All you need is a crusty baguette to make crisp toasts that take 10 minutes to bake.
The toasted bread is topped with avariety of flavorful ingredients.
These crostini provide guests with a delicious vegetarian optioncaramelized onions, sauteed mushrooms, and herbed goat cheese.
Simply Recipes / Jessica Gavin
A savory and sweet combination of vegetables on top of a creamy spread and crunchy bread will disappear fast!
Its a great option when you want to make plenty of servings with minimal effort.
Plus, the topping options are endless.
Simply Recipes / Jessica Gavin
Toasting the Bread for Crostini
This is a two- to three-bite handheld starter.
Slender baguettes are my top choicethey hold up well after toasting and have a light and crisp texture.
Slice them about 1/2-inch thick and brush a high-quality extra virgin olive oil on both sides.
Simply Recipes / Jessica Gavin
The oil crisps the bread when baked and adds a nice earthy and fruity flavor.
It only takes about ten minutes to toast.
The surface should be lightly browned but not completely dried out and brittle like croutons.
Simply Recipes / Jessica Gavin
Why Caramelize Onions?
I like to caramelize the onions for a layer of flavor on the crostini.
The natural sugars in the vegetable come to the surface, adding a subtle sweetness.
Simply Recipes / Jessica Gavin
This extra effort makes a big flavor impact!
I saute them to concentrate their earthy, savory flavor.
Add a small amount of soy sauce to make the mushroom’s flavor stronger.
Simply Recipes / Jessica Gavin
A splash of balsamic vinegar adds some acidity, which brightens the mushrooms and provides a hint of sweetness.
I like to keep this simple to not take away from the vegetable topping.
It has four ingredients: soft goat cheese, freshly chopped chives, and onion and garlic powder.
Simply Recipes / Jessica Gavin
The cheese also creates a barrier, so the toast doesnt get soggy.
The toast tastes the best when enjoyed within an hour of topping.
Storage Instructions
The toasts can be made up to five days in advance.
Simply Recipes / Jessica Gavin
Store them in an airtight container and leave them on the counter.
you might freeze them for up to one month.
Let them defrost on the kitchen counter before topping.
Simply Recipes / Jessica Gavin
The crostini can be assembled up to two hours ahead of time and refrigerated until ready to serve.
However, dont wait any longer or the toast will turn soft!
Heat oven to 350oF.
Simply Recipes / Jessica Gavin
Arrange them in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet.
Bake until dry, lightly browned, and crisp, about 10 minutes.
Flip the bread over halfway through baking.
Simply Recipes / Jessica Gavin
Cool on the baking sheet.
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Immediately add the onions and stir to coat.
Cook, stirring frequently, until the onions begin to soften and lightly brown, about 5 minutes.
Add the sliced mushrooms and cook until tender, stirring frequently, about 5 minutes.
Add the garlic and saute until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
Add the balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, the remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt, and black pepper.
Saute for 1 minute.
Season to taste with more salt and pepper.
In a medium bowl, combine the goat cheese, chives, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate if not using immediately.
Top each with about 2 tablespoons of the caramelized onion and mushroom mixture.
Sprinkle with black pepper and more chives, if youd like.
Arrange the crostini on a platter and serve.
