Share This
When entertaining, whether for a party of forty-five of four, it’s important to have a plate of delicious appetizers for your guests to munch on in preparation of the main event. Lauren Kelp here of LaurenKelp.com & while I love a good cheese plate (who doesn’t?!), sometimes it’s fun to spice things up and play a little! That is why I love a good crostini. They are simple to make, have an incredible range of flavor options, and will impress your guests without having to bust out your Grandma’s recipe book!
Today is day one of a three part series where we breakdown a delicious crostini combination, plus, of course, it’s perfect wine pairing. An appetizer is only as good as the wine it’s paired with, right?
First up – The Radish & Goat Cheese combo. The combination of creamy goat cheese, crisp radishes, and moments of chives makes this the perfect appetizer as we transition into warm(er) weather.
What’s the Difference Between Crostini and Bruschetta?
Crostini and bruschetta are both Italian appetizers made with toasted bread, but the difference comes down to the type of bread and presentation. Crostini are made from smaller, thinner slices of baguette or white bread, usually topped with creamy spreads, cheese, or vegetables. Bruschetta, on the other hand, is prepared with larger, rustic slices of Italian or sourdough bread that are grilled or toasted, then rubbed with garlic and topped more simply, often with tomato and olive oil.
Think of bruschetta as hearty and rustic, while crostini feels lighter and more elegant — perfect for building a variety of toppings at a party.
Radish & Goat Cheese Crostini
Recipe Type:
Appetizer
Prep Time:
10 minutes
Cook Time:
10 minutes
Total Time:
20 minutes
Servings:
12
Ingredients
- 1 loaf of sliced white bread baguette
- 8 oz. of goat cheese
- 3/4 oz chives (minced)
- 5 small radishes thinly sliced
- salt
- pepper
Instructions
- Brush both sides of sliced bread with olive oil and broil until toasted
- Whip goat cheese and chives together in a blender until fluffy (for an extra twist, add a tiny bit of honey to the mix)
- In a small pan, lightly sauté radishes with EVOO and season with salt and pepper to taste
- Top your toasted bread with the goat cheese mix and enough radishes to cover
- Sprinkle with pepper and enjoy!
- Pair your refreshingly crisp crostini with a chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc and prepare to be in dining heaven!
Wine Pairings for Radish & Goat Cheese Crostini
The crisp freshness of radishes and the creamy tang of goat cheese call for a wine that can keep things lively on the palate. A Sauvignon Blanc is a classic choice — its citrusy notes and zippy acidity cut through the richness of the cheese and highlight the radish’s peppery bite. If you’re searching for the best Sauvignon Blanc for appetizers, Kendall-Jackson’s Vintner’s Reserve Sauvignon Blanc is a perfect fit, balancing bright fruit flavors with refreshing minerality.
For those who prefer something a little rounder, a glass of Kendall-Jackson Vintner’s Reserve Chardonnay brings a smooth, layered texture that complements the goat cheese without overwhelming the delicate flavors of the crostini. It’s an elegant option for anyone looking for a versatile wine pairing with crostini. For food and wine pairing tips, visit the Entertaining section of our website.
