Printable Recipe: Crispy Crostini with Avocado, Chevre, and Tomato

Crispy Crostini with Avocado, Chevre, and Tomato

This simple appetizer recipe probably sounds a bit strange when you first give it a once-over. After all, goat cheese and avocado is not a combination you see often. But on these cripsy little crostinis, it's a combination that means heaven.

Now, as far as simple appetizers go, this is one of the more complicated recipes on this page, as it has more components than the others. But because you can make most of those components ahead of time, it's actually a really quick appetizer to whip up for a party.

Recipe makes about 35 crostinis.

Ingredients:
1 crusty baguette
1/4 C. olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced or pressed
2 perfectly ripe avocados
4 oz. Chevre cheese (soft goat cheese)
salt, to taste
1 1/2 C. perfectly ripe summer tomatoes, seeded and diced
2 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
1/4 C. packed fresh basil, packed

Instructions: 1. First prepare the crostini. This can be done a day or two ahead of time, if you like. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

2. In a small bowl, stir together the olive oil and garlic. Slice your baguette on the diagonal into 1/4" slices. Brush with oil mixture.

3. Bake crostinis on a single layer on flat baking sheets until crisp and golden, about 12 minutes. Let cool. If you're going to store them for the next day, be sure they're totally cooled before storing in ziplock backs or resealable containers. Otherwise they'll get soft!

4. To make the Chevre-avocado spread, combine the avocado and goat cheese in a small bowl. Mix well with a spoon (I often use and electric mixer) until combined. Add a bit of salt to taste.

5. To make the tomato topping, mix together the tomato, olive oil, black pepper, and salt. Stir in the basil.

6. To assemble your crostinis, top each one with a nice smear of Chevre-avocado spread. Using a slotted spoon to leave any liquid behind, top each crostini with some basil-y tomatoes. Serve quickly or they'll get a bit soggy.