Mushroom Crostini with Goat Cheese (Easy Recipe)

This easy Mushroom Crostini recipe features mouthwatering sautéed mushrooms, luxurious goat cheese, and fresh herbs atop slices of perfectly toasted sprouted rye.

It promises an elegant appetizer to impress your friends and family during holiday festivities and beyond!

Welcome to the very first appetizer recipe I shared on this blog!

Although I have introduced a few more to the repertoire since then, this mushroom crostini with goat cheese remains an all-time favorite.

Something about the combination of earthy mushrooms, creamy goat cheese, and the crisp bite of toasted rye makes it an absolute winner!

This delicious trio not only caters to your taste buds but also offers a canvas for customization. The possibilities are endless!

Whether served at a winter soirée or an outdoor summer BBQ, this crostini is the perfect addition to the appetizer table. So, let’s dive into the details and bring the magic of mushroom crostini to your next gathering!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here are a few reasons to try this recipe:

• Quick and easy. It’s easy to make and doesn’t require much time or complex ingredients, making it an excellent option for novice and experienced home cooks.
• Delicious flavors and textures. Mushrooms give the crostini a rich, umami element and tender contrast to the crunchy toasted bread, while smooth goat cheese takes it over the top.
• Crowd-pleasing. The combination of earthy mushrooms, creamy goat cheese, and crispy bread is generally well-received, making this dish a great choice for holiday parties and special occasions.

Ingredient Notes

Here’s everything you need to make mushroom crostini with goat cheese:

• Olive oil – You’ll need olive oil to toast the bread slices and to sauté the mushrooms. Make sure to use high-quality, fresh, extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor.
• Sprouted rye bread – I used sprouted rye bread because the sprouting process ultimately results in bread with a lower glycemic index. You can also swap the sprouted rye bread for traditional thinly sliced toasted baguette slices.
• Brown mushrooms – Like cremini or portobello, have a firmer texture and deeper flavor than white mushrooms. But if you prefer a milder taste, use white button mushrooms.
• Balsamic vinegar – Helps balance the mushrooms’ richness with a sweet and tangy taste.
• Garlic powder, salt & black pepper – To season the mushrooms.
• Goat cheese – Also known as chèvre, has a distinct tangy, tart, and slightly sweet flavor with a creamy, spreadable texture. It adds a sophisticated touch you can’t get from classic spreadable cheese varieties.
• Fresh herbs – I garnished the crostini with fresh chives for a touch of fresh, herbaceous flavor. Fresh chopped basil or parsley would also be great here.

How to Make Crostini with Goat Cheese and Mushrooms

This mushroom and goat cheese crostini recipe is as easy as 1-2-3 with these steps:

1. Toast the bread: Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Place the bread slices in the pan and toast them on each side until crisp and golden brown.
2. Sauté the mushrooms: Heat more olive oil in the pan over medium heat. Add the sliced mushrooms, balsamic vinegar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper and cook, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms shrink in volume, turn brown, and the liquid has evaporated.
3. Assemble and serve: Spread the goat cheese on the toasted bread slices and then top them with mushrooms. Garnish with fresh herbs and serve warm.

Recipe Tips

Here are my best tips to make the best mushroom crostini:

• Ingredient quality is key, so use the freshest mushrooms possible, high-quality goat cheese, and a good sprouted rye bread or artisanal baguette.
• Sauté the mushrooms properly in a hot pan with olive oil. Allow them to brown and release moisture so they don’t turn the crostini soggy.
• Toast the bread in a single layer with space between each piece. Toast in batches if you need to to ensure the bread gets crispy and golden brown.
• To save time, you can sauté the mushrooms the day before. Then, toast the bread and warm up the sauteed mushrooms before assembling.

Variations

This is a versatile dish! Here are some unique touches to consider:

• Herbed goat cheese – Mix fresh herbs such as thyme, rosemary, and chives into the goat cheese for a herbed spread that complements the earthy mushrooms.
• Cheese spreads – Or swap goat cheese for creamy brie or cream cheese to create a milder, melt-in-your-mouth version of mushroom crostini.
• Caramelized onions – Add a layer of caramelized onions to the goat cheese before topping with mushrooms.
• Pesto – Spread classic pesto or sun-dried tomato pesto on the crostini before layering on the goat cheese and mushrooms.
• Balsamic glaze – Drizzle a balsamic glaze over the assembled crostini for a sweet and tangy contrast.
• Prosciutto-wrapped – Wrap each mushroom-topped crostini with a thin slice of prosciutto for a savory and salty kick.

Storing

To store leftover mushroom and goat cheese crostini, separate the toasted bread, goat cheese, and sautéed mushrooms in airtight containers. Store the bread at room temperature and the goat cheese and mushrooms in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.

Frequently Asked Questions

What goes with mushroom crostini?

Mushroom crostini is delightful alongside a mixed green salad for freshness, paired with a glass of crisp white wine for balance, or incorporated into a larger appetizer spread with items like olives, cured meats, and cheese.

Additionally, it’s an excellent starter before a main course featuring chicken, fish, or pasta.

Why is it called Crostini?

“Crostini” is an Italian word that translates to “little toasts” in English. The name reflects the traditional preparation of thin slices of bread brushed with olive oil, toasted until crisp, and used as a base for flavorful toppings.

More Appetizer Recipes

Need more appetizers for a party? Check out these recipes:

• Roasted Eggplant Dip
• Cottage Cheese Mushroom Dip
• Meatballs without Breadcrumbs
• Italian Stewed Bell Pepper