Bruschetta with Strawberries and Cream Cheese

Name: Bruschetta with Strawberries and Cream Cheese
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 French baguette, sliced into 1/2-inch pieces; 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 2 cups fresh strawberries, diced; 2 tablespoons honey; Fresh mint leaves, for garnish; Balsamic glaze, for drizzling

Highlighted under: Creative Baking Collection

I absolutely love the combination of sweet strawberries and creamy cheese, and that's exactly why I created this Bruschetta with Strawberries and Cream Cheese. It's a delightfully easy appetizer that's perfect for gatherings or a special treat at home. The crunchy bread base and the vibrant toppings make it not only visually appealing but also a delightful medley of flavors in every bite. Whether you're hosting a party or just treating yourself, this dish will surely impress everyone around your table.

Created by

Elspeth Murray

Last updated on 2026-01-08T16:13:41.438Z

When I first tried a savory bruschetta, I immediately thought about how wonderful it would be with a sweet twist. So, I decided to experiment with strawberries and cream cheese, and thankfully, it turned out to be a fantastic pairing! The creaminess of the cheese complements the juicy strawberries, creating a harmonious balance that’s utterly delicious.

One little tip I discovered is to lightly toast the bread before adding the toppings. This really enhances the texture and flavor, providing a delightful crunch that contrasts perfectly with the soft and creamy layers above. It’s a simple touch that makes all the difference in bringing this dish together.

Why You Will Love This Recipe
A delightful combination of sweet and creamy flavors
Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for any occasion
Visually stunning presentation that impresses guests

Perfecting Your Bruschetta Base

When preparing the baguette for this bruschetta, opt for a fresh French baguette with a crisp crust. This adds a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy toppings. If you toast the bread too long, it may become overly hard and difficult to bite into, so keep an eye on it. The goal is a slight golden hue that signals it’s ready to come out of the oven.

Consider using a grill for toasting if you want to add a smoky flavor to the bread. Simply brush the bread slices with olive oil, then place them on a preheated grill for about 1-2 minutes per side. This gives you the added benefit of those beautiful grill marks that enhance the dish's visual appeal.

Cream Cheese Customization

The cream cheese mixture can be customized beyond just honey; consider adding a bit of vanilla extract or a pinch of cinnamon for an extra flavor dimension. If you're looking for a lighter version, you can substitute half of the cream cheese with Greek yogurt, which retains the creaminess while adding a tangy flavor.

Be sure to let the cream cheese soften to room temperature before mixing in the honey. This step is crucial as it ensures a smooth and easy spread that won’t tear the bread. If you're in a hurry, you can microwave the cream cheese for about 15-20 seconds but be careful not to overheat it, or it could become too runny.

Serving and Storage Suggestions

For serving, arrange the bruschetta on a decorative platter for an elegant presentation. If you're making these ahead of time, prepare the cream cheese and strawberries, but store them separately from the toasted bread to prevent sogginess. Assemble just before serving to maintain the crispy texture of the bread.

Leftover bruschetta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days, although the bread may lose some of its crispness. If you have extra strawberries and cream cheese, try using them in a morning smoothie or as a topping for pancakes to prevent waste. This dish can also be elegantly paired with a glass of bubbly or a fruity white wine.

Ingredients

Gather these fresh ingredients to make your bruschetta shine:

Ingredients

1 French baguette, sliced into 1/2-inch pieces
8 oz cream cheese, softened
2 cups fresh strawberries, diced
2 tablespoons honey
Fresh mint leaves, for garnish
Balsamic glaze, for drizzling

Having sourced the right ingredients, you’re ready to start crafting this delicious dish!

Instructions

Let’s put together this delightful bruschetta in just a few easy steps:

Prepare the Bread

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the baguette slices on a baking sheet and lightly brush them with olive oil. Toast in the oven for about 5 minutes until golden brown and crispy.

Make the Cream Cheese Mixture

While the bread is toasting, mix the softened cream cheese with honey in a bowl until smooth and creamy. This will add a lovely sweetness that complements the strawberries.

Top the Toasts

Once the bread is toasted, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly. Spread a generous layer of the cream cheese mixture on each toast. Top with diced strawberries and garnish with fresh mint leaves.

Final Touches

For added flavor, drizzle a bit of balsamic glaze over the top of each bruschetta just before serving. Enjoy!

With these steps completed, you can now impress everyone with your delicious creation!

Pro Tips

Experiment with different toppings like blueberries or raspberries for a varied flavor profile. You can also add a hint of lemon zest to the cream cheese for a citrus twist.

Ingredient Role in Flavor Profile

Strawberries are the star ingredient, providing a natural sweetness that balances the richness of the cream cheese. Fresh, ripe strawberries ensure maximum flavor, so look for ones that are vibrant red and fragrant. If strawberries are out of season, consider using other berries like raspberries or blueberries for a similar effect, adjusting the honey quantity based on their sweetness.

Mint leaves are not just for decoration; they enhance the overall experience with their refreshing aroma and subtle flavor. When selecting mint, choose bright green, fresh leaves without any wilting. Chopping them finely and adding them directly on top of each bruschetta allows their flavor to permeate each bite.

Balsamic Glaze Tips

Balsamic glaze elevates this simple dish with its tangy sweetness. If you prefer to make your own, you can simmer balsamic vinegar on low heat until it reduces by half, thickening it into a syrupy consistency in about 15-20 minutes. This homemade glaze will keep in the fridge for weeks, perfect for drizzling on various dishes.

When drizzling the glaze, a light hand is best; just a few drops can enhance the flavor without overpowering the strawberries and cream cheese. I recommend using a squeeze bottle for better control, ensuring that each piece is artfully decorated and gets a bit of that delicious balsamic goodness.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make the cream cheese mixture ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the cream cheese mixture a few hours in advance and refrigerate it until you’re ready to use it. Just bring it to room temperature before spreading it on the bread.

→ What other fruits can I use for this bruschetta?

You can use a variety of fruits like peaches, nectarines, or blueberries. Each fruit will offer a delicious twist to the flavor profile.

→ Is there a gluten-free option for the bread?

Absolutely! You can use gluten-free bread or crackers as a substitute for the baguette.

→ How should I store leftover bruschetta?

Leftover bruschetta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a day. The bread may soften, so it's best enjoyed fresh.