Rustic Prosciutto Crostini with Goat Cheese & Pesto Recipe

Crispy, elegant prosciutto crostini dance with tangy goat cheese and vibrant pesto, creating a Mediterranean-inspired appetizer that whispers sophistication.

Rustic bread slices become golden platforms for this delightful combination.

Delicate ham drapes across creamy cheese, while bright green herbaceous sauce adds a playful punch.

Each bite promises a symphony of textures and flavors that will surprise you.

Soft, salty, and aromatic ingredients meld seamlessly into one irresistible small plate.

Fresh herbs bring a garden-like brightness to this simple yet impressive starter.

Fall in love with these crostini – they’re perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a luxurious moment.

Pesto Crostini Flavors You’ll Crave

• Quick and Easy Prep: Whip up this elegant appetizer in just a few simple steps, perfect for busy hosts who want to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Flavor Explosion: Combine the richness of goat cheese, the saltiness of prosciutto, and the bright herbaceous notes of pesto for a mouthwatering taste experience that'll wow your friends and family.
• Versatile Party Pleaser: Whether you're hosting a holiday gathering, cocktail party, or casual get-together, these crostini are a crowd-pleasing appetizer that looks sophisticated but comes together effortlessly.
• No-Fuss Gourmet Touch: Transform simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy starter that elevates any meal occasion with minimal cooking skills required.

Prosciutto Goat Cheese Crostini Ingredients

• Bread Slices: Crisp base for the crostini.
• Goat Cheese: Creamy and tangy spread.
• Pesto: Herbal and rich sauce.
• Prosciutto: Thin, delicate Italian cured ham.

• Olive Oil: Smooth cooking and dressing fat.
• Balsamic Vinegar: Tangy and sweet liquid.
• Honey: Natural sweetener.
• Onion, Garlic: Aromatic flavor enhancers.

• Spinach: Fresh and tender green component.

• Salt, Pepper: Basic flavor boosters.

Prosciutto Crostini with Goat Cheese and Pesto: Assembly

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F, creating the perfect toasty environment for your crostini adventure.

Step 2: Craft a Zesty Balsamic Blend

• Balsamic vinegar
• Honey
• Olive oil

Season with a pinch of salt and pepper to elevate the flavor profile.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatic Base

• Onion
• Garlic

Cook until they become tender and fragrant. Pour in the balsamic mixture and let it simmer for 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat and fold in delicate spinach ribbons.

Step 4: Prepare Creamy Bread Canvas

• Goat cheese
• Pesto

Place the prepared slices on a baking sheet and slide into the oven. Bake for 3-5 minutes until warm and slightly softened.

Step 5: Assemble and Serve

• Prosciutto slices
• Spoonful of onion-spinach mixture

Serve immediately while still warm, allowing the flavors to dance on the palate.

Crostini Tips That Combine Prosciutto and Pesto Smoothly

• Slice Bread Wisely: Choose a crusty baguette or ciabatta with sturdy texture to prevent soggy crostini when adding toppings.
• Goat Cheese Trick: Let goat cheese sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before spreading for smoother, easier application.
• Balance Flavors Carefully: Use high-quality prosciutto and fresh pesto to elevate the overall taste profile of the appetizer.
• Baking Technique: Watch crostini closely during baking to ensure bread is warm and slightly crisp without burning edges.
• Serve Temperature Matters: Present these crostini immediately after preparing to maintain the warmth and preserve the delicate textures of prosciutto and goat cheese.

Storing Prosciutto Crostini with Goat Cheese and Pesto Properly

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Keep prosciutto and bread separate to prevent sogginess.
• Wrap individual crostini tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for maximum 1 month. Thaw in refrigerator overnight.
• Warm at 300°F for 5-7 minutes. Place on baking sheet, cover loosely with foil to prevent burning. Crisp bread edges for best texture.
• Quick zap for 20-30 seconds. Check temperature and avoid overheating to maintain crispy bread and prevent rubbery prosciutto.

What to Serve with Prosciutto Crostini

• Enhance Wine Pairing: Select a crisp Italian white like Pinot Grigio that complements the salty prosciutto and tangy goat cheese, cutting through the rich flavors with bright acidity.
• Sparkling Cocktail Match: Create a festive prosecco spritzer with fresh lemon juice and a touch of elderflower liqueur, which will highlight the herb notes in the pesto and balance the savory crostini.
• Rustic Red Alternative: Choose a light-bodied Chianti or Sangiovese with subtle tannins that won't overpower the delicate prosciutto and will echo the earthy spinach and onion mixture.
• Herb-Infused Beverage Boost: Craft a rosemary-thyme gin cocktail that mirrors the herbaceous pesto and adds a sophisticated seasonal twist to the appetizer's flavor profile.

Bite-Sized Spins for Prosciutto Crostini with Goat Cheese & Pesto

• Vegetarian Delight: Replace prosciutto with grilled eggplant or roasted red pepper slices for a meat-free option that maintains the rich flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use gluten-free baguette or crisp rice crackers instead of traditional bread to accommodate gluten sensitivities while keeping the core recipe intact.
• Vegan Version: Substitute goat cheese with cashew cheese or almond-based spread, and use plant-based pesto made from sunflower seeds or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free alternative.
• Low-Carb Approach: Skip the bread entirely and serve the toppings on cucumber rounds or lettuce cups for a lighter, carbohydrate-reduced presentation that's perfect for keto dieters.

FAQs

• What ingredients do I need to make Prosciutto Crostini?

You’ll need French baguette or ciabatta bread, goat cheese, pesto, prosciutto, fresh spinach, onions, garlic, balsamic vinegar, honey, olive oil, salt, and pepper.

• Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?

No, the recipe contains prosciutto, which is a cured ham. Vegetarians would need to omit the prosciutto or substitute with a plant-based alternative.

• Can I prepare the ingredients ahead of time?

Yes, you can chop the onions, prepare the balsamic mixture, and slice the spinach ribbons in advance. This helps streamline the cooking process and reduces preparation time on the day of serving.

• How do I know when the crostini are ready to serve?

The bread should be warm and slightly softened after 3–5 minutes in the oven, and the goat cheese and pesto will look melted. Top with prosciutto and onion-spinach mixture and serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.

Prosciutto Crostini with Goat Cheese & Pesto Recipe

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4.9 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Elegant Prosciutto Crostini deliver Italian-inspired appetizer magic in one delightful bite. Crisp bread, creamy goat cheese, and salty prosciutto combine perfectly, promising a sophisticated snack you’ll crave at every gathering.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 8 slices ciabatta or Italian bread
• 4 ounces (113 grams) prosciutto, thinly sliced
• 5 ounces (142 grams) soft goat cheese

Cheese and Spread:

• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) pesto
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) balsamic vinegar
• 1/2 tablespoon (7.5 milliliters) honey

Aromatics and Garnish:

• 1 red onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, chopped
• 1 handful of spinach leaves, thinly sliced

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating it to a moderate temperature of 350°F, ensuring an even warmth for toasting the bread.
2. Create a flavor-enhancing glaze by whisking together tangy balsamic vinegar, sweet honey, and fragrant olive oil, seasoning with a pinch of salt and pepper for depth.
3. In a skillet, gently sauté finely chopped onions and minced garlic in olive oil until they become translucent and aromatic, releasing their natural sweetness.
4. Pour the prepared balsamic mixture into the skillet, allowing it to simmer and reduce for a brief moment, creating a rich, glossy coating for the onions.
5. Remove the skillet from heat and fold in delicate spinach ribbons, letting the residual warmth wilt the leaves slightly and meld the flavors together.
6. Take slices of bread and generously spread a creamy layer of goat cheese, followed by a dollop of vibrant green pesto, creating a luxurious base.
7. Transfer the prepared bread slices to a baking sheet and slide into the preheated oven, warming them until the cheese softens and the edges turn golden.
8. Carefully drape thin, silky slices of prosciutto over the warm, cheese-covered bread, creating an elegant and inviting presentation.
9. Top each crostini with a spoonful of the caramelized onion and spinach mixture, adding a final layer of complexity and color.
10. Serve immediately while still warm, allowing the flavors to mingle and the textures to complement each other perfectly.

Notes

• Swap baguette with gluten-free bread for celiac-friendly version, ensuring everyone can enjoy this appetizer.
• Reduce honey for lower sugar content, making the recipe diabetic-friendly and heart-healthy.
• Use plant-based cheese and vegan prosciutto alternative for vegetarian guests, maintaining the original flavor profile.
• Let ingredients sit at room temperature before preparing to enhance blend of flavors and improve overall texture of the crostini.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 12 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg