Sweet, tangy, and creamy, our Grape and Goat Cheese Crostini is made by cooking our grapes and pancetta in a splash of wine and then placing them atop a piece of perfectly toasted baguette and goat cheese.
How to Make Grape and Goat Cheese Crostini
Toast the Bread
Preheat your oven to 400° and slice a baguette into 16 pieces. Lay baguette slices on a baking sheet and toast them in the oven for about 8 minutes, until very lightly browned.
Make the Grape Topping
Add diced pancetta to a frying pan and place on medium-high heat. Cook until the pancetta becomes crisp, about 5 minutes. Add the grapes and rosemary, and continue to cook for another 5 minutes or so. The grapes will begin to caramelize and skins will wrinkle. Remove the pan from the heat and pour in the merlot, then return the pan to the heat until the wine has evaporated. Remove the rosemary and season the grapes with a little salt and pepper.
Assemble the Crostini
Using softened goat cheese, spread a heaping tablespoonful onto a piece of baguette. Top with a spoonful of grapes. Serve with the same Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi Merlot you used to cook with.
Recipe Card
Grape and Goat Cheese Crostini with Pancetta
Ingredients
- 1 baguette cut into 16 slices
- 8 oz goat cheese softened
- 2 oz pancetta diced
- 8 oz red grapes cut in half lengthwise
- 1 sprig rosemary
- ¼ cup red wine
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°. Place the baguette slices on a baking sheet and toast them for 8 minutes, until lightly toasted.
- Meanwhile, add the pancetta to a frying pan. Turn the heat to medium-high and cook the pancetta until crisp. Add the grapes and sprig of rosemary and sauté for 5 minutes, stirring and tossing often, until caramelized.
- Remove the pan from the heat and pour in the wine. Return to the heat and cook until the wine evaporates, about 5-7 more minutes. Remove the rosemary and season the grapes with salt and pepper.
- To assemble, spread a heaping tablespoon of goat cheese on a pieces of baguette. Top with a spoonful of grapes.
Marsha Hill says
Such a fun way to use grapes!
Ricci says
This sounds like a fantastic appetizer!!
Chef Sous Chef says
Thanks Ricci! It really is delicious, and simple too!
Brandi Soileau says
This looks amazing! I had something similar for dinner last night!
xoxo Brandi
Patricia @ Grab a Plate says
How lovely! I'll be making this for Christmas Eve! Thanks for the recipe and idea!
Chef Sous Chef says
It's a perfect Christmas Eve appetizer. Enjoy!
Shannah says
Yum! I’ve never tried anything where I cook grapes, but this looks delicious!
Hillary Ross says
Yum! I just saved this to Pinterest for easy access later. Such a good recipe combining all my favourites: Goat cheese, grapes, baguette and merlot! I can't wait to try
Chef Sous Chef says
Thanks Hillary. They are some favourites of ours too!
Madi Rowan says
I wouldn't be able to eat this due to being Celiac & dairy free but WOW does it look amazingly good!
-Madi xo
http://www.everydaywithmadirae.com
Chef Sous Chef says
Thanks Madi ?
Narmeen says
Tempted to try it out this weekend. Looks fairly easy to make
Chef Sous Chef says
Please do! Simple and delicious ?
Elizabeth says
Looks delicious! Our sons love grapes- I bet I could get them to try goat cheese like this!
Chef Sous Chef says
Thanks Elizabeth. The sweetness of the grapes mellows out the tanginess of the goat cheese, so it would be a great way to introduce your son to goat cheese.
Elisha says
This looks fabulous! Definitely going to try this. Thanks!
Chef Sous Chef says
Thanks Elisha. Let us know what you think once you try it ?
Eimear says
Thanks for this great recipe. It looks easy and delicious - 2 prerequisites for me as I'm not very confident in the kitchen. This I will definitely try over the Holidays for sure!!
Chef Sous Chef says
Thanks for stopping by the blog. It definitely meets your prerequisites ? Happy holidays!
Maria says
This is such a great pass around appetizer appetizer. The wine is a great match with the grapes and goat cheese. I'm looking forward to serving these over the holidays!