Cherry Tart & Thyme Crostini

This crostini is a celebration of summer's bounty, featuring the sweet-tart flavor of fresh cherries and the creamy, slightly salty tang of goat cheese. The toasted bread provides a satisfying crunch, perfectly balancing the soft, warm topping. It's a sophisticated, yet simple, appetizer that captures the essence of a mid-June day.

Sweet & Dessert

Ingredients

baguette, sliced into 1/2-inch thick rounds
tablespoons olive oil
ounces soft goat cheese (chèvre)
cup fresh cherries, pitted and halved
tablespoon balsamic glaze
teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
Pinch of sea salt and black pepper

Method

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush both sides of the baguette slices with olive oil and arrange them on a baking sheet. Toast for 8 minutes
minutes, or until lightly golden and crisp.
While the bread is toasting, gently toss the halved cherries with the balsamic glaze and thyme leaves in a small bowl.
Remove the crostini from the oven and allow them to cool slightly. Spread approximately 1/2 tablespoon of goat cheese evenly over each slice.
Top the goat cheese with a spoonful of the cherry mixture. Sprinkle with a pinch of sea salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Serve immediately to enjoy the contrast of the warm topping and crisp bread.

Chef's Tip & Pairing

For an extra layer of flavor, briefly warm the cherry mixture in a small saucepan for 2 minutes before topping the crostini. This dish pairs beautifully with a chilled, slightly sweet Rosé or a light-bodied Pinot Noir.

From the Tini Crostini Collection