Cranberry Goat Cheese Crostini
Oct 30, 2025
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When it comes to easy, elegant appetizers, few things top – no pun intended – a platter of crostini. This Cranberry Goat Cheese Crostini starts with a crispy baguette slice that’s topped with a creamy blend of tangy goat cheese and cream cheese, then it’s finished with a spoonful of my Cranberry and Orange Sauce for a bright, festive touch.
This combination of sweet, tart and savory flavors makes for a well-rounded bite to kick of your Thanksgiving or holiday celebration. The creamy texture of the goat cheese balances the acidic punch from the cranberry sauce, and a hint of orange juice and fresh mint tie it all together.
Why you’ll love this recipe
This is a simple, make-ahead friendly appetizer that’s ready in 25 minutes. It’s an approachable, appetizer that can be put together on short notice and has so much flexibility.
- The cranberry-orange topping adds seasonal flavor and bright color.
- It works well as a holiday appetizer or light starter for any seasonal dinner party.
- You can mix and match the goat cheese crostini toppings. Make some with cranberry sauce and some with a more savory finish, like sautéed mushrooms with thyme.
How to make crostini
Making crostini at home couldn’t be easier. All you need is a fresh baguette, a drizzle of olive oil, and a quick bake until crisp and golden.
Start by slicing your baguette into approximately ½-inch to ¾-inch slices. Layer them on a baking tray and drizzle with just a bit of olive oil on both sides.
Bake for 15 minutes at 350 degrees F – flipping about halfway through – to get the perfect crunch without completely drying out the bread.
The sliced baguette will have a crispy outside and a soft interior that stands up to almost any topping. You can even make the toasts ahead of time, so all that’s left is assembling with toppings right before serving.
Serving Suggestions
These Cranberry Goat Cheese Crostini pair beautifully with a sparkling wine as a welcome offering ahead of Thanksgiving or a dinner party. Serve them on a platter alongside a charcuterie board or other small bites like rosemary cashews and olives.
If you’re looking to expand your holiday appetizer spread, try this Pumpkin-Shaped Cheese Ball for a playful party centerpiece. You also can double up your crostini offering with this Pom, Mint & Goat Cheese Crostini.
No matter how you top your goat cheese crostini, these hand-held bites are always the hit of the party. Remember guests always arrive hungry, so having these ready for the earliest arrivals will keep everyone smiling.
Cranberry Goat Cheese Crostini
Ingredients
For the baguette
- 1 baguette
- Olive oil, for drizzling
For the goat cheese layer
- 4 ounces goat cheese
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 tablespoon orange juice
For topping
- 1 cup Cranberry and Orange Sauce
- Fresh mint, chopped for garnish
- Orange, zested for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
- Slice baguette into ½-inch to ¾-inch slices. You need 18 slices.
- Arrange baguette slices on a baking sheet and drizzle lightly with olive oil. Bake for 8 minutes, flip and bake for another 7 minutes, until golden and crisp. Let cool slightly.
- Meanwhile, make the goat cheese spread. In a medium bowl, combine goat cheese, softened cream cheese and 1 tablespoon orange juice. Mix until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble the crostini by spreading a heaping spoonful of the goat cheese mixture onto each toasted baguette slice.
- Spoon a small amount of Cranberry and Orange Sauce on top of the cheese layer. Garnish with chopped fresh mint and zest orange over each.
- Transfer to a platter and serve immediately.
Notes
- You can make the goat cheese spread up to 3 days ahead and store it in the refrigerator.
- Toasted baguette slices can be made earlier in the day and kept in an airtight container until ready to assemble.
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