Description
Pumpkin Goat Cheese Crostini is a delightful fall appetizer featuring toasted sourdough baguette slices topped with a creamy blend of goat cheese, cream cheese, and pumpkin puree. Sweetened with maple syrup and spiced with cinnamon, these crostini are garnished with dried cranberries, toasted pumpkin seeds, and fresh sage for a perfect balance of flavors and textures, making it an elegant and seasonal snack or party bite.
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 Topping:
- 3 tablespoons dried cranberries
- 2 tablespoons pumpkin seeds, toasted and unsalted
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare baking sheet: Place a rack in the center of your oven and preheat to 400°F (204°C). Line a large, rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup.
- Toast the baguette slices: Lightly brush both sides of each sourdough baguette slice with extra-virgin 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 until lightly golden and crisp. Remove from oven and set aside to cool.
- Prepare the pumpkin goat cheese spread: While the toasts bake, combine goat cheese, cream cheese, pumpkin puree, maple syrup, kosher salt, black pepper, and ground cinnamon in a mixing bowl. Beat them together until smooth, creamy, and well blended. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Assemble the crostini: Spread the pumpkin and cheese mixture generously over each toasted baguette slice. Top each with a mixture of dried cranberries, toasted pumpkin seeds, and fresh sage for a burst of color, texture, and flavor.
Notes
- The whipped goat cheese and pumpkin mixture can be made up to 1 day in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
- Baguette slices can be toasted and stored in an airtight container up to 1 day ahead. Note that the bread may stiffen; to enjoy softer slices, toast just a few hours before serving.
- After assembling crostini with toppings, they can be refrigerated 1 to 2 hours in advance. Bring to near room temperature before serving for best flavor and texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 crostini
- Calories: 95
- Sugar: 2.5g
- Sodium: 105mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 12mg
