There’s something uniquely comforting about hosting friends at home, especially during the festive season or for special occasions like New Year’s Eve. Forget the bustling crowds and reservation hassles; a thoughtfully curated spread of delicious snacks, a bottle of perfectly chilled champagne, and the warmth of good company create an atmosphere that’s truly unmatched.

While I cherish my go-to recipes that guests always rave about – such as Savory Palmiers and a rich Spinach and Artichoke Dip – I always look forward to introducing one or two new culinary delights to keep things exciting. This year, my absolute obsession has been these incredible Roasted Grape Crostini with Whipped Goat Cheese. As a self-proclaimed carb enthusiast, I’m easily won over by almost anything perched atop a crispy baguette slice. However, this particular combination transcended mere enjoyment; it was downright addictive.

The Allure of Roasted Grape Crostini: A Symphony of Flavors and Textures

Imagine a bite where the sweet, caramelized notes of roasted grapes meet the tangy, airy creaminess of whipped goat cheese. Add a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts for a satisfying crunch and a whisper of honey to enhance the natural sweetness, and you have an appetizer that dances on the palate. These crostini are not just food; they are an experience, offering a delightful balance of sweet and savory, soft and crisp, rich and refreshing. They prove that gourmet flavors don’t have to be complicated, making them ideal for both seasoned hosts and casual entertainers alike.

Why Roasted Grapes are a Game Changer for Appetizers

Roasted grapes have emerged as a star ingredient in recent years, gracing everything from savory focaccia and rustic pies to vibrant jams and sophisticated wine-braised chicken dishes. The first time I savored a roasted grape, I immediately understood their burgeoning popularity. Like many roasted ingredients, grapes undergo a magical transformation in the oven. The dry heat intensifies their inherent sweetness, concentrating their juicy flavors, while simultaneously mellowing the sharper, sometimes overly sugary “bite” they can possess straight from the vine. This process results in a more profound, nuanced fruit that is both sweet and subtly earthy.

A splash of good quality balsamic vinegar before roasting adds a crucial layer of acidity and a deep, complex sweetness, enhancing the grapes’ natural character. A sprig of fresh rosemary infuses an aromatic, herbaceous note that perfectly complements the fruit. The result is a tender, slightly bursting grape, fragrant and rich, that I honestly wouldn’t mind eating by the spoonful straight from the pan. For these crostini, I find the grapes are best when they’re soft and just beginning to release their luscious juices, but still retain their spherical shape—a kind of “al dente” texture that offers a satisfying pop with every bite.

Selecting the right grapes is key. Seedless black or red grapes are typically preferred for their consistent sweetness and lack of seeds, making for a smoother eating experience. Their vibrant colors also add a beautiful visual appeal to the finished crostini. Don’t be shy with seasoning before roasting; a generous pinch of sea salt and a few grinds of fresh black pepper help to balance the sweetness and bring out the full depth of flavor.

Crafting Your Perfect Crostini: Components and Assembly

One of the many charms of these crostini is the ability to prepare several components in advance, making entertaining a breeze. This foresight allows you to enjoy your guests without being tethered to the kitchen, a truly invaluable advantage for any host. The crostini can be fully assembled on a platter for a polished presentation, or for a more interactive and casual approach, you can set out the individual elements and allow your friends to build their own custom creations. Either way, the delicious outcome is guaranteed.

Here’s a closer look at each integral part:

The Crispy Baguette Base

The foundation of any good crostini is, of course, a perfectly toasted baguette. Thinly sliced, brushed with olive oil, and baked until lightly golden, these provide the ideal crisp canvas for the rich toppings. The gentle toasting process not only adds a delightful crunch but also brings out a subtle nutty flavor in the bread, preparing it to absorb the flavors of the grapes and goat cheese without becoming soggy.

The Dreamy Whipped Goat Cheese

While roasted grapes are undeniably the star, the whipped goat cheese plays a crucial supporting role, providing a creamy, tangy counterpoint that cuts through the sweetness of the fruit. Whipping the goat cheese with a touch of heavy cream transforms it from a dense block into a light, airy, and incredibly spreadable cloud of deliciousness. A pinch of sea salt ensures the savory notes are pronounced, creating a harmonious balance with the sweet grapes and honey. The consistency of the creaminess can be adjusted to your liking, depending on the moisture content of your goat cheese and your preference for spreadability.

Toasted Pine Nuts and a Drizzle of Honey

The final touches elevate these crostini from simply good to truly exceptional. Lightly toasted pine nuts offer a delicate, buttery crunch and a distinct nutty flavor that complements both the grapes and the cheese. They add an essential textural contrast that makes each bite more interesting. A final drizzle of honey provides a delicate layer of sweetness, tying all the flavors together beautifully. This simple addition acts as a bridge, enhancing the natural sugars of the grapes and harmonizing with the tang of the goat cheese. Finally, a light sprinkle of fresh chopped rosemary or a tiny pinch of sea salt adds that final flourish of flavor and visual appeal.

Make-Ahead Tips for Stress-Free Entertaining

To ensure a smooth and enjoyable hosting experience, you can prepare the various components for these crostini a day or two in advance. Store the toasted baguette slices in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their crispness. The roasted grapes, along with their delicious accumulated juices, can be refrigerated in a sealed container. Similarly, the whipped goat cheese can be prepared and stored in the refrigerator. For the best flavor and texture, allow the whipped goat cheese to soften slightly at room temperature before serving, and gently rewarm the grapes and their juices to bring out their full aroma and taste. Just before serving, assemble the crostini fresh to ensure the perfect balance of textures.

Roasted Grape Crostini Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 1 vote

Roasted Grape Crostini

by Amanda Biddle

These irresistible Roasted Grape Crostini combine balsamic-roasted grapes with whipped goat cheese, pine nuts, and a drizzle of honey for an easy and delicious appetizer.

Recipe adapted from “Ricotta and Roasted Grape Crostini,” Athena Calderone (Food and Wine Magazine, December 2014)

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients

To roast the grapes

• 1 pound seedless black and/or red grapes, removed from stems and washed
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• 1 sprig fresh rosemary
• sea salt and freshly-ground pepper

To make the whipped goat cheese

• 6 ounces goat cheese (about 1 cup crumbled)
• 3-4 tablespoons heavy cream
• sea salt

To assemble the crostini

• 12 slices baguette, 1/2-inch thick
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 3 tablespoons pine nuts
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
• sea salt and freshly-ground pepper

Instructions

Roast the grapes

• Preheat oven to 400 degrees F with rack in middle position. On a baking sheet (lined with parchment for easy cleanup, if desired), or in a square baking dish, toss grapes, extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and rosemary. Season with a generous pinch of sea salt and a few grinds of black pepper.
• Roast for 20-30 minutes (depending on grape size), until grapes are soft but still intact, their skins split and pucker, and juices begin to release. Shake the pan a few times during roasting to turn the grapes and ensure even cooking. Remove from oven and transfer grapes and any accumulated juices to a bowl and let stand until just warmer than room temperature.

Make the whipped goat cheese

• In a small food processor, or in a bowl with a hand mixer, whip goat cheese, heavy cream, and a pinch of sea salt until smooth and spreadable. The amount of heavy cream needed will vary depending on the moisture content of the goat cheese you use, so add gradually until desired consistency is reached.

Assemble the crostini

• Place baguette slices on a baking sheet and brush their tops lightly with extra virgin olive oil. Bake in a 400 degree F oven for 6-8 minutes, or until they are lightly toasted and golden. Set aside to cool to room temperature.
• On another small baking sheet, toast pine nuts for approximately 6 minutes, or until they achieve a light golden brown color and become fragrant. Keep a close eye on them as they can burn quickly. Set aside to cool.
• To assemble, top each cooled baguette slice generously with a dollop of whipped goat cheese. Spoon a portion of the roasted grapes (along with some of their released juices) over the cheese, and then sprinkle with toasted pine nuts. Finish each crostini with a light dusting of sea salt and a sprinkle of chopped fresh rosemary. Complete with a delicate drizzling of honey just before serving to add that final touch of sweetness and shine.

Notes

These crostini are wonderfully versatile and pair beautifully with a variety of wines and cocktails, including traditional New Year’s Champagne, crisp Sauvignon Blancs, or even a light-bodied Pinot Noir. For effortless entertaining, each component can be prepared a day or two in advance. Store toasted baguette slices in an airtight bag at room temperature, and keep the roasted grapes and whipped goat cheese refrigerated in separate sealed containers. For optimal flavor and texture, lightly rewarm the grapes and allow the goat cheese to soften at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before assembling and serving.

Nutrition Estimate

Calories: 456kcal | Carbohydrates: 50g | Protein: 12g | Fat: 23g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Cholesterol: 23mg | Sodium: 502mg | Potassium: 252mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 15g | Vitamin A: 465IU | Vitamin C: 2.6mg | Calcium: 106mg | Iron: 3.1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

About our recipes

Please note that our recipes have been developed using the US Customary measurement system and have not been tested for high altitude/elevation cooking and baking.

Beyond the Recipe: Elevating Your Entertaining

These Roasted Grape Crostini are more than just an appetizer; they are a statement of sophisticated simplicity. Their ability to be prepped in advance, combined with their striking presentation and complex flavor profile, makes them a perfect choice for any host looking to impress without stress. Whether you’re planning a grand holiday feast, a casual get-together with friends, or simply a delightful snack for yourself, these crostini promise to deliver.

The beauty lies in their balance: the deep, concentrated sweetness of the balsamic-glazed grapes, the cool and creamy tang of the whipped goat cheese, the satisfying crunch of toasted pine nuts, and the subtle, floral sweetness of honey. Each ingredient plays its part, creating a harmonious bite that is both comforting and exciting. Don’t be surprised if these quickly become your new favorite go-to appetizer, earning you rave reviews from everyone who tries them.

Wishing you and yours many delicious moments and joyful gatherings throughout the year. Cheers to easy entertaining and unforgettable flavors!

Discover more effortless appetizer and snack recipes:
Hot Crab Salsa Dip
Potato and Zucchini Chips with Gorgonzola and Thyme
Savory Palmiers
Spinach and Artichoke Dip