HERB COATED GOAT CHEESE

Herb Coated Goat Cheese image

Provided by Giada De Laurentiis

Time 45m

Yield 8 to 10 servings

Number Of Ingredients 11

3 tablespoons olive oil
36 (1/2-inch-thick) slices baguette
3 tablespoons finely chopped fresh Italian parsley leaves
2 1/2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh thyme leaves
2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh rosemary leaves
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1 teaspoon coarsely cracked black pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 11-ounce log soft fresh goat cheese
1 1/2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil or Meyer lemon olive oil
Fresh herb sprigs, for garnish

Steps:

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
Arrange the bread slices on 2 heavy baking sheets. Drizzle 3 tablespoons of olive oil over the bread slices. Bake until the crostini are pale golden and crisp, about 10 minutes.
Meanwhile, stir the herbs, lemon zest, pepper, and salt in a medium bowl to blend. Using about 2 teaspoons of cheese for each, form the goat cheese into 1-inch diameter balls. Roll the cheese balls in the herb mixture to coat completely. Arrange the cheese balls on a platter. Drizzle the extra-virgin olive oil over and around the cheese balls. Serve with the crostini. Garnish with herb sprigs.
The crostini and cheese balls can be prepared 1 day ahead. Store the crostini in an airtight container at room temperature. Cover and refrigerate the cheese balls.