Bread is my favorite food group! So obviously I gravitate towards appetizers containing bread- bruschetta, crostini or just crusty warm artisan bread with a yummy dip. We had ordered Roasted grape crostini for appetizer at a restaurant a few months ago and I absolutely fell in love with the flavors. I re-created it at home for one of our award show watching nights and it was a hit with the family. What’s not to like about crusty bread topped with cheese, warm roasted grapes and some pistachios for crunch and color.
Main steps to make the Roasted Grape Crostini
Roasting the Grapes
I had never roasted grapes before trying this recipe. Roasting grapes brings out its flavor and some of the juices ooze out to make a syrupy sauce for the crostini. Adding balsamic vinegar to the roasting process really goes well with the grape flavors. I have used the oven for a hands free roasting process but you can do the same on the stove top in a pan. If you are cooking the grapes on the stove top, cover the pan with a lid and open to stir occasionally. Cook for 15-20 minutes on medium heat till the grapes burst open and the juices start to flow slightly.
Toasting the bread
Use the thin long traditional French baguette here. If you cannot find it, you can use the bigger French loaves of bread also. With the bigger loaves, once you slice them, cut them again in half to almost make the letter D. You want the bread to be finger food size and not very large. The bread is toasted in the oven before the toppings are put on.
Assembling the Roasted Grape Crostini
Toasted bread is slathered with goat cheese and topped with warm roasted grapes and a sprinkling of chopped pistachios. I have used plain goat cheese here, but you can use herbed or flavored goat cheese as well. If vegan, you can use any soft sharper tasting vegan cheese in place of goat cheese. Chopped pistachios really go well as a topping here with the contrast of color and texture. If roasted pistachios are not available to you, you can use any other roasted nuts in its place.
If you are looking for more party appetizers and snacks, here are some other suggestions:
Tofu Satay with Spicy Peanut Sauce
If you try this recipe, leave us a comment and rate it only after you have tried it. Would love for you to take a picture and tag @livinginfused on Instagram. Would love to see what you come up with!
Roasted Grape Crostini
Festive party appetizer using roasted grapes
20-25
servings15
minutes35
minutesIngredients
1 lb Red seedless grapes
1 tablespoon Olive Oil + extra to brush the bread
1 tablespoon Balsamic Vinegar
Salt and Pepper
1 large French Baguette
4 oz Goat Cheese
1/4 cup Chopped, roasted salted pistachios
Method
- Pre-heat oven to 400 degrees F.
Slice the French baguette in ½ inch rounds. Lay the pieces on a cookie sheet and brush it with oil on both the sides. Bake the bread slices in the oven for 5 minutes. Remove from oven and flip the bread slices to the other side and cook again for 4-5 minutes. This step can be done ahead of time, earlier in the day. - Roasting the grapes:
Add grapes, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt and pepper to a small baking dish and give it a good mix. Roast in a 400 degree F oven for 25 minutes or until the grapes burst open and the juices start to flow slightly. - Assembling the bruschetta:
Spread about 1-2 tsp of goat cheese on the toasted bread slices. Top with warm roasted grapes (including some juices) and a sprinkling of pistachios. Serve immediately.
