Description
A delicious Balsamic Strawberry Crisp topped with Goat Cheese, perfect for a vegetarian dessert.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 cup oats, gluten-free or old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/4 cup oat flour
- 1/2 cup butter, cubed
- 11/2 teaspoon flaky sea salt
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 4 tablespoons goat cheese
- 11/2 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper
- 10 thyme sprigs, leaves removed
- Honey to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Strawberries & Balsamic: Start by hulling and slicing your strawberries, then toss them in balsamic vinegar. Mix gently and enjoy the sweet, tangy aroma filling the air. Be careful not to let them sit too long in the vinegar, or they can become mushy.
- Make the Oat Topping: In a bowl, mix oats, oat flour, and a touch of honey. Use your hands to grab handfuls and create clumps. This mixture will become crispy when baked, adding a wonderful crunch to the soft berries. Do not skip the clumping to avoid ending up with a flat topping.
- Combine Fruit & Topping: Layer the balsamic-soaked strawberries in the baking dish, then sprinkle the oat mixture evenly on top. Ensure that the vibrant strawberries are well-covered with the golden oats; getting the distribution right helps every bite pack a punch of flavor.
- Bake Until Golden: Place the dish in the oven and let it bake until the topping is golden brown, about 20 minutes. You will know it is ready when your kitchen smells delightful and the topping looks crispy. Keep an eye on it; burnt bits are not desired.
- Add Goat Cheese Last: After removing it from the oven, crumble soft goat cheese on top while the crisp is still hot. The cheese will melt beautifully as it rests, adding delicious creaminess. Ensure you use fresh cheese for optimal melting and flavor.
Notes
- Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the oven at 350 degrees F for about 10 minutes or until warm.
- Expert Tips: To avoid a soggy topping, make sure the oat mixture forms clumps and fully covers the strawberries before baking.
- If the dessert tastes overly sweet, reduce the honey and adjust the balsamic vinegar to enhance the tanginess.
- For a creamy melt from the goat cheese, ensure you use soft, fresh cheese.
- For extra crunch, consider adding nuts to the topping.
- Reheating Instructions: Reheat in the oven at 350 degrees F for about 10 minutes or until warmed through.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Pair it with lightly salted crackers for a savory contrast.
- Enjoy it with a dollop of whipped cream.
- Recipe Variations: For different flavors, incorporate raspberries or blueberries for mixed berry flavors.
- Add a crumb topping with nuts for extra crunch.
- Ingredient Notes: Use overripe strawberries for the best results.
- If you need substitutions, you can use all-purpose flour for oat flour or mascarpone for goat cheese, but keep in mind that the flavor will be milder.
- When swapping balsamic vinegar, red wine vinegar can be used, but the flavor will be slightly sharper.
- You can replace honey with maple syrup if needed.
- Make sure to thaw and drain frozen strawberries thoroughly before use to avoid excess moisture, ensuring your crisp remains delicious.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 201
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 411mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 34mg