Grilled Strawberry Jalapeño and Cream Cheese Crostini

These grilled strawberry jalapeño and cream cheese crostini are a sweet, spicy, and creamy appetizer that always stands out. I like how the strawberries caramelize slightly on the grill, pairing beautifully with the tang of cream cheese and the kick of jalapeño. The toasted crostini base adds just the right amount of crunch, making this a unique bite-sized treat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I like this recipe because it’s simple yet impressive. The mix of sweet strawberries, spicy jalapeños, and creamy cheese makes each crostini full of flavor. I enjoy how it works as both a snack and an elegant appetizer for gatherings. It’s also quick to put together, which makes it even better.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• baguette, sliced into thin rounds

• olive oil

• cream cheese, softened

• fresh strawberries, halved or sliced

• fresh jalapeños, thinly sliced

• honey or balsamic glaze (optional for drizzling)

• salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1. I preheat my grill or grill pan over medium heat.

2. I brush the baguette slices lightly with olive oil and grill them until golden and crisp, about 1–2 minutes per side.

3. I place the strawberries on the grill just long enough to get light grill marks and soften slightly.

4. I spread a layer of cream cheese on each toasted crostini.

5. I top with a grilled strawberry slice and a thin jalapeño slice.

6. I finish with a drizzle of honey or balsamic glaze and a pinch of salt and pepper.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 12 crostini, depending on the size of the baguette. It usually takes me 10 minutes to prepare and another 10 minutes to grill and assemble, so the whole dish is ready in under 25 minutes.

Variations

I sometimes swap the cream cheese for goat cheese for a tangier flavor. When I want more heat, I use pickled jalapeños instead of fresh ones. For a sweeter touch, I drizzle with a little extra honey, or for something fancier, I use a balsamic reduction.

storage/reheating

I like to serve these crostini fresh since the bread loses its crunch over time. If I need to prepare ahead, I toast the baguette slices and grill the strawberries in advance, then assemble everything right before serving. I don’t reheat them since they’re best enjoyed at room temperature.

FAQs

Can I make these crostini ahead of time?

I prep the ingredients in advance, but I assemble them just before serving so the bread stays crisp.

What’s the best cheese to use besides cream cheese?

I sometimes use goat cheese or ricotta for a creamy but slightly different flavor.

Do I have to grill the strawberries?

No, I can use fresh strawberries without grilling, but I like the caramelized flavor grilling adds.

Can I make these less spicy?

Yes, I remove the seeds from the jalapeño slices or use fewer of them for a milder flavor.

What can I serve these crostini with?

I like to pair them with a cheese board, a glass of wine, or other light appetizers for a balanced spread.

Conclusion

These grilled strawberry jalapeño and cream cheese crostini are one of my favorite appetizers because they combine sweet, spicy, creamy, and crunchy all in one bite. I like how quickly they come together and how they always impress guests. Whether I make them for a casual snack or a party platter, they’re always a hit.