Balsamic Strawberry Bruschetta Toasts (Printable Version)

Crisp toasts layered with fresh strawberries, creamy cheese, and a balsamic drizzle for a vibrant appetizer.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Bread

01 - 8 slices baguette or rustic bread
02 - 2 tablespoons olive oil

→ Strawberry Topping

03 - 1.5 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and diced
04 - 1 tablespoon fresh basil, finely sliced
05 - 1 teaspoon honey
06 - Pinch of sea salt
07 - 0.25 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper

→ Cheese

08 - 4 ounces fresh goat cheese, softened

→ Balsamic Glaze

09 - 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
10 - 1 teaspoon honey or brown sugar

# Step-by-Step Guide:

01 - Preheat oven to 400°F. Arrange bread slices on baking sheet and brush both sides lightly with olive oil.
02 - Toast bread in oven for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crisp. Remove and let cool slightly.
03 - Combine balsamic vinegar and honey in small saucepan. Bring to simmer over medium-low heat and cook for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and cool.
04 - In mixing bowl, gently toss diced strawberries with honey, basil, salt, and black pepper. Allow to rest for flavors to meld.
05 - Spread generous layer of goat cheese onto each toasted bread slice.
06 - Spoon strawberry mixture evenly over cheese layer on each toast.
07 - Drizzle each toast with prepared balsamic glaze.
08 - Serve immediately, garnished with extra basil if desired.

# Additional Tips::

01 -
  • It comes together in under 30 minutes, so you can actually enjoy your guests instead of hovering in the kitchen.
  • The contrast of temperatures and textures keeps your mouth surprised with every bite.
  • Fresh strawberries and basil feel seasonal and thoughtful, but the combination tastes unexpectedly sophisticated.
02 -
  • Don't assemble these more than a few minutes ahead of serving—the toast will absorb moisture from the strawberries and turn into disappointingly soft bread.
  • The balsamic reduction will thicken more as it cools, so pull it off the heat when it still looks slightly loose; it'll set to the perfect drizzle consistency.
03 -
  • Buy strawberries the day you plan to make this—they taste their best within 24 hours of purchase and won't have started weeping liquid into the bottom of the container.
  • If you're toasting bread ahead, let it cool completely and store it in an airtight container; it'll stay crisp for a few hours, making final assembly a breeze when guests arrive.
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