Strawberry Basil Crostini
For a delicious, unusual appetizer, serve up these Strawberry Basil Crostini. Made with a goat cheese or blue cheese spread, you’ll get rave reviews!!!
Strawberry Basil Crostini
I was planning to make this strawberry basil crostini appetizer for a dinner party which should have coincided with the peak of our local strawberry season. Well, that didn’t exactly pan out, as some rain delayed the delivery. But I found some fragrant California berries at the market and carried on.
I love pairing berries with mascarpone cheese in desserts, but wondered if I could make a delicious appetizer with this same combination of sweet berries and creamy cheese. And to boost the flavor palate, I decided to add another soft cheese to the mix. But I couldn’t decide between goat or blue, so I made half of each. And, unbeknownst to them, I had some taste testers lined up.
Summer Appetizer
One of our lovely neighbors was recently widowed, and she invited me and Bill to dine with her, along with some other family and our parish priest. There was plenty of lively conversation before dinner, and I think I wowed them with this picture-perfect, summer appetizer.
There was just enough goat or blue cheese added to the mascarpone for some zip and the sweet juicy berries and balsamic played well with both the creamy cheese and crispy toasts. Plus the basil provides another pop of color and pairs so nicely with strawberries. The fact that these strawberry basil crostini are a breeze to make doesn’t hurt one bit. Let me know if you give these a try. Bill gave them his seal of approval. And my platter was emptied before dinner.
Strawberry Basil Crostini
Berries, basil and balsamic vinegar top cheesy toasts
Ingredients
- 16 thin baguette slices, cut at a slight angle, about 1/3 inch thick
- Olive oil
- 24 strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1-2 teaspoons sugar, optional
- 4 tablespoons mascarpone cheese
- 4 tablespoons goat cheese, blue cheese or half of each
- 24 strawberries, sliced and hulled
- 8 basil leaves, stack a few, roll tightly and cut into thin slices (chiffonade)
- Aged balsamic vinegar (best quality you can get)
Instructions
- If strawberries aren't very sweet, place slices in a bowl and sprinkle with a teaspoon or two of sugar. Set aside.
- Preheat broiler. Place bread slices on a sheet pan and brush lightly with olive oil. Broil for a minute or so, till browned on one side. Remove from oven and let cool to room temperature. I only toasted one side, but feel free to repeat on second side if desired.
- Mix mascarpone and your choice of goat or blue cheese till smooth. Spread over toasted side of bread. Layer slices of berries over cheese and sprinkle with basil.
- Right before serving, drizzle toasts with balsamic vinegar.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
8Serving Size:
2 crostiniAmount Per Serving: Calories: 651Total Fat: 16gSaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 25mgSodium: 1247mgCarbohydrates: 106gFiber: 6gSugar: 15gProtein: 23g
34 Comments on “Strawberry Basil Crostini”
This was a stunning combination of flavors..the best!
I loved it!! The combination of cheeses and other flavors is so good!!
That sounds like a wonderful combination!
An empty platter us always a good sign!
This is so gorgeous, and it’s the perfect way to start off a summer evening meal.
Love all of you strawberry recipes…this one especially. Love the strawberry and basil combo! Beautiful crostini Liz!
Pretty and perfect too. Such a fabulous combination of flavours. I will be pushing for this to come back to our cocktail packages. Reckon it would go off. 🙂
I love strawberries, basil and goats cheese all together so I know I would love these! Great appetiser 😀
An unexpected combination but I can see how they would be very delicious. We have a recently widowed neighbour too and we’re planning on taking an apple cake over to her today.
Dear BAM,
This crostini looks sensational though I am tempted to add a dash of balsamic to it.
I meant Liz.. lol..Reading too many food blogs at the same time..
How lovely of you to bring this appetiser to your friend’s dinner party. I must say though – I have never dined with a priest! It’s definitely strawberry season in your part of the world and I think the mascarpone mixed with some goat’s cheese with these sweet strawberries is a beautiful light appetiser. I’m not surprised there were none left on the plate xx
Thanks, looks great…and I can think of just the people to enjoy this any time at all….all of us here! 🙂 xo for strawberries from the girl from Strawberry Point! 🙂
Adding goat cheese (and blue cheese) to the mascarpone mix is a great idea! You’ve got all the crunchy, soft, savory and sweet going on in one peite appetizer. Bravo!
This looks delicious!! I love strawberry season because you can make such creative recipes with them!
like you blog!
Yum! This is the perfect summery treat.
This looks pretty enough for a wedding shower!
These crostini looks parfait for an apéro with friends ! It’s summertime and now I’m craving for taste this!!
Have a lovely weekend Liz!!
The simplest of food is the yummiest. It looks so so fresh and perfect for summers. Love it.
What a perfect summer starter! So light and refreshing and most importantly-pretty!
Strawberry and basil is such a classic flavour combination that I know these crostini would be delicious. Perfect for Summer!
I’m fairly certain I could live on this crostini – I adore strawberries with basil and balsamic!
Sounds like a wonderful summer appetizer. I love the combination of the ingredients for this crostini.
Beautiful Lizzy!! I love strawberries!
hugs!!
This is a perfect Summer time treat!
This crostini is gorgeous, Liz! I love the combination of strawberry and basil. So fresh, delicious and perfect for summer!
These crostini look very pretty and tasty.
Strawberries and soft, creamy cheese is always good. I am all about adding all sorts of toppings to toast right now. I could eat toast three meals a day.
This looks delicious – strawberry and basil is a combination I must experiment with more. This may well be a good starting point 🙂
Totally cool, Liz! I’ve always eaten the savoury version 😀
They look great! Rachel made a strawberry basil sorbet this year, so I know these flavors play nicely together:@)
Strawberries and goat cheese! Yummy! Really nice appetizer.
Oh yes! These crostini makes my mouth water! I love the strawberry addition! Lovely idea, Liz! Thanks for sharing!