This cranberry goat cheese crostini is an easy gluten-free appetizer made with roasted cranberries, creamy goat cheese, and crisp crostini — perfect for holiday hosting.
If you love appetizers that feel fancy but don’t require a ton of work, this one’s for you. These cranberry goat cheese crostinis have been on my holiday table for years—from casual hangs to Christmas parties—and they’re always gone fast. The sweet-tart roasted cranberries, creamy goat cheese, and crisp gluten-free bread combo just works.
And don’t worry—there’s an easy dairy-free swap so everyone can enjoy them.
Helpful Tips
- Roast, don’t sauté, the cranberries. Roasting concentrates the flavor and softens the tartness without making them mushy.
- Use parchment, not foil, for the cranberries. The honey or maple syrup caramelizes quickly at 400°F. Parchment prevents sticking and makes it easier to scoop up that jammy cranberry mixture without losing any of the good stuff.
- Taste the cranberry mixture while it’s warm. Right after roasting is the best time to adjust flavor. Add a pinch more salt for balance, cracked black pepper for depth, or a splash of balsamic if it needs brightness.
- Soften the goat cheese before spreading. Let it sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes. Soft goat cheese spreads easily and won’t tear the toasted gluten-free bread.
- Don’t overload the bread. A tablespoon of goat cheese per crostini is plenty — too much and it overpowers the cranberry topping.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This cranberry goat cheese crostini comes together with simple ingredients, but each one plays a role in balancing flavor and texture. See recipe card below for exact measurements.
- Fresh cranberries-Fresh or previously frozen. Just make sure their well dried before using.
- Onion– Red onion adds natural sweetness and depth once roasted. It balances the tart cranberries and adds a little bite without overpowering the topping. Shallots also work well here if you prefer a milder onion flavor.
- Olive oil -Just enough to help the cranberries roast evenly and keep everything from drying out. Avocado oil works as a neutral alternative.
- Balsamic vinegar -This adds richness and a touch of sweetness that ties the cranberry mixture together. If you’re out, red wine vinegar with a small drizzle of honey or maple syrup is a good substitute.
- Sea salt and black pepper– A must for balancing the sweet and tart flavors. Don’t skip this — it makes the cranberries pop.
- Maple syrup or honey – Softens the tart cranberries and helps them caramelize in the oven, giving you that jammy, sweet-tart flavor that makes this appetizer work.
Pro- Tip: Use honey for deeper caramelization and a more jammy texture. Use maple syrup if you want a lighter sweetness
- Gluten-free bread or rolls – Look for a loaf or roll with a thicker crust so it holds up once topped. Many gluten-free breads and rolls can be found in the freezer section!
- Fresh basil and/or thyme Fresh herbs brighten everything up and add a pop of color. Use what you have — thyme, rosemary, or even chopped chives are great options.
- Goat cheese (dairy-free substitute) – Creamy goat cheese adds tang and richness and pairs perfectly with the roasted cranberries. If you’re not a goat cheese fan, whipped feta or dairy-free soft cheese also work well.
How to Make Cranberry Goat Cheese Gluten-Free Crostini
Roast the cranberries.
Toss the cranberries and sliced onion with olive oil, honey or maple syrup, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast until the cranberries burst and the onions soften.
Toast the bread. While the cranberries roast, slice and lightly toast the gluten-free bread until crisp but not dry.
Assemble the crostini. Spread each toasted slice with goat cheese, then spoon the roasted cranberry mixture on top.
Finish and serve. Sprinkle with fresh herbs and finish with cracked black pepper. If you want to take them one step further, add a light drizzle of balsamic glaze or sprinkle of coarse sugar on each crostini.
Note – These crostinis are best assembled just before serving so the bread stays crisp.
How to Store and Serve
This appetizer works beautifully for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any gathering where you want something festive without a lot of fuss.
- Make-ahead friendly: Roast the cranberry mixture up to 3 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Day-of assembly: Toast the bread and assemble the crostini just before serving for the best texture.
- Serving ideas:
- Holiday appetizer boards or wine and cheese parties!
- Pre-dinner bites for entertaining
- Paired with sparkling wine, prosecco, or a festive cocktail or mocktail
Cranberry Goat Cheese Gluten-Free Crostini Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Makes 16–20 crostinis (depending on roll size and thickness) 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This easy gluten-free crostini features roasted cranberries, creamy goat cheese, and crisp toasted bread, making it perfect for holiday hosting.
Ingredients
- 1 Tablespoon avocado or olive oil
- 2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
- ⅓ c honey or maple syrup, to taste
- Pinch salt and black pepper
- 2 cups fresh or previously frozen cranberries
- ¼ cup thinly sliced red onion or shallot
- Optional: 1 Tablespoon fresh orange juice or ½-1 teaspoon orange zest
- 4–5 gluten-free rolls, sliced ¼ to ½ inch thick
- About ½ cup soft goat cheese *
- Fresh basil (chopped) or thyme.
- Optional finishing: coarse sugar, flaky sea salt, balsamic glaze*
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey or maple syrup, salt, and pepper. Gently toss in cranberries and red onion. If using, add orange juice or zest.
- Spread the cranberry mixture evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Roast for 15–18 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until the cranberries burst and the juices look glossy and jammy.
- While the cranberries roast, arrange the sliced gluten-free rolls on a separate baking sheet. Toast at 400°F for 5–7 minutes, flipping once, until lightly golden and crisp.
- Remove both pans from the oven. Taste the cranberry mixture and adjust taste, if needed. See note.
- Arrange toasted bread slices on a serving platter. Spread 1 Tablespoon goat cheese onto each crostini.
- Spoon about ½ Tablespoon roasted cranberry mixture over the cheese. Finish with chopped basil or thyme leaves (if using), cracked black pepper, and a light sprinkle of flaky sea salt.
- Serve warm or at room temperature. For best texture, assemble shortly before serving.
Notes
Substitute – Dairy-Free cream cheese or whipped cream cheese/feta can be substituted for goat cheese.
Taste Tip – Drizzle lightly with balsamic glaze if the roasted cranberries are too sweet or sprinkle with coarse sugar if the cranberries are too tart.
Make ahead: Roast the cranberry mixture up to 3 days in advance and refrigerate in an airtight container.
- Prep Time: 5 min
- Cook Time: 20 min
- Category: appetizer
- Method: oven
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 crostini
- Calories: 70-75
- Sugar: 3-4 g
- Sodium: 85.6 mg
- Fat: 2.5-3 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 1.5 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 2.6 mg
These were so good! A few notes though, I drizzled the goat cheese with honey before putting on the cranberry onion mixture. I also added quite a bit of maple syrup to the cranberry onion mixture. I tasted prior to those changes and it was so tart! With the sweetness of those additions, they were delicious! Next time I may try adding the maple syrup before baking the cranberries.
Oh thank you for that insight! I will update the recipe with your notes Joy!
Really? I’m so sorry to hear that. I wonder if it was your cranberries. Maybe under ripe? I will for sure make those notes in he recipe. What cheese did you use? Thanks for the honest feedback Cassandra! I truly do appreciate it.
I used the Laura Chenel’s Goat Cheese Log (I am certain there are better cheese’s out there ) and then the bag of Safeway’s Fresh Cranberries. I made my own balsamic drizzle by reducing balsamic vinegar over the stove. I just ate another one, after resting them a while, and it is very good, slightly sweetened with the honey. I could also see mixing the goat cheese and honey in advance, before spreading it on the toast, or buying a sweetened goat cheese, as an alternative.
Good to know! We will retest and update the recipe accordingly. Thanks for your feedback.
what is the best way to reheat these if I make them and serve them later?
I would just lightly warm them in the oven for 5 minutes or so. The first time you make the crostini, take them out a few minutes early, that way when you reheat it, the toast can still brown a bit. Does that make sense?
I say serve up that holiday cheer, especially when it involves bread, goat cheese, cranberries and fresh herbs. In fact, if you keep this up, I may show up on your doorstep. 🙂
Look at those cranberries!! What an awesome and unique holiday dish! (Though, I think if I made these I wouldn’t be able to share with anyone… All for me!!) I love that you used Udi’s too – they’re my fav!!
Oh wow! These look amazing!!!! I love how festive and healthy they are. Those cranberries look heavenly!
Too funny, I was just thinking of trying blueberry crostini with dairy-free “goat cheese”. Okay, not quite the same, but pretty tasty on that bread, too, I think!
totally! I was thinking the Kite Hill spread!
I keep thinking that maybe I can handle goat cheese better than regular…because well it’s freaking delicious! This flavor combo is seriously perfection and probably worth an potential stomach ache 🙂
Love this idea of pairing cranberries with goat cheese. AND it looks so holiday!! I’m with ya on upping the holiday entertaining and maximizing the holiday enthusiasm 🙂
wish we lived closer. WE could have so much fun with holiday hosting!
Ohhhh… you know what this would be good with? Wine. 😉
yep! shall i bring these to your wine club? 😉
I love entertaining and these look so perfect for it! What a fabulous flavor + texture combo. I used to refuse to get swept up in holidays/celebrations. Probably, I was being a silly teenager who was too cool for that. Now? I love nothing more than going pumpkin crazy, wrapping gifts, cozying up by the fire with my family, and/or enjoying a ton of Christmas music and movies while baking 734 treats. And I’ll happily embrace spring and summer when they roll around. All the festive things!
oh yes, i had that silly teenager attitude as well. What were we thinking? LIfe is short, let’s be CORNY HAPPY! hehe
You’re so right! The simplest ingredients can make the best appetizers! Especially when it’s roasted cranberries and goat cheese!
Simple and delicious always makes me happy! 😀
I love goat cheese and fruit together so these look AMAAAAAAAAZING!
Such a great flavor combination for sure! Thanks!
I’ve been on a goat cheese kick lately so this is right up my ally! I love the sweet and savory combo here my friend!
These are definitely worth trying if you’re currently on a goat cheese kick! hehe
I don’t think you could ever over do it on describing the food you make. You truly spark a love and gratitude in my heart for even the littlest foods.
Oh I just love you so! Thanks so much for your encouragement emily
I love the colors & sounds amazing!
Thanks, Jody!
#1 Why am I not following you on snapchat? #2 Christmas cheer is impossible to contain, and foodies rejoice over all the yummy food this time of year #3 I LOVE cranberries and goat cheese – this is such a perfect (and pretty) party app!!
haha I know right? so hard to follow people on snap chat. We need a better way.
These look delicious! I think I need to add these to our Christmas spread or maybe even my in-laws earlier Thanksgiving this weekend (which they can easily be adapted to make dairy free too with some delicious dairy free cheese I have in the fridge)! While using dairy free cheese would clearly not give it that amazing goat cheese flavor I think it would add that bit of creaminess and color contrast and be better than omitting it.
Lindsay these seriously look incredible! So many of my favorite ingredients AND they are absolutely beautiful! Love these!!!
Thanks, Laura! Hope you’ll try!
…Aaaannnnnd now you have ignited a whipped goat cheese and roasted cranberry obsession on this end of the screen too…. GAH!
🙂
Then my work here is done! haha
I’ll amuse your bouche 😀 I freaking love cranberries. I need to stock up, but right now I have no room in my freezer after my epic cooking weekend!
LOL! i love you more for that comment
They’re almost too pretty to eat. Like little holiday ornaments!
hehe I like that idea! crostini bite ornaments