Roasted Nectarine and Goat Cheese Crostini: A Simple & Elegant Summer Appetizer
There’s something truly magical about summer stone fruits, and for many, nectarines stand out as a clear favorite. Their smooth skin and juicy, sweet flesh make them incredibly versatile, whether enjoyed fresh, grilled, or baked. If you’ve never tried roasting them, you’re in for a delightful surprise. Roasting nectarines intensifies their natural sweetness and concentrates their vibrant flavor, transforming them into a luscious, jam-like treat that’s simply irresistible. This transformation is the secret behind one of my all-time favorite easy appetizers: goat cheese crostini with baked nectarines. It’s an elegant, sure-to-please dish that combines creamy, tangy goat cheese with warm, sweet nectarines on a crisp baguette slice. Trust me, if you appreciate the delightful pairing of sweet and savory, and are a fan of both nectarines and goat cheese, this recipe will quickly become a cherished addition to your culinary repertoire.
Food brings people together, and there’s nothing quite like sharing a delicious, homemade meal with loved ones. We are fortunate to have dear friends who frequently dine with us. They work in the area during the week and then head back to their home a few hours up the coast for the weekends. I always insist they join us for dinner rather than relying on restaurant fare. These evenings are truly special – they bring fantastic wine, I prepare the meal, and we spend hours catching up on life, sharing laughter, and making memories. It’s always a great evening, and the warmth of hospitality, combined with good food and company, creates an atmosphere that’s hard to beat. This roasted nectarine and goat cheese crostini is one of those perfect appetizers that embodies that spirit of simple elegance and shared enjoyment, making it ideal for such gatherings or even a quiet evening at home.
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Why This Roasted Nectarine & Goat Cheese Crostini Recipe Will Impress
This isn’t just another appetizer; it’s a delightful culinary experience that offers a harmonious blend of flavors and textures, making it a standout choice for any occasion. Here’s why this recipe will quickly become a favorite:
- Effortlessly Elegant: Despite its gourmet appearance and sophisticated taste, this appetizer is surprisingly simple to prepare. It allows you to create an impressive dish without spending hours in the kitchen, perfect for entertaining or a relaxed evening.
- A Unique Flavor Profile: The combination of sweet, roasted nectarines, creamy, tangy goat cheese, and crunchy crostini offers a complex yet balanced taste that’s both comforting and exciting. It’s a fresh take on classic appetizer pairings.
- Perfect for Seasonal Enjoyment: This recipe truly shines in late summer when nectarines are at their peak. It’s a wonderful way to celebrate the abundance of beautiful, ripe stone fruits and showcase them in a new, delicious light beyond just eating them fresh.
- Versatile for Any Occasion: Whether you’re hosting a sophisticated dinner party, a casual backyard barbecue, a brunch, or simply want a special snack, these crostini fit right in. They make an excellent starter or a light bite.
- Minimal Ingredients, Maximum Flavor: You don’t need a long list of obscure ingredients to create something truly delicious. The magic lies in how a few quality components come together to create an unforgettable taste.
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Crostini
Crafting these exquisite crostini requires a handful of fresh, high-quality ingredients. Let’s dive into what you’ll need and some tips for selecting the best ones.
For the Crispy Crostini Base
- ▢3 tablespoons olive oil: Use a good quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor. It contributes to the crispness and a subtle fruity note.
- ▢3 tablespoons butter, melted: Butter adds richness and helps achieve that golden-brown, irresistible crust. Melting it ensures it blends seamlessly with the olive oil and garlic.
- ▢1 teaspoon granulated garlic: Granulated garlic is perfect here as it distributes evenly and provides a consistent garlic flavor without the risk of burning fresh minced garlic.
- ▢½ long baguette: The foundation of your crostini! Preferably choose a whole wheat or multi-grain baguette for added texture, nutty flavor, and nutritional value. Look for one that’s fresh, with a slightly crisp crust and soft interior.
For the Succulent Roasted Nectarines and Toppings
- Nectarines: Select 3 large nectarines that are just ripe. They should have a slight give when you gently press on them, but not be overly soft or mushy. Ripe nectarines will caramelize beautifully and become incredibly juicy when roasted.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: A tablespoon for roasting the nectarines, enhancing their flavor and helping them soften.
- Sea or Kosher Salt: Just a small pinch (⅛ teaspoon) is enough to bring out the natural sweetness of the nectarines during roasting.
- Goat Cheese: You’ll need 6 ounces of soft goat cheese, either in a log or a spreadable tub. Ensure it’s at room temperature before assembling, as this makes it much easier to spread smoothly onto the crostini. Its distinct tangy, creamy flavor perfectly complements the sweet fruit.
- Nuts: For garnishing, finely chopped pistachios or walnuts add a delightful crunch and a hint of nutty flavor. They also provide a beautiful visual contrast.
- Herbs: A sprinkle of fresh chopped thyme leaves is highly recommended. Thyme offers an earthy, aromatic note that balances the sweetness of the nectarines and adds a pop of fresh color.
- Optional Garnish: A drizzle of balsamic glaze (homemade or store-bought) adds a sweet-tart richness and a beautiful sheen, elevating the appetizer’s flavor and presentation.
Creative Substitutions and Delicious Variations
While the classic combination of roasted nectarines and goat cheese is superb, don’t hesitate to get creative with substitutions and variations to suit your taste or what you have on hand. These ideas can help you customize your crostini:
- Cheese Alternatives: If goat cheese isn’t your preference or you’re looking for something different, consider pureed cottage cheese for a milder, creamy base, whipped feta for a saltier, tangier kick, creamy ricotta cheese for a delicate and slightly sweet profile, or classic cream cheese for a rich, smooth texture. Each option will offer a unique dimension to the appetizer.
- Herb Swaps: Instead of fresh thyme, chopped fresh parsley can provide a vibrant green color and a clean, fresh taste. Fresh mint or basil could also work, offering a more aromatic and slightly sweet note, especially with the nectarines. Of course, you can also skip the herbs entirely if you prefer a simpler flavor.
- Fruit Varieties: While nectarines are fantastic, other stone fruits like roasted peaches, plums, or even grilled figs can be excellent substitutes. In autumn, roasted apples or pears could make a delightful seasonal twist.
- Savory Enhancements: For a more savory profile, consider adding a thin slice of prosciutto or crispy bacon on top of the goat cheese before adding the nectarine. This introduces a salty, umami layer that pairs wonderfully with the sweet fruit.
- Sweet Touches: A tiny sprinkle of brown sugar or a drizzle of honey over the nectarines before roasting can further enhance their caramelization and sweetness.
- Nutty Alternatives: Besides pistachios and walnuts, toasted pecans or slivered almonds can also provide a great textural contrast and nutty flavor.
Mastering the Art of Roasted Nectarines
The key to this appetizer’s incredible flavor lies in the perfectly roasted nectarines. The process is simple, but yields remarkably delicious results.
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures the nectarines cook evenly and caramelize beautifully. Take your ripe nectarines, halve them, and carefully remove the pits. Place the halved nectarines, cut-side down, in a small casserole or Pyrex dish. Drizzle them lightly with a tablespoon of olive oil and sprinkle with a small pinch of sea or kosher salt. Turn them over briefly to ensure they are fully coated, then place them back cut-side down in the dish. Roasting them cut-side down helps to soften the flesh and allows the sugars to caramelize on the exposed surface.
Bake the nectarines uncovered for approximately 10-12 minutes, or until they are soft enough to be easily pierced with the tip of a paring knife. You’ll notice their color will deepen, and they’ll become wonderfully fragrant. Once done, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool slightly. It’s important to let them cool enough to handle comfortably before proceeding. Once cooled, slice each half into quarters or thinner pieces, depending on the size of your nectarines and your desired bite-sized portions for the crostini. These tender, luscious roasted nectarines are now ready to be the star topping of your crostini.
Crafting the Perfect Crispy Crostini
A great crostini is about more than just toasted bread; it’s about achieving that ideal balance of crunch, flavor, and sturdiness to hold your delicious toppings. Here’s how to create the perfect base for your nectarine and goat cheese appetizer.
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a rimmed baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or foil; this makes cleanup a breeze. Next, thinly slice your baguette on the diagonal, aiming for slices about ¼-inch thick. Slicing on the diagonal not only looks more elegant but also provides a larger surface area for toppings. For precision and ease, a small serrated knife (often called a tomato knife, which is also fantastic for slicing tomatoes!) or a larger serrated bread knife will make quick work of this task, ensuring clean, even cuts without squishing the bread.
Arrange the sliced baguette pieces in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet. Now, it’s time for the flavor infusion. You’ll be brushing them with a delightful olive oil-butter-granulated garlic blend – a personal favorite of mine that I’ll elaborate on next. This blend not only imparts incredible flavor but also helps achieve that coveted golden crispness. Lightly brush each slice with the mixture, ensuring good coverage. Bake the crostini for approximately 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are beautifully golden and the bread feels firm. Keep a close eye on them, as they can go from perfectly golden to burnt quickly. They will continue to crisp up even more as they cool, so don’t overbake. While your crostini are in the oven, it’s the perfect time to get your nectarines ready for roasting, allowing for efficient use of your kitchen time.
The Secret Weapon: My Versatile Olive Oil-Butter-Garlic Blend
This simple yet incredibly flavorful olive oil and garlic blend is a staple in my kitchen, a culinary secret I’ve perfected over decades. It’s truly a game-changer and elevates so many dishes beyond just crostini. I always have a small pot of it waiting in my fridge, ready to be melted and used at a moment’s notice.
Making this blend is incredibly easy: simply combine equal amounts of melted unsalted butter, high-quality extra virgin olive oil, and a generous dash of granulated or powdered garlic. Stir it all together until well combined. I purposefully don’t provide exact measurements because it’s meant to be intuitive and adaptable to your taste and the quantity you need. Feel free to adjust the garlic to your preference – some like a bolder flavor, others more subtle. The melted butter provides a rich, creamy base, the olive oil adds a fruity depth and healthy fats, and the granulated garlic infuses everything with a savory punch that’s evenly distributed.
The versatility of this blend is truly remarkable. Beyond crostini, here are just a few ways I use it:
- Beneath Poached Eggs: Drizzle it on toasted bread before topping with a perfectly poached egg for an elevated breakfast.
- Garlic Toast: Brush it generously on sliced bread and toast for classic, flavorful garlic bread.
- A Versatile Sauce: Warm it gently and drizzle it over roasted vegetables, grilled fish, or pasta for an instant burst of savory flavor.
- Sautéing: Use it as your cooking fat for sautéing greens, mushrooms, or other vegetables to infuse them with rich garlic goodness.
- Compound Butter Alternative: Mix it into softened butter with fresh herbs for a quick compound butter to spread on steaks or corn on the cob.
Keep a batch in your fridge, and you’ll find yourself reaching for it constantly, adding an irresistible touch to countless meals.
Elegant Serving Suggestions and Pairing Ideas
Once your crostini are crisp and your nectarines are perfectly roasted, it’s time to bring everything together to create this stunning appetizer. The assembly is straightforward, allowing you to focus on presentation and enjoying the company.
To serve, take each crisp crostini and spread a thin, even layer of soft, room-temperature goat cheese. The creaminess of the goat cheese provides a wonderful foundation for the fruit. Next, top each crostini with one or two pieces of the luscious, roasted nectarine. Their warmth and sweetness will gently melt into the goat cheese, creating a delightful contrast. Finish by sprinkling generously with chopped pistachios (or walnuts) for added crunch and a hint of nutty flavor, and a scattering of fresh thyme leaves for an aromatic, herbaceous touch and vibrant color.
For an absolutely over-the-top taste experience and an extra touch of gourmet elegance, drizzle each assembled crostini with homemade balsamic glaze or a good quality aged balsamic vinegar just before serving. The sweet-tart intensity of the balsamic glaze beautifully enhances the flavors of the nectarine and goat cheese, adding a complex depth that truly elevates the dish. Making your own balsamic glaze is surprisingly easy and often yields a more superior and flavorful result than many store-bought versions.
Pairing Recommendations:
These crostini pair wonderfully with a variety of beverages. For wine lovers, a crisp, dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light-bodied rosé complements the flavors beautifully. If you prefer red, a light Pinot Noir can also work. For non-alcoholic options, sparkling water with a hint of citrus or a light iced tea would be refreshing.
Ideas for Leftover Roasted Nectarines:
Should you have any extra roasted nectarines, don’t let them go to waste! Their concentrated sweetness and tender texture make them incredibly versatile. Here are a few ideas:
- Salads: Add them to a mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette, perhaps with some crumbled feta or candied pecans.
- Breakfast Boost: Stir them into your morning oatmeal, yogurt, or use them as a topping for pancakes or waffles.
- Dessert Delight: Serve them warm over vanilla bean ice cream or Greek yogurt for a simple yet elegant dessert.
- Yogurt Parfait: Layer them in a Greek yogurt parfait with granola and other fresh berries for a wholesome and delicious treat.
These crostini are best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare the crostini and roast the nectarines in advance, storing them separately and assembling just before serving for optimal freshness and texture.
Explore More Super Appetizer Recipes for Your Gatherings
If you loved these roasted nectarine and goat cheese crostini, you’re likely always on the lookout for fresh, exciting appetizer ideas to impress your guests or simply enjoy yourself. Whether you prefer rich and earthy flavors, creamy and savory dips, or light and refreshing bites, there’s an appetizer for every palate and occasion. Building a repertoire of go-to appetizers makes entertaining a joy. Here are some other fantastic options to inspire your next get-together:
- Classic French Mushroom Duxelle
- Roasted Red Bell Pepper Hummus Recipe
- Summer Watermelon Goat Cheese Appetizer
- Easy Green Goddess Dip (and dressing)
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📖 Recipe Card
Goat Cheese Crostini With Baked Nectarines
Sally Cameron
Pin Recipe
Equipment
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Rimmed baking sheet for crostini
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Casserole to roast nectarines
Ingredients
For the crostini
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons butter melted
- 1 teaspoon granulated garlic
- ½ long baguette preferably whole wheat or multi-grain
For the roast nectarines
- 3 large nectarines
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ⅛ teaspoon sea or kosher salt
- 6 ounces goat cheese room temperature
- 1-2 tablespoons chopped pistachios or walnuts
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme leaves optional
Optional Garnish
- Balsamic vinegar glaze optional, see notes below
Instructions
Bake the Crostini
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Pre-heat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easier clean-up.
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In a small bowl, mix the olive oil, melted butter, and granulated garlic together until well combined. This is your flavorful butter-garlic blend.
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Slice the baguette diagonally into ¼″ thick pieces. Arrange the slices in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet and brush lightly with the olive oil mixture.
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Bake crostini for approximately 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and crisp. They will continue to crisp more as they cool.
Roast the Nectarines
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Turn the oven up to 400°F (200°C). Halve the nectarines and remove the pit. Place them cut side down in a small casserole or Pyrex dish. Drizzle with the olive oil and sprinkle with salt. Turn them over to coat, then place them back cut side down.
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Bake uncovered for approximately 10-12 minutes, or until they are soft and can be pierced easily with the tip of a paring knife. Remove from the oven and cool until they can be handled comfortably. Slice each half into four pieces or thinner if desired.
Assemble the Appetizer
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Spread each crisp crostini with a little soft, room-temperature goat cheese. Top with a piece of roasted nectarine and a sprinkle of chopped pistachios (or walnuts).
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Just before serving, drizzle each crostini with a little balsamic glaze (if using) and sprinkle with fresh thyme leaves for garnish and added aroma. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
The number of crostini slices you get from a baguette will depend on its length and how thinly you slice it. A standard long baguette can yield approximately 20-25 slices. This recipe uses half a baguette, so plan accordingly.
If you slice and toast a full baguette, you can freeze any unused crostini for future use. They are wonderful with eggs, in salads, with soups, or topped with other spreads and dips. Similarly, extra roasted nectarines are delicious in breakfast bowls or desserts.