Looking for an easy appetizer to bring to your next brunch or outdoor picnic that doesn’t take much effort but still feels fancy? This Strawberry Toast with Goat Cheese, Basil & Balsamic is IT! Taking only a few minutes to make and requiring only 5 simple ingredients, you’re not going to want to pass this recipe by!
Whether you’re hosting a summer brunch, an outdoor cocktail party, or you just plain want something different and delicious to nosh on, you’re going to absolutely love this strawberry toast. Crisp sourdough bread topped with creamy goat cheese, fresh strawberries and basil, drizzled with balsamic, it’s a snack that is absolutely bursting with flavor!
If you love strawberries as much as I do, you might also want to try this Strawberry Latte for breakfast, this refreshing Strawberry Cucumber Salad for lunch, or my favorite summer dessert, Strawberry Apple Crisp.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It uses just 5 ingredients. All you need in order to make this strawberry toast is sourdough or your favorite gluten free bread of choice, fresh strawberries, goat cheese, fresh basil and balsamic vinegar.
- It is quick and easy. This recipe whips up in just a few minutes longer than it takes to make a piece of toast, so you’ll have an impressive and delicious appetizers in no time!
- It is impressive. Bursting with flavor and beautiful to look at, it doesn’t get much better than that.
Ingredient Notes & Tested Substitutions
- Sourdough – I prefer to use sourdough bread because it is naturally gluten free and also just plain delicious. It’s also the perfect size for serving this strawberry toast at brunch, but if you’re serving it as an appetizer you could also use a baguette or slice the sourdough in thirds.
- Strawberries – It wouldn’t be strawberry toast without strawberries, but you can absolutely feel free to use any other berries you prefer, or even tomato slices would be delicious.
- Basil – Only fresh basil will do. Do not try to substitute it for dried. That being said, I also enjoy adding microgreens to this toast for a little extra color if you like.
- Goat Cheese – I actually used a lavender honey goat cheese when I tested this recipe the first time because it’s all I had at home. It was truly delicious, but regular old goat cheese will do just fine. You could also use herbed goat cheese for a little more of a savory flavor.
- Balsamic Vinegar – Strawberries and balsamic vinegar are such a classic combination, but if you’re serving this for brunch or just plain old have a sweet tooth, you can use honey or hot honey instead.
Strawberry Toast Step By Step Instructions
- Prep your toppings. Slice about 5-6 medium strawberries into thin pieces and slice basil into ribbons.
2. Prep the base. First toast the sourdough. I like to use a toaster oven, but you can use a good old fashioned toaster set to medium. You want the bread to be crisp but still have some bounce to it. If you’re serving this as a finger food appetizer, slice the toast into three now. Once the bread is toasted, spread about 1-2 tbsp of goat cheese on to each slice.
3. Add the toppings. Add strawberry slices, basil ribbons and any additional toppings like microgreens or honey.
Strawberry Toast FAQs
Can I make this gluten free?
Since we are using sourdough bread, it is naturally gluten free however if you are celiac then you can feel free to use your favorite type of gluten free bread instead.
What if I don’t like balsamic?
If you’re not a balsamic vinegar fan, don’t fret! You can drizzle this toast with some olive oil if you’re a savory fanatic or honey if you like things to be a bit more sweet. It’s also really unexpectedly delicious with a drizzle of hot honey if you’re feeling daring!
Can I make this strawberry toast ahead?
I don’t recommend making this fully assembled ahead of time because the bread will become soggy. To save yourself time, prep the strawberries and basil ahead so all you need to do is toast up the sourdough and top it when it comes time to eat.
If You Liked This Recipe You Might Also Enjoy
- Strawberry Cucumber Salad
- Healthy Sourdough Pizza Toast
- Savory Sourdough French Toast
- Iced Strawberry Latte
Did you have a chance to make this recipe? If so, please leave me a rating and review below. I always love and appreciate hearing from you!
Strawberry Toast with Goat Cheese, Basil & Balsamic
Ingredients
- 3 slices sourdough bread
- 6 strawberries thinly sliced
- 4 oz goat cheese
- 1/2 cup basil sliced into ribbons
- 3 tbsp balsamic vinegar
Instructions
- Prep your toppings. Slice about 5-6 medium strawberries into thin pieces and slice basil into ribbons.
- Prep the base. First toast the sourdough. I like to use a toaster oven, but you can use a good old fashioned toaster set to medium. You want the bread to be crisp but still have some bounce to it. If you're serving this as a finger food appetizer, slice the toast into three now. Once the bread is toasted, spread about 1-2 tbsp of goat cheese on to each slice.
- Add the toppings. Add strawberry slices, basil ribbons and any additional toppings like microgreens or honey.
Strawberry & basil is such a winning combo! Love, love, LOVE this!