Simple appetizers like these sausage and goat cheese crostini that are filling and easy to make are something I am always keen to have. Lately, we have been having a lot of lite dinners, just an appetizer, some pickles, and a bit of fruit with a lot of wine. Just kidding about the wine. My husband is more of a vodka guy, as you can see in my last post.

That’s a lot of Sausage

I almost always pick up a package or two of spicy sausage when I grocery shop because it is useful in so many recipes. It is still the spring of self-quarantine for COVID-19, and my Costco had limited meat options when I was there. But the five six-packs of hot Italian sausage was available. That is a lot of sausage for just two people. I grabbed a double package of French bread and a big log of goat cheese, all items that people did not feel like hoarding. I don’t know, but I could live without Lysol and TP, but a forced staycation without french bread, sacre bleu! People are heathens.

Pickled Onions

I have developed an unhealthy obsession with pickled onions on everything.  I put them on turkey burgers, tacos, and salads, just to name a few. They are easy to make quick refrigerator pickles, if you have a mandoline use it. If you sous vide and want to make a shelf-stable jar of onions, check out the recipe here.

Perfect Crostini Appetizer

When I was planning a nice evening appetizer for out by our pool the other day, I looked at my pantry and was thrilled to come up with this tasty bite. Slicing up some of the French bread, I made quick crostini in my toaster oven. I did not even bother to brush the toasts with olive oil and rub with garlic, but you could. (Or just by the pre-made crostini at the store.)

Next decided if you will pre-make the sausage and goat cheese crostini or let diners make their own. At a more formal party, I would assemble, but if its just friends gathering around the kitchen island, let them work for their food and build their own. Since we were eating poolside, I made the crostini in the house and just brought a plater out for us to eat.

Lets Talk Goat Cheese

Goat cheese is the food of the gods! But I know not everyone feels this way. To increase the chance you and your friends will love this appetizer, buy good goat cheese. The white chevre from France is what you want for this recipe. Leave it out on the counter to soften before trying to spread it on the crostini. If you just can’t do the goat cheese, pick a favorite spreadable cheese of yours, or some dijon mustard would be an excellent substitute.