Goat Cheese Bruschetta

Goat Cheese Bruschetta is a fresh and flavourful appetizer that can be served warm or cold. Undoubtedly, the rich and creamy goat cheese pairs beautifully with the garlic tomato bruschetta mix and, of course, the crusty baguette. It’s quick-to-prepare and ideal to make-ahead for family gatherings or holiday parties. Let’s elevate a classic!

Goat Cheese Bruschetta finally has its rightful place on our house appetizer menu. In my opinion, this starter is not only flavourful but extra elegant with the goat cheese addition. Growing up, my mom often prepared a Homemade Bruschetta and it was always a favourite, eagerly devoured by guests. Today’s recipe is a twist on this classic and I hope you enjoy this Goat Cheese Bruschetta just in time for Valentine’s Day or other family gathering like Easter or Christmas. 

How this Goat Cheese Bruschetta came to be:

This week, I was thinking about Valentine’s Day and Heart Month with red-themed meals. Therefore, immediately I wanted to use my juicy, red cherry tomatoes and when I was looking at foods that needed to be used up (part of the meal planning template), I realized I had goat cheese. Voila! This inspired the blissful Goat Cheese Bruschetta flavour combination.

Here’s what you’ll need to make this Goat Cheese Bruschetta recipe:

Cherry Tomatoes – This is my favourite for homemade bruschetta but you can use field or other favourite tomatoes. I like them cut into small pieces. 

Goat Cheese – Goat cheese is so creamy. I used plain but you can season your goat cheese with oregano or use the Italian flavoured one if you prefer. 

Garlic – I suggest using fresh garlic ALWAYS – never garlic powder or jarred garlic, especially for bruschetta. I rubbed a fresh garlic on the toasted bread and added one finely minced garlic clove to the bruschetta mix. 

Olive Oil – Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) is my preference for its taste and I would not recommend a generic, neutral-tasting oil substitute. Drizzle EVOO on the baguette before toasting, add it in the bruschetta mix and if you’re so inclined, you can add a final drizzle at the end right before serving. 

Balsamic Glaze – This is reduction of balsamic vinegar and it’s thicker and sweeter than regular balsamic. I love Nonna’s balsamic glaze. 

Basil  – Fresh basil and/or Italian parsley gives this Goat Cheese Bruschetta a punch of colour as both a garnish and flavour booster.  

Baguette – I love a French baguette but you could use Italian buns or Italian crusty bread. Aim to have uniform slices for even cooking. Actually, round ½ inch thick pieces make the perfect base for the goat cheese and tomato topping.

Foodie Dietitian TIP: Use fresh garlic in bruschetta instead of powdered or jarred. 

How do you make Bruschetta Mix?

To make my Homemade Bruschetta Mix, follow these steps:

1. First, wash and cut cherry tomatoes into quarters (aim for about 1 cup).  Place them in a medium-sized glass bowl. 
2. Next, finely mince a clove of fresh garlic and add it to the tomatoes with a sprinkle of kosher salt. 
3. Then, add one tbsp of olive oil, some fresh cracked pepper and a sprinkle of oregano. Stir to combine with the tomatoes. 
4. Allow your bruschetta mix to sit in the fridge for a minimum of 30 minutes or overnight to allow the flavours to intensify. 
5. Taste the mix to adjust for seasoning. You might add a little more salt for your taste or oil. 

Goat Cheese Bruschetta Directions:

• Pre-heat oven to 375F. Prepare bruschetta according to above directions. 

• Cut baguette into 1/2 “ thick pieces and place on a baking sheet. Drizzle baguette pieces with olive oil and bake in the oven for about 5-7 minutes until lightly toasted. 

• Next, rub a garlic clove against the bread pieces when slightly cooled.  

• Spoon a small portion of goat cheese and then bruschetta mixture on baguette pieces.

• Serve either cold or hot with balsamic glaze and olive oil drizzled on top, and garnish of fresh basil and/or Italian parsley.

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• If serving warm, heat the goat cheese bruschetta in the oven for another 5 to 8 minutes. Garnish as mentioned above. 

More Italian Dietitian Healthy Recipes:

Italian Beans on Toast

Romano Beans

Blistered Tomato Ricotta Toast

Penne Alla Vodka 

Garlic Rapini Ricotta Toast 

Caprese Salad with Cherry Tomatoes

Beefy Rotini

Goat Cheese Bruschetta

Yield: 6

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Goat Cheese Bruschetta is an elegant and simple appetizer. Sure to impress your guests for any family ocassion.

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Ingredients

• 1 French Baguette, sliced into ½” thick round pieces
• Olive oil
• 1 clove of fresh garlic, whole for rubbing on toasted bread
• ¼ cup goat cheese, crumbled
• Bruschetta Mix:
• 1 cup fresh cherry tomatoes, quartered
• Small clove garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Sprinkle of Kosher salt, cracked pepper & pinch of oregano
• Garnish: Basil and/or Italian Parsley and an olive oil and balsamic glaze drizzle.

Instructions

1. Pre-heat oven to 375F. Prepare bruschetta according to above directions.

2. Cut baguette into 1/2 “ thick pieces and place on a baking sheet. Drizzle baguette pieces with olive oil and bake in the oven for about 5-7 minutes until lightly toasted.

3. Next, rub a garlic clove against the bread pieces when slightly cooled.

4. Spoon a small portion of goat cheese on baguette pieces.

5. Next, spoon the bruschetta mixture on top of the goat cheese on each slice of toasted bread.

6. Serve either cold with balsamic glaze and olive oil drizzled on top, and garnish of fresh basil and/or Italian parsley.

7. If prefer serving warm, heat the goat cheese bruschetta in the oven for another 5 to 8 minutes to warm the tomatoes. Garnish as mentioned above.