Giada Goat Cheese Toasts

When I’m hosting a casual gathering or just looking for an easy appetizer to impress, these Giada Goat Cheese Toasts are always a hit. The combination of creamy goat cheese, a hint of lemon zest, and a bit of fresh herbs makes them not only tasty but also elegant.

If you love Giada’s appetizers like her Arancini Di Riso or Carrot Fries With Lemon-Mint Dip, you’ll want to add these crostini to your go-to list.

Why This Recipe Works

I made these Giada Goat Cheese Toasts for a last-minute dinner party, and they were such a hit that I now make them anytime I need a quick appetizer.

The creamy goat cheese, mixed with fresh herbs and a bit of lemon zest, makes them feel light but still satisfying. Plus, the crunch of the toasted bread adds the perfect texture.

What I love most is how easy they are to customize. You can add different toppings or just enjoy them as is. They’re great for any occasion, and I love how something so simple can look (and taste) so fancy!

Recipe Ingredients

Baguette Bread: You’ll need about 36 slices of a baguette cut into ½-inch thickness. Toasting these will give them a crispy texture that complements the creamy toppings. You can swap for gluten-free bread if needed.
Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: A light drizzle on the bread before toasting adds a rich, flavorful base. You can also brush it on if you prefer an even coating.
Goat Cheese: Soft and tangy, this is the star of the show. It pairs beautifully with the other ingredients for a creamy, fresh topping. Feel free to substitute with feta if you prefer a sharper taste.
Cream Cheese: Adds smoothness and creaminess, balancing out the tang of the goat cheese. You’ll need about 4 ounces, or half a standard block.
Lemon Zest: Finely grated, this adds a bright, zesty flavor that cuts through the richness of the cheese. Make sure to use fresh lemons for the best flavor.
Fresh Parsley: A bit of chopped parsley adds a pop of color and freshness to the mix. You can also use basil or dill if you prefer a different herb.
Olives: Choose Sicilian green or Kalamata olives for a salty, briny touch that enhances the overall flavor profile. Chop them finely so they’re easy to spread on the toasts.
Chives: Thinly sliced, chives add a mild onion flavor that complements the creamy cheese mixture. They also make for a pretty garnish.

Step-by-Step Directions

Step One – Set your oven to preheat at 375°F (190°C). Lay the bread slices across two baking sheets, giving them enough space, and brush the tops with olive oil for a golden finish.

Step Two – Bake the bread for around 15 minutes or until they achieve a light golden color and become crispy. If not using immediately, store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh for up to 2 days.

Step Three – In a food processor, blend together the goat cheese and cream cheese until smooth. Add parsley and lemon zest, then pulse briefly to mix them in without overworking the cheese.

Step Four – Season the cheese mixture with salt and pepper to taste. If you’re not serving right away, cover and refrigerate, allowing it to soften at room temperature for about an hour before spreading.

Step Five – Once ready to serve, generously spread the softened cheese mixture on the crostini. Sprinkle with chopped olives and chives, and serve the toasts arranged on a platter for a perfect appetizer.

How to serve

They’re perfect for a quick snack when friends come over or even as a light lunch for myself. I usually pair them with a fresh salad—something simple like mixed greens with a lemon vinaigrette.
If you want to make things a bit more fun, try setting up a small toppings bar. I love letting people add their own toppings, like roasted tomatoes, honey, or even some chopped nuts. It makes things feel more personalized and adds a fun twist.
For drinks, a chilled glass of white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc works perfectly. But honestly, these toasts are so delicious, they’re just as great with a sparkling water or your favorite iced tea.

Recipe FAQs and Variations

What can I use instead of goat cheese?

If goat cheese isn’t available, you can easily swap it with cream cheese or feta. Cream cheese will give a smoother texture, while feta adds a bit more saltiness.

How should I store leftovers?

To store any leftover toasts, keep the goat cheese mixture in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The toasted bread should be stored in an airtight container at room temperature. Assemble the toasts just before serving.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the cheese mixture a day ahead and keep it refrigerated. Just let it sit at room temperature for about an hour before spreading it on the crostini to soften up.

Can I use a different kind of bread?

Absolutely! While a baguette works best for the crispy texture, you can try using sourdough, ciabatta, or even gluten-free bread for a different twist.

Check out More Giada Recipes:

Giada Goat Cheese Toasts

Recipe by Giada De LaurentiisCourse: AppetizersCuisine: MediterraneanDifficulty: Easy

Servings

servings

Prep time

minutes

Cooking time

minutes

Calories

170

kcal

Ingredients

36 slices baguette bread, each slice ½-inch thick
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
8 ounces of soft fresh goat cheese
4 ounces cream cheese
2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
2 teaspoons finely grated lemon zest
Salt and coarsely ground black pepper (or multicolored peppercorns)
½ cup pitted Sicilian green olives or Kalamata olives, finely chopped
2 tablespoons thinly sliced fresh chives

Directions

Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Arrange the bread slices evenly on two large, heavy baking sheets, ensuring they aren’t overlapping.
Brush the Bread: Lightly brush each slice of bread with olive oil on both sides. Bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes, or until the crostini are pale golden and crispy.
Prepare the Cheese Mixture: While the bread is toasting, combine the goat cheese and cream cheese in a food processor. Blend until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy.
Add Flavor to the Cheese: Add the chopped parsley and lemon zest to the cheese mixture. Pulse the food processor a few times to combine, being careful not to overmix. Season with a pinch of salt and a few cracks of black pepper.
Assemble the Crostini: If serving immediately, spread a generous layer of the cheese mixture onto each toasted crostini. If the cheese mixture was refrigerated, allow it to soften at room temperature for about an hour.
Garnish and Serve: Top each crostini with finely chopped olives and a sprinkle of fresh chives. Arrange the toasts on a serving platter, and they’re ready to be enjoyed!

Nutrition Facts

12 servings per container

Amount Per ServingCalories170
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 10g 16%
- Saturated Fat 6g 30%
Cholesterol 25mg 9%
Sodium 240mg 10%
Potassium 40mg 2%
Total Carbohydrate 12g 4%
- Dietary Fiber 1g 4%
- Sugars 1g
Protein 6g 12%

* The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.