Easy Marinated Goat Cheese with Crostini

This easy marinated goat cheese is a testament to the fact that sometimes the simplest of things are the best! A perfect appetizer!

This Easy Marinated Goat Cheese with Crostini is one of my favourite holiday treats, not just because it’s easy and not just because it’s delicious goat cheese, but because it’s one of those simplicity meets perfection things. And I love when I discover that!

I first spotted this little beauty in Cooking Light and have been indulging regularly ever since. This time of year, I make up a batch regularly to keep in the fridge, so a little something lovely is always at hand.

Enjoy this at room temperature, with crostini rounds (recipe below!), crackers or just a lovely, fresh baguette slice (perfect to sop up that herb-infused olive oil). To change it up, place 3 rounds in a little dish, pop in a 325F oven for 15-20 minutes and enjoy it warm.

Cook’s Notes

The first time I made this, I had one small moment of disappointment and that was when the lovely green herbs lost their vibrant colour when heated with the oil. I mean, I understand the necessity. It’s all about the infusing. Still, I longed for the pretty green, so I’ve adapted this recipe to chop a little extra of the herbs and set it aside to use as a fresh garnish just before serving. I just makes my eyes happy as well as my stomach :)

Beyond a delicious appetizer, you can use this marinated goat cheese on sandwiches and salads, too!

When it comes to marinating, be sure to use a glass dish and find one that’s just large enough to hold the slices flat with a little space in between. If you use too large a dish, the marinade will be too thin. You may want to flip the cheese rounds over once or twice as it marinates.

If you have some of the lovely infused oil left in the dish after the goat cheese is gone, add a few drops of balsamic to the dish and enjoy with some fresh bread.

I like to keep my crostini a touch on the soft side, so I brush with olive oil and watch closely so they don’t over-cook. They’re just easier to eat and more pleasant than having a rock-hard crostini, I think.

Do note though that the crostini brushed with olive oil don’t keep as well (they get a bit soggy/chewy as they sit), so if you are wanting to go the make-ahead route and want crostini that you can keep for longer, skip the olive oil and just toast them up. They will still be nice with the oil from the marinade.

Change it Up!

Try this marinated goat cheese warm! Simply place a few rounds into an oven-proof dish and warm in a 325F oven for 15-20 minutes.

Get the Recipe: Easy Marinated Goat Cheese with Crostini

An easy and delicious appetizer, that can be served at room temperature or baked to make warm goat cheese. Left-overs are also great in sandwiches or on salads! NOTE! Prep Time does not include marinating time.

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Prep Time: 15 mins

Cook Time: 15 mins

Total Time: 30 mins

Yield: 12 servings

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Ingredients

Infused Oil:

• 1 1/2 Tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
• 1 1/2 Tbsp fresh chives, chopped
• 1 Tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
• 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper
• 2 garlic cloves, smashed
• 1 3x1-inch strips lemon rind, yellow part only
• 2 cups extra-virgin olive oil

Cheese:

• 1 10-12oz log plain goat cheese, about 300g/10oz

For garnish:

• 1 1/2 tsp fresh thyme, chopped
• 1 1/2 tsp fresh chives, chopped
• 1 tsp fresh rosemary, chopped
• Pinch crushed red pepper

Crostini:

• 1 baguette, cut into 1/2 inch rounds
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and freshly ground pepper

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Instructions

 

• Combine all the infused oil ingredients in a small saucepan on the stove-top over low heat. Allow to warm about 15 minutes to infuse the oil. Turn off the heat under the pan and let the oil mixture cool to room temperature in pan. *Do be sure it is completely cooled before combining with the goat cheese, or the cheese will start to melt.
• Slice goat cheese log into twelve 1/2-inch rounds (or as many 1/2-inch rounds as you can cut from the size of goat cheese log you have). Gently press together and shape the rounds in your palm. Pour some of the cooled oil mixture into a glass dish baking dish just big enough to hold all the goat cheese slices in a single layer with a bit of space in between. Place cheese rounds on top of oil in dish in a single layer. Pour remaining oil mixture over the cheese slices to cover, distributing the herbs on top of cheese rounds.
• Cover pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate at least 4-6 hours or overnight.
• For the crostini: Place baguette slices in an even layer on a baking sheet. Brush top with olive oil. Place under broiler about 6-inches from the heat until round are golden. Remove from oven. Flip baguette slices over. Brush with olive oil and return to the broiler to toast the other side until golden. Remove from oven and immediately sprinkle with a bit of salt and freshly ground pepper. Serve warm or at room temperature. *These are best used within a few hours of making. If you'd like to keep longer, skip the olive oil and just toast under the broiler.
• To serve, spoon a bit of the marinade into a small serving plate. Top with a round of goat cheese. Spoon a bit more of the marinade over-top. Garnish with additional fresh herb mix. Serve with crostini, baguette slices or crackers.

Notes

Notes: Try this Warm! Place a few rounds into a small, oven-proof dish. Place dish on a baking sheet. Bake in 325F oven for 15-20 minutes, or until softened and starting to turn golden in spots.

Cuisine: American, Canadian

Course: Appetizer

Author: Jennifer

Calories: 90kcal, Carbohydrates: 10g, Protein: 1g, Fat: 4g, Sodium: 129mg, Potassium: 28mg, Vitamin A: 95IU, Vitamin C: 2.1mg, Calcium: 21mg, Iron: 0.8mg

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