Cherry Tomato Crostini

Name: Cherry Tomato Crostini with Goat Cheese
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 9 servings
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 baguette, sliced; 2 tbsp olive oil; 4 oz goat cheese, softened; 18 cherry tomatoes, halved; 1 tbsp fresh chives, cut into 1-inch pieces; 9 fresh basil leaves; Flaky sea salt, for garnish (optional)

Cherry Tomato Crostini is an Italian appetizer featuring toasted baguette slices topped with creamy goat cheese and halved cherry tomatoes arranged to resemble whole cherries, garnished with fresh basil and chives. Its whimsical presentation and minimal cooking make it ideal for entertaining.

🌍Italian 🏷️Crostini 🏷️Bruschetta 🏷️Appetizer 🏷️Goat cheese Cherry tomato

🏷️

🏷️Basil

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boarshead_officialonTikTok

Total

15 min

Servings

9

Difficulty

Easy

Est. Cost

$16–$26

Recipe Source

View original recipe

From TikTok · by boarshead_official

-0:00

boarshead_officialonTikTok

Ingredients

1 baguette, sliced
2 tbsp olive oil
4 oz goat cheese, softened
18 cherry tomatoes, halved
1 tbsp fresh chives, cut into 1-inch pieces
9 fresh basil leaves
Flaky sea salt, for garnish (optional)optional

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Instructions

1
Arrange baguette slices in a single layer on a baking sheet.
2
Drizzle the baguette slices with olive oil.
3
Toast the bread until golden brown and crisp. Let cool slightly.
4
Spread a layer of softened goat cheese onto each toasted baguette slice.
5
To create the cherry design, place two small pieces of chives onto the goat cheese to act as stems.
6
Place two cherry tomato halves at the bottom of the chive stems.
7
Place a small, fresh basil leaf at the top where the chive stems meet.
8
Repeat for all crostini, arrange on a platter, and serve immediately.

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Tips & Notes

Pro tips

Toast baguette slices until golden and crisp; cooled crostini provide better structural support for the goat cheese and tomato topping.
Soften goat cheese at room temperature for 15–20 minutes before spreading for a smooth, even layer without tearing the bread.
Halve cherry tomatoes lengthwise and pat dry gently to remove excess moisture, which prevents the crostini from becoming soggy.
Arrange tomato halves cut-side down and position basil and chive pieces immediately before serving to maintain visual appeal and freshness.

Substitutions

Baguette → ciabatta, crostini bread, or thin slices of sourdough (adjust toasting time based on thickness)
Goat cheese → ricotta, mascarpone, or whipped cream cheese (note: reduces tanginess)
Fresh basil → arugula or fresh oregano (note: changes flavor profile)
Fresh chives → fresh dill or green onion tops (note: use thin slices for similar garnish effect)

Storage & make-ahead

Serve immediately or within 30 minutes of assembly. Store toasted baguette slices in an airtight container for up to 2 days; goat cheese can be refrigerated in a covered container for up to 1 week.

Common Questions

Can I make the crostini ahead of time?

Toast the baguette slices and let cool completely up to 4 hours ahead. Spread with goat cheese and top with tomatoes no more than 30 minutes before serving to keep the crostini from becoming soggy.

What's the best way to arrange the cherry tomato halves?

Place two halves cut-side down on each crostini so they form a cherry shape. Position basil and chive pieces between them to create a stem and leaf effect.

Can I use a different cheese instead of goat cheese?

Yes. Ricotta, cream cheese, or mascarpone work well, though they lack goat cheese's tanginess. Whip them until spreadable and adjust salt to taste.

How do I prevent the baguette from burning while toasting?

Brush slices lightly with olive oil and toast in a 375°F oven for 5–8 minutes until golden and crisp, checking frequently. Watch carefully as ovens vary.