We have a super fun post coming up all about our Oscar party shin-dig sponsored by Orville Redenbacher. But while I'm working on editing those tons of photos (I accidentally uploaded all 597 of them to my computer, though most were of Chels and I throwing popcorn in the air and catching it. Oops), I thought I'd share with you an incredibly quick, super delicious appetizer. I brought these crostini to my friend Libby's wine tasting a couple weekends ago and everyone seemed to really enjoy them. I'm in love with this flavor combination and will definitely be bringing these little delights with me to more parties in the future. But really, they're absolutely perfect for a wine tasting with the tangy goat cheese and grapes.
I spotted the recipe on Food Network, but changed it up a bit to make it easier to assemble and eat. Next, I think I'll have to make this in sandwich form. Eating 8 crostini or one sandwich... What's the difference, right?
I always read recipe reviews before cooking and have to say, I was a little taken aback that someone commented on this recipe on the FN website, "I think the use of provolone or asiago cheese instead of the goat would make this a thousand times better. Goat cheese is still considered both exotic and not great tasting by some." Goat cheese lovers, stand with me!! It's amazing. And really, I don't think parmesan or asiago would work on these crostini nearly as well. But if you don't like goat cheese, maybe try a brie or a Boursin cheese.
Grape and Proscuitto Crostini with Goat Cheese (makes about 18):
• 1 baguette, cut into ¼-inch slices
• 4 T olive oil
• 24 red grapes
• 1 T balsamic vinegar
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 1 bunch fresh basil
• 4 oz. soft goat cheese
• ¼ lb. prosciutto
(Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees).
Cut your baguette into little crostini slices. The original recipe I followed made 12, but I improvised and made 18.
Lightly brush one side of baguette slices with about half the olive oil.
Lay them directly on the middle rack of the oven. I hate laying food right in my oven, so I put mine on a metal rack first. Just as long as your bread can "breathe" on the bottom.
Toast for about 5 minutes, or until lightly golden.
Put remaining olive oil in a small saute pan and warm over medium-high. Add grapes to the pan and saute for 2-3 minutes, until grapes are soft and warmed through.
Remove from heat and sprinkle balsamic over the grapes, along with some freshly ground pepper.
Now you're ready to construct your crostini. I spread a little goat cheese on each piece of bread. Then topped it with a small leaf of basil and a little slice of prosciutto. The original recipe said to put grapes on top, but I decided to cut mine in half first, so they wouldn't roll right off. And would be a little bit easier to eat. I topped the crostini with 2 or 3 grape halves.
I absolutely LOVED this combination. I don't know why I was so surprised by it because if I came across a flatbread like this, I'd think it was totally normal (and awesome!). But I haven't seen an appetizer quite like this one and was really excited to come across it.
If you're anything like me, you're always looking for new appetizer ideas. And preferably ideas that are quick and easy and can be transported with no problem. I mean, you saw how easy that was to make, right?
Yup, I'll definitely be making this in sandwich form ASAP.
OK, it's quite definitely my bed time! I was up super late for the Oscars last night (totally worth it!) and am feeling a serious lack of sleep. Every night I say I'm going to go to bed early and then I never do. Does anyone else have this problem? In addition to work, I recently downloaded Angry Birds (really, Chris downloaded it for me, so I blame him) and it is the most addicting game ever.
Stay tuned tomorrow for our Orville Redenbacher Oscar party recap... And a really, really FUN giveaway!
In the meantime, I'll announce the winner of our Naked Pizza giveaway 🙂 I'm loving all the WANM giveaways we've had lately! Anyway, the winner of the $15 gift card to Naked Pizza is Betsy from Straight Up with Olives! Congrats, Betsy; we'll e-mail you to get your contact info 🙂
What's your favorite quick appetizer?
[Sues]
lynn @ the actor's diet says
yummers! i'm ga ga about grapes
Blog is the New Black says
Looks great, girls! I've been very into crostini myself lately!
Lauren at Keep It Sweet says
I never think to use grapes in savory dishes, but they look like a terrific balance of flavor and texture! Oh and I'll eat anything with goat cheese:-)
Erica says
YUM! Cheese, grapes and bread? How could you go wrong? I can't wait to see the Oscar party pics- glad y'all had fun 🙂
Simply Life says
oh what a perfect combination! these look amazing!
Bridget says
Wow I'm suprised! (but I guess not that suprised) that someone wrote that comment!! I guess since I've loved goat cheese for years its hard to imagine people who are still scared of it?! Anyways 🙂 This look AMAZING! And sounds so so good! I bet the sweet bite from the grapes is heavenly!
Katie says
yum - i would eat goat cheese on anything!
Michelle says
This appetizer does look quick, easy and tasty! My favorite easy appetizer is baked brie!
Ann says
These look great! I love making appetizers, and these would be perfect for my dad's upcoming birthday party!
Sharon (umommy) says
Looks elegant, simple and delicious. Will be breaking this out the next time we host a get-together. And I'm with you - make this into a sandwich. pronto!
Nicole says
That looks delicious and they are so pretty, too! I agree that goat cheese is fantastic! I'm sure it's true that not everyone likes it, but it is pretty mainstream these days.
brandi says
This is such a fun twist on crostini!
The Duo Dishes says
Goat cheese exotic and not loved by all? Hmmm, that doesn't sound right. ha Glad you decided to use it here. It sounds like a much better combination anyways!
Monique says
what a gorgeous spread.! and a unique combo.
My fave appetizer to prepare in a jiffy is baked brie with fruit preserves.
betsy says
oh, yay!
great appetizer recipe, yum! I love grapes on things - not just in wine! they're very under-utilized!
emily @ the happy home says
i love feta, but dislike chevre. both goat, though! i guess i prefer the crumblyness of feta. this looks super yum!
Kelly says
I have to respectfully disagree with that commenter. I do know that not everyone likes goat cheese, but I don't think it is really considered exotic anymore. It feels like it is much more common in mainstream restaurants these days. I think the 2 cheeses they suggested wouldnt work, but I bet you could do a mild brie and it would be pretty yummy.
Meghan@travelwinedine says
These are so pretty!
Juliana says
Wow, absolutely love the idea of grapes and cheese...what a lovely appetizers these make...great pictures as well 🙂
Amanda L. (Tales from a Kitchen Misfit) says
That person obviously doesn't know what they are talking about! Goat cheese is amazing!
Sharlene says
This looks so delicious! I'm in total agreement with the goat cheese. Sometimes the comments on Food Network are quite alarming!
Culinary Cory says
Sounds like a nice combo of sweet and salty all in one bite.