Is there a difference between crostini and bruschetta?

Crostini is generally made with a thin, dry crispy piece of bread, while bruschetta is thicker and has a chewy center. Bruschetta is often cooked over a flame and is charred in spots, while crostini is usually baked in the oven.

Can crostini be eaten leftover?

Crostini are only good leftover if the topping and bread are stored separately, otherwise the topping will make the crostini soggy. Store the toppings in the fridge and the crostini in an airtight container at room temperature.

Can you make this crostini ahead?

You can bake the crostini and whip the goat cheese the day before serving. Wait until last minute before assembling the crostini.

Fig and Goat Cheese Crostini 2 Ways

Description

These Fig and Goat Cheese Crostini are simple, elegant and perfect for a dinner party appetizer or light lunch.

Ingredients

Scale

1/4 cup walnuts
1 loaf baguette bread (about 10oz), sliced 1/4 inch thick
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
5oz fresh goat cheese, at room temperature
1/4 cup heavy cream, chilled
1 dozen ripe figs, de-stemmed, halved (peel, if desired)
Good quality, aged balsamic vinegar and/or honey
Salt, as needed

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Instructions

Toast walnuts: Preheat oven to 350F. Place walnuts on sheet tray. Bake 8 minutes or until golden brown. Cool completely. Roughly chop.
Cook Crostini: Increase oven to 375F. Place sliced bread on a sheet tray. Brush with olive oil. Bake on the center rack of the oven until crisp all the way through and golden brown, 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. Allow to cool to room temperature.
Make whipped goat cheese: Combine goat cheese, heavy cream and a pinch of salt in the bowl of your standing mixer, fitted with the whisk attachment. Beat on high speed until light and fluffy, about 1 minute. You can also use a bowl with hand beaters.
Serve: To assemble, spread crostini with a 1/2 tablespoon of whipped goat cheese, place a half of a fig cut side up, sprinkle a small pinch of salt, drizzle over balsamic or honey, and sprinkle over nuts. Enjoy.

Notes

You can bake the crostini and whip the goat cheese the day before serving. Wait until last minute before assembly.
Try different combinations, such as creamy gorgonzola, walnut, balsamic; taleggio, almonds, wildflower honey; ricotta, hazelnut, acacia honey; robiola, pistachios, orange blossom honey (I might like on of these even better!)
Store any leftover crostini (meaning the crunchy bread without the topping) in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Store any leftover whipped goat cheese in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Category: Appetizer
Method: Bake
Cuisine: American, Italian