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Easy Cranberry Goat Cheese Crostini Recipe with Candied Pecans for Perfect Holiday Appetizers

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A quick and elegant appetizer featuring toasted baguette slices topped with creamy goat cheese, tart dried cranberries, and buttery candied pecans, perfect for holiday gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 small baguette, sliced into 1/2-inch thick pieces (day-old preferred)
  • 6 ounces goat cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries (tart, unsweetened preferred)
  • 3/4 cup pecans, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons butter, melted
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional, for drizzling)
  • 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary or thyme, chopped (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper, a pinch each

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, toss chopped pecans with melted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Spread on a parchment-lined baking sheet and roast for 10-12 minutes, stirring halfway through, until glossy and fragrant. Remove and let cool.
  2. Brush both sides of baguette slices lightly with olive oil. Arrange in a single layer on a baking sheet and toast in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crisp.
  3. Optional: Mix goat cheese with a pinch of black pepper and chopped fresh rosemary or thyme for extra flavor.
  4. Spread about 1 tablespoon of goat cheese on each toasted baguette slice. Top with a few dried cranberries and sprinkle generously with candied pecans.
  5. Drizzle lightly with honey or maple syrup and garnish with extra fresh herbs if desired.
  6. Serve immediately for best texture and flavor. If prepping ahead, keep toppings separate and assemble just before serving.

Notes

Watch pecans closely while roasting to avoid burning. Let pecans cool fully before topping crostini to maintain crunch. Use day-old baguette for best crispiness. Softened goat cheese spreads better than melted. Drizzle honey for a balanced sweet-tart flavor. Assemble crostini just before serving to keep bread crisp.

Nutrition

Keywords: cranberry crostini, goat cheese appetizer, holiday appetizers, candied pecans, easy crostini recipe, festive snacks

Find it online: https://rowanrecipes.com/easy-cranberry-goat-cheese-crostini-recipe-with-candied-pecans-for-perfect-holiday-appetizers/