to control spiciness according to personal preference.
- Achieve Perfect Crostini: Rotate baking sheets midway through cooking to guarantee even, golden-brown coloration without burning edges.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus 2 hours refrigeration)
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 13
- Calories: 245
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 5 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 27 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg