Sweet, salty, creamy, crunchy — all the things a great appetizer should be! I love experimenting with snack-y bites to serve before dinner parties, and the two main requirements (aside from being delicious) are that they must take 5 minutes or less to make and require no more than a handful of ingredients. These caramelized grape crostini satisfy all of the above, and bonus points that they taste indulgent but are actually pretty healthy. Instead of the usual french bread base, I used a loaf of really wholesome seeded bread and sliced it super thin as the base for each toast.
The addition of caramelized grapes is fun and surprising — it’s not often that you see grapes served any way but raw, and you’ll be surprised by how sweet and syrupy they get when cooked down. A schmear of goat cheese, drizzle of balsamic and liberal pinch of sea salt are all it takes to make these such an unforgettable snack. And if you’re not hosting a fancy dinner party any time soon, don’t worry: these are equally perfect paired with a glass of pinot and Netflix. Keep reading for the recipe…
*photos by kate lesueur
Caramelized Grape Crostini
Serves 8 appetizer portions
Caramelized Grape Tartine
Categories
Ingredients
- 3 cups seedless grapes (I used a mix of red and black)
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- sea salt & freshly ground black pepper
- a few sprigs fresh thyme
- 1 loaf seeded bread, sliced as thinly as possible
- extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 4-ounce round creamy goat cheese
- fresh mint, thinly sliced
- balsamic vinegar (even better if you reduce it)
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, combine grapes with sugar, 1 tablespoon water, thyme and a pinch of salt & pepper. Cook over medium-high until grapes start to soften and burst. Set aside.
- Meanwhile, brush bread slices with olive oil and toast in a 350-degree oven until light golden and crispy.
- Top each toast with a small spoonful of goat cheese, caramelized grapes, drizzle of balsamic, sprinkle of fresh mint, salt and pepper. Eat!
Yum! I’m always on the look out for small bites to make when friends and family are visiting – I’m sure these would be a bit with everyone!
g.
Thanks! Definitely let us know if you give them a try!
Gorgeous!
this looks soooooo delicious
want to try this recipe asap – never tried caramelized grapes before 😉 like you said I pretty much only know them raw 😉
amazing idea though also the combination with goat cheese =D
Thanky for the inspiration 😉 also I am wondering how it tastes with mixed berries – could be nice to 😉
I think that would be so delicious!
Oh I definitely subscribe to that last suggestion: I’m most definitely going to pair these with a glass of great wine and a good book – why should the best food be reserved for the guests? No way 🙂
They look really delicious, Camille!
These look amazing! Putting them on the list of appetizers to try at my next get together (or perhaps just a wednesday night!).
I actually had a variation of this at a restaurant and loved it then made it myself for NYE. We use cold green grapes and a pre made balsamic reduction. SOOOO good with the hot toast and cheese and cold grapes. Plus it takes the prep down to making toast. Idiot proof!