Summer peach and goat cheese crostini is a simple yet elegant appetizer that will be a hit at any gathering! The crostini is perfectly toasted and acts as a crispy vessel that holds the creamy goat cheese, sweet summer peaches and fresh basil. Are you drooling yet?!
Peach crostini is an Italian inspired appetizer that is popular during the summer months when peaches and basil are in season and at the height of their flavor. It is sure to wow the crowd! The flavors are beautifully balanced and it is easy to make.
I recommend making the crostini in an air fryer (so you don’t heat up your kitchen) but an oven or toaster oven will also work! It pairs well with bbq cauliflower tacos, grilled eggplant sandwiches and a refreshing lemon basil martini.
Jump to:
Why You Should Make Summer Peach Crostini
- This vegetarian crostini is an easy to make appetizer. You only need 20 minutes!
- The fresh basil and sweet peaches are a natural pairing during the summer months!
- You only need 4 simple ingredients for this crowd-pleaser.
Ingredient Notes
- Baguette - I love using a thinly sliced French baguette to make crostini crackers. You can toast it up in the oven or in the air fryer!
- Olive oil - this is used to help get the crostini perfectly golden-brown. You can also add a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil as a topping if desired.
- Goat cheese - creamy goat cheese is the perfect accompaniment to the sweet fruit and fresh basil.
- Peaches - sweet peaches make for a delicious topping on this summer crostini
- Basil - just a few slices of fresh basil help elevate this appetizer and ties all the flavors together.
Substitutions and Variations
- Bread - you can swap in sourdough or a long loaf of Italian bread such as ciabatta to make these “little toasts.”
- Gluten free - use gluten free bread to make a gluten-free crostini.
- Cheese - personally I love using goat cheese but you can use cream cheese, ricotta, burrata or brie cheese.
- Vegan - omit the goat cheese and add a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a tasty vegan option! Alternatively you can swap in a spreadable vegan cheese in place of the goat cheese.
- Stone fruit - swap in other stone fruit such as plums, nectarines or apricots.
- Berries - try using strawberries, blackberries, raspberries or blueberries!
- Grilled/roasted- you can grill the peach slices to add a bit of char which will bring a bit more depth of flavor to the dish. This is a great option if your peaches are not quite ripe as grilling or roasting them will help soften them.
- Sweeter - Add a drizzle of honey or fruity balsamic glaze to sweeten it up.
Step by Step Instructions
Slice the baguette into half-inch slices. I like to slice it at an angle so the crostini appears elongated.
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Brush each side of the baguette slices with olive oil. Bake for 7-8 minutes until toasted. Remove from the oven and allow to cool for a couple of minutes.
Spread a thin layer of goat cheese on each crostini.
Top each crostini with peach slices and fresh basil. Enjoy!
Hint: are your peaches not quite ripe? Try grilling the peaches or roasting them in the oven to soften it up and bring out more flavors.
Tips and Tricks
If you own an air fryer I recommend making the crostini in the air fryer instead of the oven! I know my air fryer preheats quicker than my oven does, and the air fryer won’t heat up the whole house like the oven does.
How to Store
These little baguette snacks are best enjoyed fresh! If you have any leftovers I recommend storing each component in separate containers or zip lock bags. The crostini should be stored at room temperature and they can be reheated in the oven or air fryer for a few minutes. The cheese, sliced peaches and sliced basil can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Alternatively if the peach and goat cheese crostini are already assembled, store them in the fridge. Note: the crostini will start to absorb moisture and will not stay as crispy, which is why it's recommended to store ingredients separately if possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
There are so many toppings you can add to crostini! Vegetables such as tomatoes, fresh corn, roasted peppers, grilled veggies or roasted garlic are great options. Fresh summer fruit such as berries, melons and stone fruits are a delicious addition. Including a variety of cheese paired with honey, nuts or balsamic glaze creates the perfect array of toppings.
Yes you can use frozen or canned peaches in place of fresh. Personally I do think fresh peaches are the best option, but canned or frozen will work in a pinch. The texture of the peaches will be softer and perhaps a bit on the mushy side. Make sure to thaw the frozen peaches before using. If using canned peaches make sure to drain them from the juices and pat them dry so the crostini doesn’t get soggy from the juice.
I recommend using a French baguette or a long, skinny loaf of Italian bread. Ciabatta bread or sourdough would also work nicely. You want to make sure to use a bread that will be able to hold up the peach basil ingredients.
Summer Peach and Goat Cheese Crostini
Ingredients
- 1 French baguette sliced
- 4 oz log of goat cheese
- 3-4 peaches sliced into wedges
- ¼ cup basil leaves sliced into thin ribbons
- 2 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Slice the baguette into half-inch rounds. I like to slice at an angle to create elongated slices.
- Lightly brush each side of the baguette slices with olive oil.
- Spread baguette slices on a baking sheet and bake them for 7-8 minutes until nicely toasted. Remove from the oven and allow them to cool for a couple of minutes.
- When cool to the touch, spread a thin layer of goat cheese on each crostini. Top each crostini with peach slices and fresh basil. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- This will taste best with fresh, juicy peaches but you can use frozen or canned peaches in a pinch.
- Try making the crostini in the air fryer! I love this method during the summer when I don't want to heat up whole house with the oven.
- Swap in other stone fruits such as nectarines, plums and apricots!
- Free free to use other cheese such as burrata or ricotta.
Em says
This is so simple and delicious! I could eat the whole plate!!
Cathy says
We enjoyed this appetizer so much we made it again and again. What a summer treat! Great job, Toshi's Table!!!
Emily Toshiko says
Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it so much 🙂