Creating this Strawberry Goat Cheese Bruschetta is surprisingly simple and quick. Follow these step-by-step instructions to bring this delicious appetizer to life:

1. Prepare the Baguette: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice the baguette into ½-inch to ¾-inch thick slices. You should aim for about 16-20 slices, depending on the length of your baguette and desired serving size. Slicing at a slight angle can create a more visually appealing bruschetta.
2. Brush with Olive Oil: Arrange the baguette slices in a single layer on a baking sheet. Brush both sides of each slice generously with olive oil. This ensures they become beautifully golden and crispy in the oven. Don’t skimp on the olive oil; it’s crucial for flavor and texture.
3. Toast the Baguette: Bake the baguette slices in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until they are lightly golden and crisp around the edges. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning, as oven temperatures can vary. You want them toasted but not rock hard.
4. Garlic Rub (Optional but Recommended): Once the baguette slices are out of the oven and still warm, lightly rub one side of each slice with the peeled garlic clove. This imparts a subtle garlic flavor that elevates the bruschetta without being overpowering. If you prefer a milder garlic flavor, you can skip this step or use just a light rub.
5. Cool Slightly: Let the toasted baguette slices cool slightly before adding the toppings. This prevents the goat cheese from melting too much and makes them easier to handle.
6. Prepare the Strawberries: While the baguette is cooling, prepare your strawberries. Hull them (remove the green tops) and slice them into thin slices or small pieces, depending on your preference. If your strawberries are large, quartering them might be best.
7. Assemble the Bruschetta: Now it’s time to assemble! Spread a generous amount of soft goat cheese onto each toasted baguette slice. Don’t be shy with the goat cheese; it’s a key component of the flavor profile.
8. Add Strawberries and Basil: Arrange the sliced strawberries over the goat cheese. Be sure to distribute them evenly so each bruschetta bite is bursting with strawberry goodness. Sprinkle the fresh basil chiffonade (thinly sliced basil) over the strawberries. The basil adds a pop of fresh, herbaceous flavor and beautiful green color.
9. Drizzle and Season: If using, drizzle balsamic glaze over the bruschetta in a decorative pattern. A little balsamic glaze goes a long way in adding a touch of sweetness and tang. For an extra touch of sweetness, you can also drizzle a tiny bit of honey over the top. Finally, sprinkle a very light pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper over the assembled bruschetta. This enhances all the flavors and creates a balanced taste.
10. Serve Immediately: Strawberry Goat Cheese Bruschetta is best enjoyed immediately while the baguette is still crisp and the strawberries are fresh. Arrange them attractively on a platter and watch them disappear!