Who doesn’t need some quick appetizers in their repertoire? These prosciutto crostini generously slathered with goat cheese and topped with caramelized onions & spinach are quick and easy, but elegant and impressive for any occasion.
Goat cheese and prosciutto is one of my favorite flavor combinations. The tart creaminess of the goat cheese and the salty prosciutto is wonderfully satisfying. And the caramelized onions add sweetness to offset it in the best way. Then the lightly toasted bread and cheese contrasts with the cool prosciutto and spinach for the best combination of flavors and textures.
Caramelized onions are wonderful to add depth of flavor to many dishes and I love to add them wherever I can. When you are caramelizing onions, cook over medium to low heat and stir regularly rather than trying to rush it over high heat to achieve the perfect caramelized onion.
Baby spinach is best for this recipe. The leaves are far more tender than the adult spinach, which makes it more pleasant to eat raw. Adult (or large spinach) leaves will work, but I recommend choosing the smallest leaves for the best texture and flavor.
If you are not a fan of spinach, arugula is great in combination with prosciutto and goat cheese and a nice alternative. I’ve used prosciutto and arugula a couple of times in other recipes: in pizza or salad. It has a nice subtle spice to it to celebrate winter. Or in summer I would suggest the addition of some finely sliced basil as your complimentary green.
Crostinis are a great way to use day-old bread. Because you are adding soft cheese on top and then toasting them, the moisture soaks into the bread, refreshing it. But don’t worry – fresh bread is even more amazing. Be sure to choose a nice crusty loaf for best effect.
Versatile Appetizers
Crostini make great appetizers because they are so straightforward to make, very adaptable, and easily portable. Essentially they are small and elegant open sandwiches. Perfect for party finger food – and are also very satisfying on so many other occasions.
Some of my other favorites for filling finger foods that you can eat any time are asparagus tart with goat cheese, avocado chicken on pineapple, shrimp stuffed potatoes, or cranberry chicken salad on apple slices. Not quite a finger food, but definitely belonging on this list of versatile foods is Lomi Lomi salmon in avocados. I would eat any of these – and sometimes have – at any time of the day.
Make it a Party
A full meal of finger foods and appetizers is a great way to do a casual party. This style of party is great because you don’t have to have multiple warm dishes ready in the right order. You can prepare everything ahead of time and enjoy the party with everyone else. Choosing some of these more filling options means you don’t have to make as many things to have everyone feeling satisfied. It is also a perfect way to accommodate a lot of different dietary restrictions.
But really, you can eat these prosciutto crostini at any time. Lunch, light summer supper, or afternoon snack. The first time I made them was for a quick savory breakfast! One of my favorites, right up there with prosciutto and spinach omelet muffins.
Prosciutto Crostini with Goat Cheese
Recipe Video
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- ½ tablespoon honey
- 5 tablespoons olive oil , divided
- salt and pepper , to taste
- 1 red onion , chopped
- 2 cloves garlic , chopped
- a handful spinach leaves , sliced into ½-inch ribbons
- 8 thick slices ciabatta or other Italian bread
- 5 oz. (140g) soft goat cheese
- 4 oz. (113g) Prosciutto , thinly sliced
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
- In a small bowl, combine the vinegar, honey and 3 tablespoons of olive oil. Season with salt and pepper.
- In a small pan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat and add the garlic and red onion. Cook until tender and slightly translucent. Add the balsamic sauce to the onions, mix well and cook over high heat for a minute or two. Remove from heat.
- In a small bowl, combine the caramelized onions and sliced spinach leaves and set aside.
- Spread goat cheese on each slice of bread. Place on a baking sheet and bake for 3-5 minutes, or until cheese softens.
- Remove from the oven. Top with prosciutto, the mixture of caramelized onions and spinach, and sprinkle with fresh thyme leaves. Serve and enjoy!
20 Comments
Consuelo @ Honey & Figs
January 16, 2014 at 9:41 pmYay for prosciutto and goat cheese! This looks like an appetizer I’d truly love! x
Jovita
January 17, 2014 at 5:06 pmProsciutto and goat cheese is the perfect combination. You should try these – I just know you’ll love ‘em!
Anna @ The Table
January 17, 2014 at 3:43 pmI love prosciutto and goat cheese together and the crostini look so simple and elegant. I can’t wait to give this recipe a try!
Jovita
January 17, 2014 at 5:08 pmThank you Anna! I hope you try it. When you do, let me know how you like it. 😉
Yead
January 17, 2014 at 6:11 pmI actually love this goat cheese. Great idea. And looking also so YUM…
Jovita
January 17, 2014 at 6:19 pmThey are not only delicious looking but fantastic tasting as well. Just try them 😉
Shells @ Bacon Egg & Cheesecake
January 17, 2014 at 8:18 pmSaw this on foodgawker, looks absolutely amazing 😀
Jovita
January 18, 2014 at 7:30 amThank you Shells! 😉
patti
February 11, 2014 at 2:23 pmI made these last week for lunch only used a bacon marmalade as I had no onions or balsamic on hand. It worked in a pinch to get that sweet , pickley, jammy addition to balance the salty prosciutto and tangy goat cheese. Delicious but going to make the onion mixture as per recipe in a few weeks for a dinner party app.! Thanks for inspiration! 🙂
Jovita
February 11, 2014 at 2:54 pmI’m so happy you were inspired by this! I hope you will love my version too. Have a great dinner party! 😉
Jenna
April 10, 2014 at 11:40 pmI love goat cheese! I love prosciutto! And I love bread! Found this on Pinterest. Drool worthy for sure! I’m going to give this a try this weekend. Can’t wait.
Jovita
April 11, 2014 at 5:40 amThanks for stopping by, Jenna! When you do, let me know how you enjoy them. 😉
Ryan
June 7, 2014 at 6:36 pmI am eating these delicious crostinis as I write. I made them just like your recipe and WOW, this is going to be my new go-to snack, breakfast, lunch, you get the idea. Good job and thanks for the recipe!
Jovita
June 8, 2014 at 1:32 pmThank you so much for taking the time to report back to me about them, Ryan! I’m very happy you gave these crostinis a try. Your comment made my day. 🙂 Let me know any recipes you try next!
Catherine
March 26, 2021 at 10:12 amCan you sauté onions with balsamic sauce and add to spinach ahead of time? Trying to reduce work while entertaining
Jovita
March 26, 2021 at 12:33 pmI don’t see why not 🙂
Julie Robert
May 3, 2021 at 12:42 amI did this today. I made everything ahead of time. I cut bread last minute, topped with goat cheese, warmed in oven, then added pre-made onion/garlic/balsamic mix to then top with prosciutto. Always a hit!
Jovita
July 7, 2021 at 9:49 pmI am so glad you enjoy this recipe, Julie! 🙂
Candis P Parker
January 1, 2022 at 1:43 pmThis was fabulous. Looks beautiful and taste amazing
Jovita
January 11, 2022 at 11:45 amThank you for the kind comment, Candis!