Posted on

Roasted Cherry and Goat Cheese Crostini

Roasted Cherry and Goat Cheese Crostini

Don’t let cherry season pass you by without trying the perfect summer appetizer. This Roasted Cherry and Goat Cheese Crostini is a beautiful balance of sweet and savory with fresh Okanagan cherries, roasted with our Sangria Wine Jelly, fresh thyme, and creamy goat cheese, all piled on toasted baguette slices.


While straight off the tree is my favourite way to enjoy cherries, you can take your fruit to the next level by roasting it! It’s an incredible way to bring out the natural sweetness and add some flair to any dish. These roasted cherries would be delicious with grilled chicken or used to top greek yogurt & granola. Today we’re using them is this easy crostini appetizer which is sure to impress all your guests.

Roasted Cherries with Sangria Wine Jelly

What you’ll need for Roasted Cherry Crostini

When it comes to summer appetizers we’re all about simple around here. Just a few quality ingredients that let the fresh produce shine. These crostini really are incredibly easy to make but they look beautiful and feel elevated — AKA appetizer goals! Here’s what you’ll need:

  • Bread – A simple French baguette is the best option.
  • Cherries – We’re using sweet, dark cherries for this recipe. We’re lucky enough to live in the Okanagan and have access to beautiful local cherries this time of year, but check your local farm market or even the supermarket as BC cherries get exported all over the world.
  • Sangria Wine Jelly – We’re using this to glaze the cherries and add a little caramelization.
  • Goat Cheese – This creamy and tangy cheese balances out the sweetness, but if you’re not a goat cheese fan you could absolutely use ricotta or even brie instead.
  • Fresh Thyme – This is growing in abundance this time of year in my herb garden and I like the warm earthiness it brings to the cherries.
Roasted Cherries with Sangria Wine Jelly

How to make this summer cherry appetizer

As I’ve said before, this recipe really couldn’t be easier. The most difficult (or rather time consuming) part is pitting the cherries. If you don’t have a cherry pitter you can use a knife to cut the cherreis in half, and gently remove the pits, or check out our quick hack on pitting cherries with a straw and an empty wine bottle.

Once you’ve got your cherries pitted toss them with the Sangria Wine Jelly and a pinch of salt, then spread them on a single layer on a baking sheet. Add a few sprigs of fresh thyme and roast in a 400°F oven for about 10 minutes. While the cherries are roasting slice the baguette into 1/4 inch slices and brush with some olive oil. Lay them out on a baking sheet and toast them on the top rack of the oven. You can do this at the same time as the cherries are roasting (or ahead of time) as they should take about the same amount of time. When the bread is nicely toasted remove it from the oven and let cool. The cherries can be transferred to a bowl with any of the remaining juices. Discard the thyme sprigs.

When you’re ready to assemble. Spread a generous layer of goat cheese on the toasted baguette slices. Top with the roasted cherries, drizzle with the juices and sprinkle a little more fresh thyme.

Tip: Room temperature goat cheese is easier to spread, so take it out of the fridge while you’re roasting your cherries and allow it to soften.

Roasted Cherry and Goat Cheese Crostini
Roasted Cherry and Goat Cheese Crostini

Roasted Cherry and Goat Cheese Crostini

This Roasted Cherry and Goat Cheese Crostini is a beautiful balance of sweet and savory with fresh Okanagan cherries, roasted with our Sangria Wine Jelly, fresh thyme, and creamy goat cheese, all piled on toasted baguette slices.

Ingredients
  

  • 1 baguette sliced on the bias about 1/4" thick
  • 2 cups cherries pitted and sliced in half
  • 1/4 cup Taste of the Okanagan Sangria Wine Jelly
  • 2-3 sprigs fresh thyme plus more for garnish
  • 1 cup goats cheese apx 1 tbsp per slice
  • salt to taste

Instructions
 

  • Toss the cherries with the Sangria Wine Jelly and a pinch of salt, then spread them on a single layer on a baking sheet. Add a few sprigs of fresh thyme and roast in a 400°F oven for about 10 minutes. 
  • While the cherries are roasting slice the baguette into 1/4 inch slice and brush with some olive oil. Lay them out on a baking sheet and toast them on the top rack of the oven for about 7-10 minutes or until golden brown.
  • Spread a generous layer of goat cheese on the toasted baguette slices. Top with the roasted cherries, drizzle with the juices and sprinkle a little more fresh thyme and a touch of salt.