GOAT CHEESE CROSTINI - GIADA

Goat Cheese Crostini - Giada image

Provided by newspapergal

Categories Cheese

Time 15m

Yield 12 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 baguette
3 tablespoons olive oil
8 ounces soft fresh goat cheese
4 ounces cream cheese
2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh Italian parsley
2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh thyme leaves
2 teaspoons finely grated lemon peel
salt
pepper
1/2 cup pitted sicilian green olives or 1/2 cup kalamata olive, finely chopped
2 tablespoons thinly sliced chives

Steps:

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
Arrange the bread slices on 2 heavy large baking sheets. Brush them with olive oil.
Bake until the crostini are pale golden and crisp, about 15 minutes.
Blend the goat cheese and cream cheese in a food processor until smooth and creamy.
Add the parsley, thyme, and lemon peel.
Using the on/off button, pulse just to blend.
Season with salt and pepper, to taste. (I use kosher salt & fresh-ground pepper).
Spread the cheese mixture over the crostini.
Sprinkle with the olives, chives, and more pepper. Arrange the toasts on a platter and serve.
Do-Ahead Tip: The crostini and cheese mixture can each be prepared 2 days ahead. Store the crostini in an airtight container at room temperature. Cover and refrigerate the cheese mixture. Let the cheese mixture stand at room temperature for 1 hour to soften slightly before spreading over the crostini.