Festive Pomegranate Goat Cheese (Print Version)

Tangy goat cheese meets sweet pomegranate and fresh herbs on crisp toasted baguette rounds.

# What You'll Need:

→ Croûtons

01 - 1 French baguette, cut into 16 slices
02 - 2 tablespoons olive oil

→ Topping

03 - 5 ounces fresh goat cheese, softened
04 - 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt or crème fraîche
05 - 1 teaspoon honey
06 - Salt, to taste
07 - Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

→ Garnish

08 - ½ cup pomegranate seeds
09 - 2 tablespoons fresh mint, finely chopped
10 - 2 tablespoons pistachios, roughly chopped (optional)
11 - Zest of 1 lemon

# How To Make It:

01 - Set oven to 400°F. Arrange baguette slices on a baking sheet and brush both sides lightly with olive oil.
02 - Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, turning halfway through, until slices are golden and crisp. Remove and allow to cool slightly.
03 - In a mixing bowl, combine goat cheese, Greek yogurt or crème fraîche, honey, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and spreadable.
04 - Spread a generous layer of the cheese mixture onto each toasted slice.
05 - Top each crostini with pomegranate seeds, chopped mint, pistachios if using, and a sprinkle of lemon zest. Serve immediately for optimal freshness.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • It looks impressive but comes together faster than most people can mix a cocktail.
  • The sweet-tart pop of pomegranate against creamy goat cheese creates a flavor contrast that feels both festive and elegant.
  • You can prep the cheese mixture and toast the bread ahead, then assemble right before serving.
02 -
  • If you assemble these too early, the pomegranate juice will seep into the bread and turn it soggy, so wait until just before guests arrive.
  • Taste your goat cheese before mixing because some brands are saltier than others, and you may need less seasoning than you think.
03 -
  • Use a serrated knife to slice the baguette evenly so every piece toasts at the same rate.
  • If your pomegranate seeds taste more tart than sweet, add an extra half teaspoon of honey to the cheese mixture to balance it out.
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