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Bruschetta with Goat Cheese, Walnuts, and Thyme Honey

This elegant bruschetta combines creamy goat cheese, crunchy toasted walnuts, and fragrant thyme honey for a delightful balance of textures and flavors. A staple of Mediterranean cuisine, this dish is perfect as an appetizer or a sophisticated snack. The combination of tangy cheese, nutty richness, and floral sweetness makes it a crowd-pleaser at gatherings. The simplicity of preparation allows the ingredients to shine, making it an excellent choice for entertaining or indulging in a gourmet treat at home.

Starter | Mediterranean | Vegetarian | Open-Faced Sandwich | Baking Sheet | Oven | Saucepan | Goat Cheese | Honey | Thyme | Walnut | Baking | Simmering | Casual Gathering | Quick
Time to complete

Prep

10min

Cook

10min

Wait

0 minutes

Total

20min

Ingredients (Makes 8 servings)
  • 16 thin slices (1 cm thick) of a long baguette or 8 larger slices, halved
  • 250 g (8.8 oz) goat cheese (chèvre or katiki), crumbled
  • 60 ml (¼ cup) thyme honey
  • 60 g (½ cup) walnuts, coarsely chopped, toasted at 150°C (300°F) for 12 minutes
  • 1 tbsp fresh rosemary or marjoram leaves, finely chopped, or 1 tsp dried, crushed
Nutrition Information (per 100g)
  • Calories: 320
  • Fat: 18
  • Protein: 12
  • Carbohydrates: 28
  • Fiber: 2
Directions

Preparing the Bread

  • 1. Preheat the oven to 150°C (300°F). Arrange the bread slices in a single layer on a large baking sheet.

Assembling and Baking

  • 2. Distribute the crumbled goat cheese evenly over the bread slices. Bake for 8-10 minutes, until the edges of the bread are golden and the cheese is warmed.

Finishing Touches

  • 3. Meanwhile, gently warm the honey in a small saucepan for 1-2 minutes until it becomes more fluid.

Serving

  • 4. Sprinkle the toasted walnuts over the bruschetta, followed by the chopped herbs. Drizzle with warm honey and serve immediately.
Cookix's Secrets

Alternative Cooking Method

  • Grill the bread slices instead of baking for a smokier flavor.

Alternative Proteins

  • Top with thin slices of prosciutto or smoked salmon for a non-vegetarian twist.

Bold Flavor Enhancements

  • Add a pinch of chili flakes or cracked black pepper for a subtle heat.

Bread Selection

  • Use a high-quality baguette or rustic sourdough for the best texture and flavor.

Cheese Options

  • If goat cheese is too tangy, try a milder soft cheese like ricotta or cream cheese.

Healthier Version

  • Use whole-grain bread and reduce the honey for a lower-sugar option.

Seasonal Tweaks

  • Swap walnuts for pecans or almonds depending on availability.

Serving Suggestion

  • Pair with a crisp white wine or a light-bodied red for a perfect flavor match.