Goat Cheese Crostini - Giada

• baguette↗1
• olive oil↗3 tablespoons
• soft fresh goat cheese↗8 ounces
• cream cheese↗4 ounces
• fresh Italian parsley2 teaspoons

  finely chopped

• fresh thyme leaves2 teaspoons

  finely chopped

• lemon peel2 teaspoons

  finely grated

• salt↗
• pepper↗
• pitted sicilian green olives or kalamata olive↗1⁄2 cup

  finely chopped

• thinly sliced chives2 tablespoons

Step-by-step instructions

1. 1

   Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.

2. 2

   Arrange the bread slices on 2 heavy large baking sheets. Brush them with olive oil.

3. 3

   Bake until the crostini are pale golden and crisp, about 15 minutes.

4. 4

   Blend the goat cheese and cream cheese in a food processor until smooth and creamy.

5. 5

   Add the parsley, thyme, and lemon peel.

6. 6

   Using the on/off button, pulse just to blend.

7. 7

   Season with salt and pepper, to taste. (I use kosher salt & fresh-ground pepper).

8. 8

   Spread the cheese mixture over the crostini.

9. 9

   Sprinkle with the olives, chives, and more pepper. Arrange the toasts on a platter and serve.

10. 10

    Do-Ahead Tip: The crostini and cheese mixture can each be prepared 2 days ahead. Store the crostini in an airtight container at room temperature. Cover and refrigerate the cheese mixture. Let the cheese mixture stand at room temperature for 1 hour to soften slightly before spreading over the crostini.