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Toasted baguette slices with goat cheese and onions.

The Best Goat Cheese Crostini with Caramelized Onion

Allie Hagerty
Crispy baguette slices are topped with creamy herbed goat cheese and sweet balsamic caramelized onions for an easy, elegant appetizer that’s perfect for entertaining.
5 from 3 votes
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Appetizer
Servings 12 crostini

Equipment

  • Baking Sheet
  • Pastry brush
  • large skillet
  • cutting board
  • Sharp knife
  • Small bowl
  • Spatula or wooden spoon
  • Spoon or butter knife

Ingredients
  

  • 1 baguette sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 cloves garlic minced (for brushing the bread)
  • 8 ounces goat cheese softened at room temperature
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 2 large onions thinly sliced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil for cooking the onions
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt divided
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Instructions
 

Prepare the Crostini:

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • Arrange the baguette slices on a baking sheet.
  • In a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of olive oil with the minced garlic and melted butter. Brush both sides of each baguette slice with this mixture.
  • Bake for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the crostini are golden and crispy. Set aside.

Make the Herb-Infused Goat Cheese:

  • In a medium bowl, combine the softened goat cheese with 1 tablespoon of fresh thyme, 1 tablespoon of fresh rosemary, and 1 teaspoon of lemon zest.
  • Mix until well combined. Set aside.

Make the Balsamic Caramelized Onions:

  • In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
  • Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 15-20 minutes until they become soft and golden.
  • Add the balsamic vinegar, sugar, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and pepper. Stir well and cook for another 5-7 minutes until the onions are deeply caramelized.
  • Remove from heat.

Assemble the Crostini:

  • Spread a generous layer of the herb-infused goat cheese on each crostini.
  • Top with a spoonful of the balsamic caramelized onions.
  • Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh thyme and rosemary, if desired.

Notes

Expert Tips From My Kitchen

  • Toast the bread just before serving for maximum crunch.
  • Cook the onions low and slow to develop deep, jammy flavor—don’t rush this step.
  • Let the goat cheese come to room temperature for easier spreading.
  • Assemble right before serving so the bread stays crisp.

Serving Suggestions

  • Pair with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Noir.
  • Serve alongside a charcuterie board for a more substantial spread.
  • Top with crushed pistachios or toasted pine nuts for extra crunch.
  • Swap the caramelized onions for fig jam for a sweeter twist.

Storage

  • Store toasted crostini in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
  • Keep herbed goat cheese and caramelized onions in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • Assemble just before serving to maintain texture and freshness.
 

Nutrition Facts

Calories: 157kcalCarbohydrates: 11gProtein: 6gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 14mgSodium: 408mgPotassium: 41mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 286IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 54mgIron: 1mg
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