Ina Garten Goat Cheese Toasts

Ina Garten goat cheese toasts need 6 ingredients and one trick: raw garlic rubbed on hot bread. She bakes baguette slices until crisp, then rubs each with a cut garlic clove. Creamy goat cheese and Castelvetrano olives go on top for an easy party appetizer.

The bread needs to be hot when you rub the garlic, so the cut clove melts right into it and flavors every bite. Cold goat cheese will tear the toast, so leave it out for 30 minutes first.

Source: Go-To Dinners (2022)

Ina Garten Goat Cheese Toasts

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Course: AppetizerCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy

Servings

12

servings

Prep time

10

minutes

Cooking time

10

minutes

Calories

150

kcal

Baguette slices baked until golden and rubbed with raw garlic get a layer of tangy goat cheese and halved Castelvetrano olives for a salty, creamy bite.

Ingredients

• 1 fresh baguette
  

• Good olive oil
  

• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
  

• 1 or 2 garlic cloves, halved lengthwise
  

• 8 ounces creamy goat cheese, such as Montrachet, at room temperature
  

• Pitted green olives, such as Castelvetrano, halved

Directions

• Preheat oven: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
• Slice and bake: Slice the baguette diagonally into twelve (¼-inch-thick) slices. Lay the slices in one layer on a sheet pan, brush each with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Bake the toasts for 8 to 10 minutes, until they are browned and crisp.
• Add toppings: As soon as they are cool enough to handle, rub one side of the toasts with the cut side of the garlic. Let cool, then spread the toasts with goat cheese and place the olives on top. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Tools for this recipe

• Nordic Ware half sheet pan, Victorinox Fibrox 8-inch chef's knife, OXO silicone pastry brush, Diamond Crystal kosher salt, 3 lb. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

FAQs

Can I use a different cheese instead of goat cheese?

Cream cheese or ricotta work here, but they lack the tangy bite that makes this version pop. Boursin is another good swap since it comes pre-seasoned. Stick with a soft, spreadable cheese so you don't tear the toast.

How do I store leftover goat cheese toasts?

These are best eaten the same day because the bread loses its crunch overnight. If you have leftovers, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for a few hours. Reheating in a 350-degree oven for 3 to 4 minutes can bring back some crispness.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Toast the baguette slices and rub with garlic up to a day ahead, then store in an airtight container. Add the goat cheese and olives right before serving. The bread stays crisp longer when you keep the toppings off until the last minute.

What can I serve these with?

They go with cocktails, wine, or a bowl of soup. Pair them with a simple green salad for a light meal. They also make a nice addition to a cheese board or appetizer spread.

Can I add other toppings?

Fresh herbs like thyme or basil work well on top. A drizzle of honey brings out the tanginess of the goat cheese. Sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers are another good option if you want more color.