This Goat Cheese Appetizer is the perfect choice if you’re in need of an impressive, yet easy hors d’oeuvre! Topped with honey, pecans, and fresh thyme, it’s a breeze to make and packed with flavor. The creamy goat cheese pairs beautifully with the sweetness of honey, the crunch of pecans, and the fresh herbal touch of thyme. It’s an elegant snack that’s guaranteed to be a hit with everyone!

Goat cheese on a crostini with honey, pecans and thyme.

A delicious Goat Cheese Appetizer is just what you need to take your holiday parties and gatherings to the next level! Goat cheese crostini are perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas or just anytime snacking. I love to serve these alongside a cheese board and with other finger foods and dip. It only takes a few minutes of assembly and they’re full of wonderful textures and flavors. Once you bring these out, they’re sure to go quick!

I made these for a Thanksgiving appetizer and they were a big hit! They were so easy to make and absolutely delicious! Such a unique combination that just really worked with all the flavors. Will definitely make again!

— Shanika

Reasons you’ll love this recipe

  • Quick and easy: Ready in minutes with minimal prep!
  • Flavorful combination: Creamy, tangy goat cheese meets sweet honey, crunchy pecans, and fresh thyme on crisp toasts.
  • Elegant presentation: Looks fancy but requires no fuss.
  • Crowd-pleaser: A hit with both cheese lovers and adventurous eaters!

Ingredients needed

Only 5 ingredients and about 5 minutes of hands-on time is all you need to add a little extra pizzaz to snack spread with this delicious goat cheese appetizer recipe! Here’s everything you’ll need:

Crostini, goat cheese, fruit and other cheeses on a cheese board.
  • Bread: We like to use a French baguette because it’s easy to slice and holds the toppings perfectly. Day-old bread works just fine!
  • Goat cheese log: Creamy, slightly tangy goat cheese pairs deliciously with the sweet honey.
  • Honey: To balance out the other flavors with the perfect amount of sweetness.
  • Toasted pecans: For a delicious nutty crunch. Feel free to sub with almonds, walnuts or pine nuts.
  • Fresh herbs: Top each crostini with fresh thyme leaves for a wonderful hint of freshness. Also, add a bit of sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper for presentation and taste.

Variations

  • Cheese: Feel free to use ricotta or cream cheese instead of goat cheese. You could also add a slice of brie and just top with the honey and herbs, instead of making the cheese/honey mixture.
  • Herbs: Substitute the thyme with fresh basil, sage, or rosemary, if you’d prefer.
  • Spicy: Add a kick of heat to these and make them with hot honey, instead of regular. You could also add red pepper flakes.
  • Crackers: Use large sturdy crackers instead of the crostini.
  • Make gluten free: Use any favorite gluten-free baguette or loaf to make this recipe.

How to make this recipe

Easy crostini appetizers are the perfect addition to a party platter. Appetizers on bread happen to be my favorite kind! Here’s how to make this simple app:

  1. Toast bread slices: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. and slice a baguette. Place the slices on a baking sheet and bake for about 10 minutes until they are toasty.
  2. Make the spread: While the bread is toasting, in a small bowl, mix the goat cheese and honey together until relatively smooth. It’s okay if it’s a little crumbly.
  3. Assemble the crostini: Once the bread comes out of the oven, spread the goat cheese mixture on the toasted bread (while it’s still warm). Sprinkle with chopped pecans, fresh thyme leaves and a pinch of sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper, if desired.
  4. Serve: Crunchy, tangy, and sweet. An extra drizzle of honey is always welcome! Try not to eat them all off the serving tray before your guests arrive!
Mixing goat cheese with honey in a small white bowl.
Spread bread with goat cheese and top with pecans and thyme.

Helpful tips

  • Taking the extra time to toast the baguette slices is super important. This not only gives them a pleasant crunch but allows the goat cheese to spread on easier since the bread is warm.
  • Use the best quality cheese. The Montchevre® Goat Cheese Logs, pictured, were really delicious! Here’s a guide to buying and storing goat cheese.
  • Hosting a party or large get-together? This appetizer serves 6 people, 2 crostini, however it is very easy to double or triple the recipe.
  • Add honey just before serving to keep it looking fresh and prevent the bread from absorbing moisture.
  • Smaller pieces of chopped pecans make it easier to enjoy a bite with all the flavors together.
  • This appetizer is flexible! You can serve it warm or room temp, making it ideal for entertaining.
Drizzling honey over pecans and goat cheese on a crostini.

Frequently asked questions

Is crostini and baguette the same?

What is crostini? It is a sliced bread (a baguette or any long artisan loaf) that is either grilled or toasted with various toppings. The word crostini means “little toasts” in Italian.

What does goat cheese go well with?

Goat cheese pairs well with nuts, fresh fruit, dried fruit and honey. If you’d like to incorporate fruit into this recipe, add a few pear slices or apples over the top of the crostini. A few dried cranberries over the top would be lovely too.

Is goat cheese better warm or cold?

Goat cheese is best served at room temperature, so take it out of the fridge 30 minutes or so before serving.

Make ahead

If you’re making this dish for a holiday gathering or party and want to save some time, I’d suggest chopping and toasting the pecans the day before. You can also make the cheese/honey mixture several hours in advance and store it in the fridge. You can even slice up the baguette for convenience.

Storing tips

These goat cheese crostini are best eaten on the same day, so I’d recommend only assembling ones that will be eaten.

Two goat cheese crostini on a white plate with a honey drizzle.

I hope you’ll serve this goat cheese appetizer alongside your cheese boards this holiday season! The goat cheese and honey flavors blend together so nicely on little toasty crostini, that my mouth is watering just thinking about them. Adding in the nutty flavor of the pecans and the toasty crunch, makes these irresistible!

More easy appetizer recipes

If you try this recipe, let me know! Leave a comment and if your family loves it as much as mine does, be sure to give it a five star ⭐️ rating! Also, tag @kimscravings on Instagram with a picture of your creation. Be sure to subscribe to our mailing list to receive more healthy delicious recipes straight to your inbox.

drizzling honey on goat cheese crostini
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Goat Cheese Appetizer

Yield: 6 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Sweet notes from the honey meld perfectly with the smooth and creamy goat cheese which is then topped with fresh thyme – all complimented by the crunch from the pecans. This is one appetizer everyone is sure to love!
Author: Kim

Ingredients

  • 1 (18 inch) French baguette, cut into 3/4-inch slices
  • 2 (4 oz.) goat Cheese Logs, at room temperature
  • 2 tablespoons honey, plus more for drizzling
  • 1/4 cup coarsely chopped toasted pecans
  • 1/2 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
  • sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper

Instructions 

  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Place bread slices on a baking sheet. Bake 10 -12 minutes or until lightly toasted.
  • Meanwhile, mix the goat cheese and honey together until relatively smooth. It’s okay if it’s a little crumbly.
  • Spread the goat cheese mixture on the toasted bread (while it's still warm). Top with chopped pecans, fresh thyme leaves and a pinch of sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper, if desired.
  • Before serving, drizzle each crostini with honey.

Notes

Storing: These are best eaten on the same day, so I’d recommend only assembling ones that will be eaten. 
Author: Kim
Course: Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine: American, French
Serving: 2crostinis with toppings, Calories: 164kcal, Carbohydrates: 27g, Protein: 4g, Fat: 4g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 1mg, Sodium: 257mg, Potassium: 63mg, Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 6g, Vitamin C: 1mg, Calcium: 35mg, Iron: 1mg

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