If the strawberries aren't very sweet, place the slices in a bowl and sprinkle them with one to two teaspoons of sugar. Let them sit for a while; this will help to draw out their natural juices and enhance their sweetness.
Preheat your broiler. Place the baguette slices on a sheet pan and give them a light brush with olive oil. This step is essential for achieving that perfect golden toast.
Broil the baguette slices for about a minute or so on one side, until they're browned. Keep a close eye on them, as they can go from perfectly toasted to burnt in a flash!
Once toasted, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool to room temperature. I typically only toast one side, but if you enjoy an extra crisp, feel free to flip them and toast the other side as well.
While the baguette cools, mix together the mascarpone cheese and your choice of goat cheese or blue cheese until smooth. This creamy mixture will serve as the perfect base for your toppings.
Spread the cheese mixture generously over the toasted side of each baguette. Don’t be shy—this is where the richness comes from!
Layer the slices of the sweetened strawberries over the cheese, making sure to distribute them evenly. The vibrant red color will make your crostini visually stunning.
Sprinkle the fresh basil chiffonade over the strawberries. The aroma of the basil will enhance the dish, adding an aromatic freshness.
Just before serving, drizzle the crostini with aged balsamic vinegar. This step is crucial, as it ties all the flavors together and adds a tangy finish that balances the sweetness of the strawberries.
