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Fresh Lemon Herb Goat Cheese Crostini

lemon herb goat cheese crostini - featured image

A light and easy spring appetizer featuring toasted baguette slices topped with a creamy lemon herb goat cheese spread and fresh spring vegetables like asparagus and radishes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 medium baguette, sliced into 1/2-inch thick pieces
  • 4 oz fresh goat cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup small-curd cottage cheese
  • Zest and juice of 1 medium lemon
  • 1 tablespoon finely chopped parsley
  • 1 tablespoon finely chopped chives
  • 1 tablespoon finely chopped thyme
  • 68 thin asparagus stalks, blanched and chopped
  • 45 small radishes, thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste
  • Honey, optional for drizzling

Instructions

  1. Bring a small pot of salted water to a boil. Blanch asparagus stalks for 1-2 minutes until tender-crisp, then plunge into ice water to stop cooking. Drain and chop into 1/2-inch pieces. Thinly slice radishes and set aside.
  2. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange baguette slices on a baking sheet in a single layer. Brush each slice lightly with olive oil. Toast for 8-10 minutes until golden and crisp, flipping halfway through.
  3. In a mixing bowl, combine softened goat cheese and cottage cheese. Add lemon zest, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, chopped herbs, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy. Optionally pulse briefly in a food processor for extra smoothness.
  4. Spread a generous dollop of the lemon herb goat cheese on each toasted baguette slice. Top with blanched asparagus pieces and radish slices. Drizzle lightly with olive oil and honey if desired.
  5. Sprinkle freshly cracked pepper over the top and garnish with extra herb leaves. Serve immediately to keep crostini crisp and fresh.

Notes

Use room temperature cheese for easier blending. Blanch asparagus and plunge into ice water to keep bright green color and crunch. Toast bread slices to crispness to prevent sogginess. Cheese spread can be made up to two days ahead and refrigerated. Assemble crostini just before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: lemon herb goat cheese crostini, spring appetizer, easy crostini recipe, goat cheese appetizer, spring vegetables, quick appetizer