Festive Pomegranate Goat Cheese (Printer-friendly)

Crisp crostini topped with creamy goat cheese, pomegranate seeds, and fresh herbs for festive flavor.

# Ingredient List:

→ Crostini

01 - 1 French baguette, sliced into 16 rounds
02 - 2 tablespoons olive oil

→ Topping

03 - 5 ounces fresh goat cheese, softened
04 - 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt or crème fraîche
05 - 1 teaspoon honey
06 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

→ Garnish

07 - ½ cup pomegranate seeds
08 - 2 tablespoons fresh mint, finely chopped
09 - 2 tablespoons pistachios, roughly chopped (optional)
10 - Zest of 1 lemon

# How-To Steps:

01 - Preheat oven to 400°F. Arrange baguette slices on a baking sheet and lightly brush both sides with olive oil.
02 - Bake slices for 8 to 10 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden and crisp. Allow to cool slightly.
03 - Combine goat cheese, Greek yogurt or crème fraîche, honey, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Stir until smooth and creamy.
04 - Spread a generous layer of the goat cheese mixture over each toasted baguette slice.
05 - Top with pomegranate seeds, chopped mint, pistachios if using, and a sprinkle of lemon zest.
06 - Present immediately to preserve crisp texture and freshness.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It turns simple ingredients into something that looks like you planned it for weeks, even if you didn't.
  • The contrast between creamy tang and sweet crunch makes every bite feel balanced and bright.
  • You can prep the cheese mixture ahead and assemble these in under five minutes when people show up.
02 -
  • Don't skip softening the goat cheese—cold cheese will tear your toasts and leave you with clumpy, uneven layers.
  • Assemble these just before serving, or the moisture from the cheese will soften the bread and you'll lose that satisfying crunch.
  • If pomegranates aren't in season, dried cranberries soaked in warm water for ten minutes work in a pinch.
03 -
  • Use a serrated knife to slice the baguette evenly so every piece toasts at the same rate.
  • Taste your honey first—some are much sweeter than others, and you may only need half a teaspoon.
  • If you're making these ahead, prep all your toppings separately and assemble just before guests arrive so everything stays fresh and vibrant.
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