Description
Delightfully creamy and crunchy, these Pumpkin Goat Cheese Crostini combine the rich flavors of goat cheese and pumpkin puree with warm spices and a touch of sweetness. Toasted sourdough baguette slices provide a perfect crispy base, topped with a smooth, spiced cheese blend, dried cranberries, toasted pumpkin seeds, and fresh sage for an elegant appetizer or snack, ideal for fall gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Crostini:
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 small (10-ounce) sourdough baguette, cut into 1/2-inch-thick slices
- 4 ounces goat cheese, softened to room temperature
- 4 ounces reduced-fat cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- ¼ cup plus 2 tablespoons pumpkin puree
- 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
For the Topping:
- 3 tablespoons dried cranberries
- 2 tablespoons pumpkin seeds, toasted and unsalted
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Place a rack in the center of your oven and preheat it to 400 degrees F. Line a large, rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup.
- Prepare and Bake Baguette Slices: Lightly brush both sides of each baguette slice with olive oil. Arrange the slices in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 5 minutes, then flip each slice and bake for an additional 5 minutes or until the slices are lightly golden and crisp. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool.
- Mix the Cheese and Pumpkin Spread: In a mixing bowl, beat together goat cheese, cream cheese, pumpkin puree, maple syrup, kosher salt, black pepper, and ground cinnamon until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Assemble the Crostini: Generously spread the pumpkin cheese mixture over each toasted baguette slice. Top each with a combination of dried cranberries, toasted pumpkin seeds, and chopped fresh sage to add flavor and texture.
- Serve or Store: Serve the crostini immediately or refrigerate for 1 to 2 hours. Allow to come closer to room temperature before serving for optimal flavor.
Notes
- The whipped goat cheese and pumpkin mixture can be prepared up to 1 day in advance and stored refrigerated.
- Baguette slices can be toasted up to 1 day ahead and stored in an airtight container. Toasted bread may stiffen, so for a softer texture, toast a few hours ahead instead.
- Crostini can be assembled and refrigerated 1 to 2 hours before serving. Bring to near room temperature for best taste.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 crostini
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
