Strawberry Balsamic Crostini

Sometimes you want something easy but impressive. Strawberry balsamic crostini hits that sweet spot.

The combo of fresh strawberries, creamy cheese, and tangy balsamic on crisp bread just works. It’s great for casual snacks or fancier gatherings.

I started making these in summer when strawberries taste best. Now, I make them all year.

Serve them at brunch, take them to a party, or snack at home. The best part? You can swap cheeses, herbs, or even try peaches.

I’ll show you how to prep crostini step by step. You’ll see which swaps work and pick up a few tips.

Why You Will Love Strawberry Balsamic Crostini

This appetizer nails the balance of flavors. Sweet strawberries match with tangy balsamic, and creamy cheese rounds things out.

It’s simple but looks elegant. I made these for a summer get-together and people loved them.

You don’t need many ingredients. Each one matters.

Fresh strawberries, a bit of balsamic, and crisp bread make it work. It’s low effort, high reward.

You can use mozzarella, ricotta, or goat cheese. Fresh basil or mint on top keeps things bright.

Here’s why you’ll make this again and again:

• Quick to prepare: About 20–30 minutes.
• Easy to customize: Swap cheeses or herbs.
• Perfect for gatherings: Works as a starter or snack.
• Balanced flavors: Sweet, tangy, creamy, and crisp.

When you serve these, people pause and really taste them. Then they reach for another.

How To Make Strawberry Balsamic Crostini

This recipe brings sweet strawberries, creamy cheese, and tangy glaze together. You need a few fresh ingredients and a short oven bake.

Ingredients

You only need a handful of things. Each one adds something.

Fresh strawberries bring sweetness. Ricotta cheese gives creaminess.

A crusty baguette forms the base. Basil or mint adds a fresh pop.

Here’s the list:

• 1 baguette, sliced into ½-inch pieces
• 12–16 strawberries, sliced thin
• 1 cup ricotta cheese (or goat cheese)
• 2–3 tbsp balsamic glaze (or homemade reduction)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• A few basil leaves, sliced thin (or mint)
• Pinch of sea salt and black pepper

If you want it sweeter, drizzle a bit of honey.

Instruments

You don’t need fancy tools. The right basics help.

A serrated knife cuts bread cleanly. A baking sheet toasts bread evenly.

Here’s what you need:

• Cutting board
• Serrated knife
• Chef’s knife for strawberries and herbs
• Baking sheet
• Small bowl for ricotta
• Spoon or spatula for spreading

A pastry brush helps with oil, but you can drizzle instead.

Step-By-Step Instruction

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice baguette and put on a baking sheet.
2. Drizzle olive oil on bread. Bake for 5–10 minutes until golden.
3. While bread toasts, slice strawberries and chop basil.
4. Season ricotta in a bowl with salt and pepper. Mix until smooth.
5. Spread ricotta on each toasted slice. Top with strawberries.
6. Drizzle with balsamic glaze. Sprinkle basil or mint.
7. Serve right away while bread is crisp.

You’ll get crunch, creaminess, and sweet-tart flavors in every bite.

Tips & Tricks

I’ve made these for friends a bunch of times. A few habits make it easier.

Use fresh strawberries. Frozen ones get too watery. Pat berries dry with a paper towel.

Toast the bread just right. You want golden and crunchy, not brick-hard. Five minutes at 350°F usually works.

Balance the balsamic. If it’s too sharp, add sugar. If too sweet, cook it longer.

Assemble at the last minute. Add toppings only when ready to serve. This keeps things crisp.

Try small changes. Use mascarpone for richness or add crushed nuts for crunch. Lemon zest or mint brightens it up.

These small tweaks really help the crostini shine.

Ingredient Substitute

I started with ricotta for its mild flavor and texture. You don’t have to stick with it.

Try these swaps:

• Goat cheese – Tangier, balances strawberry sweetness.
• Cream cheese – Smooth and rich, if you want familiar.
• Whipped feta – Salty, goes well with balsamic.
• Vegan cream cheese or tofu ricotta – For dairy-free, still creamy.

You can swap the bread, too. No baguette? Sourdough or multigrain works. Slice it thin.

Even strawberries can change. Try pickled strawberries or a quick compote.

I keep balsamic reduction around. If you only have regular vinegar, drizzle it or simmer to thicken. Both work, but reduction is stronger.

These swaps let you use what’s in your kitchen. You still get sweet, creamy, and tangy.

What To Serve With Strawberry Balsamic Crostini

When you set out crostini, you want the rest of your spread to fit. Pairing the right sides makes everything better.

I like to keep it simple. A few sides add texture and contrast.

Try these:

• Prosciutto: Salty slices balance sweet strawberries.
• Walnuts or Pistachios: Nuts add crunch and earthiness.
• Mixed Greens Salad: Arugula or spinach keeps things fresh.
• Soft Cheeses: Brie or Boursin for variety.
• Fresh Fruit: Grapes or melon make it seasonal.

For a meal, start with crostini, then go to light pasta or grilled chicken. Crostini won’t steal the show.

Sometimes I plan out flavors with a meal planner. I try to balance creamy, crunchy, salty, and sweet.

How To Store Strawberry Balsamic Crostini

I learned the hard way—don’t store crostini with toppings on. The bread gets soggy, strawberries go soft.

Keep bread and toppings separate until serving. If you have leftovers already assembled, store in a single layer in an airtight container.

Refrigerate and eat within 1–2 days for best taste.

For make-ahead, toast bread slices and store plain.

• Let them cool before storing.
• Seal in a container or bag at room temp for up to 24 hours.
• Freeze toasted slices for a few months, then re-crisp under the broiler.

When ready, add ricotta, strawberries, and glaze just before serving. The bread stays crisp, toppings taste fresh. It only takes a few minutes to put together, and the texture is so much better.

Nutritional Value

When you make strawberry balsamic crostini, you get a light appetizer. It feels indulgent but doesn’t weigh you down.

Each serving is small. You can enjoy it without going overboard.

On average, one crostini has about 120 calories. That’s a smart pick if you want flavor without heaviness.

Here’s a simple breakdown per crostini:

• Calories: ~120
• Protein: 3–4 g
• Fat: 5–6 g
• Carbohydrates: 12–14 g
• Sugar: 3–4 g
• Fiber: 1 g

You get some healthy fats from olive oil. That’s good for your heart, or so they say.

Goat cheese adds protein and calcium. It gives your snack a bit of staying power.

The strawberries bring natural sweetness. They also add vitamin C and antioxidants.

Fresh basil adds flavor with zero extra calories. The balsamic glaze ties everything together with only a touch of sugar.

If you want to tweak the nutrition, swap in a whole-grain baguette. Or try a gluten-free bread if that’s your thing.

Using less cheese or glaze drops the calories. You still keep the flavor balanced, though.