Description
These easy Goat Cheese Appetizers combine creamy (plant-based) goat cheese with fresh herbs, nuts, and fruit on crunchy crackers or crostini. Perfectly balanced with natural sweetness and subtle acidity, they are quick to assemble and ideal for any occasion, offering a versatile and visually appealing starter that fits plant-based and gluten-free diets.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese Base
- 200g goat cheese (plant-based), softened to room temperature
Carriers
- 20–30 crackers or toasted crostini (gluten-free if needed), brushed lightly with olive oil for toasting
Toppings
- Fresh herbs (basil, thyme, or chives), finely chopped
- 2 tbsp chopped toasted walnuts or pistachios
- Fresh fruit slices (figs, grapes, or apples), thinly sliced
- 1 tsp honey (natural) for drizzling
Drizzle and Garnish
- Olive oil infused with 1 tsp apple cider vinegar (natural) for drizzling
- Optional: sprinkle of chili flakes or smoked paprika for a spicy kick
- Optional garnishes: fresh rosemary sprigs, thinly sliced radishes, edible flowers
Instructions
- Prepare the Cheese Base: Start by softening the goat cheese (plant-based) to room temperature to make spreading easier. Lightly whip it with a fork to achieve a creamy texture perfect for layering or dolloping onto carriers.
- Choose Your Carriers: Select your crackers or toasted crostini. To toast crostini, brush sliced bread lightly with olive oil and bake at 180°C (350°F) until golden and crisp, then allow to cool for ideal texture contrast.
- Add Fresh and Flavorful Toppings: Top the cheese with freshly chopped herbs, nuts, and fruit slices. Experiment by mixing combinations such as fresh thyme, chopped walnuts, and a drizzle of honey (natural) for an irresistible flavor blend.
- Drizzle and Garnish: Finish each appetizer with a light drizzle of olive oil infused with apple cider vinegar (natural) and add any optional seasoning like chili flakes or smoked paprika. Garnish with fresh rosemary, radishes, or edible flowers for an eye-catching presentation.
Notes
- Select high-quality goat cheese (plant-based) for best creaminess and flavor.
- Allow cheese to reach room temperature for easier spreading.
- Combine crunchy carriers with smooth cheese and crisp toppings for exciting texture contrast.
- Use freshly picked herbs to enhance aroma and flavor brightness.
- Avoid overcrowding each bite to maintain balance and let all ingredients shine.
- Store any leftover cheese base separately from crackers to maintain crispness.
- To keep appetizers fresh, assemble just before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: International
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 appetizer
- Calories: 75
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: goat cheese appetizers, plant-based appetizers, easy appetizers, gluten-free appetizers, party snacks, vegetarian appetizers