Name: Sweet Cherry & Nectarine Crostini
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 7 min
Total time: 27 min
Yield: 12 Crostini
Ingredients: For the Crostini; 1 cup sweet cherries, pitted and halved; 1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint leaves; 2 teaspoons sugar; 2 teaspoons aged balsamic vinegar; ½ teaspoon Cognac Barrel Aged Pure Vanilla Extract; 1 teaspoon plus 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided; 1¼ cup soft goat cheese; 1 French baguette sliced into twelve ½-inch thick pieces; 2 nectarines, halved, pitted and thinly sliced; Additional fresh mint leaves

Appetizers

Sweet Cherry & Nectarine Crostini

Author: Mary DiSomma

When I need an easy appetizer that still feels fancy, I like to make crostini. They’re so versatile—I serve them at garden parties, family get-togethers, and sometimes even dinner at home. The first time I made this fruit version, I had one bite and fell in love. A lot of crostini feature tomatoes (which are delicious!), but I adore this unexpected twist with fresh summer fruit. The fruit soaks up the marinade so well. Paired with creamy goat cheese and fresh mint, the flavor profile is the perfect balance of savory and sweet. Add a touch of vanilla (mine, of course), and you’re ready to make some appetizer magic.

Ingredient Tips

If you’re wondering how to pit cherries, you’re not alone! I love using a cherry pitter for pies or cooked recipes, but for a fresh, elegant appetizer like this, I want the cherries to look a bit neater. So I grab my paring knife and slice them in half carefully. Then, using the tip of the knife (or even my fingers if the pit comes loose), I remove the pit. It’s a bit more time-consuming, but worth it for a beautiful presentation.

In Italian, crostini means "little toasts." It’s a simple dish made from small slices of toasted bread topped with all sorts of delicious things. So what’s the difference between bruschetta and crostini? Bruschetta usually calls for thicker slices of rustic bread that are grilled, while crostini are thinner, crispier, and typically toasted or baked. Either way, they make fabulous appetizers—especially when topped with fresh summer fruit like fresh cherries!

Preparation + Preservation Tips

Yes—sort of! You can prep the components ahead, but I recommend waiting to assemble them until just before serving so the bread stays crisp.

Here's how:

Store the toasted bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Freeze baked or unbaked crostini for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe bag.
Reheat the bread at 350°F for 5–7 minutes to crisp it back up.
Add toppings just before serving to avoid soggy crostini.

In the end, this is one of those recipes you’ll want to serve fresh. That crunchy bread and creamy cheese contrast is too good to miss!

If cherries or nectarines aren’t in season where you are, swap them out! Strawberries work beautifully. You can use all strawberries or pair them with other ripe stone fruits like peaches or apricots. That’s one of the things I love about this recipe—it’s adaptable. Here in the Midwest, cherry season hits in July, so that’s when I go wild. If you’re not sure what’s in season, take a look at what’s ripe at your local farmers market.

Extra Tips

Crostini and bruschetta are some of my favorite appetizers for summer entertaining. They’re fast, festive, and easy to adapt with whatever’s in season. If you liked this recipe, you’ll love:

Roasted Wild Mushroom Crostini Recipe with Easy Garlic Basil Ricotta Spread➝

Easy Pickled Grape and Goat Cheese Crostini➝