Pickled Strawberries

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These pickled strawberries offer a surprising twist with their balance of sweetness and tartness, making them an unexpected yet delightful topping for crispy sourdough toasts. When paired with creamy goat cheese, a hint of fresh thyme, and a drizzle of honey, the flavors blend into a perfectly balanced bite – fresh, tangy, and sweet.

The recipe is easy and quick to put together, with a touch of sophistication that will impress your guests or add a gourmet flair to your casual snack. Perfect for a spring brunch, picnic, or an appetizer spread, these pickled strawberry toasts are bound to be a conversation starter.

Full Recipe:

For the Pickled Strawberries:

1 1/2 cups halved strawberries (enough to fill a jar)
1/3 cup white balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon sugar

pinch of salt
1 tablespoon peppercorns
water to fill the rest of the jar

For Toasts:

6–7 slices sourdough
4 to 8 ounces of goat cheese (1 or 2 packages)

fresh thyme leaves
drizzle of honey
pinch of salt

Directions:

Pickling the Strawberries: Place the halved strawberries in a jar. Add the vinegar, sugar, salt, and peppercorns. Fill to the top with water. Secure the lid and shake gently to combine.
Refrigerate: Place the jar in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, and up to 2 days. The best flavor and texture are within the first 12-24 hours.

Prepare the Toasts: Fry or grill the sourdough slices. Heat olive oil on a griddle over medium heat and fry the bread until golden and crispy.
Assemble: Smear the goat cheese on the toasts. Top with pickled strawberries, gently smashing them with a fork. Sprinkle with thyme leaves, drizzle with honey, and finish with a pinch of salt. Serve immediately.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Refrigeration Time: 2 hours | Total Time: 2 hours and 10 minutes

Servings: 6-7 toasts

About Pickled Strawberries:

Pickling strawberries might sound unusual, but it’s a simple process that brings out a unique combination of sweet and tangy flavors, making them an ideal topping for toasts, salads, or even as a side to a cheese platter. White balsamic vinegar is the key to the pickling process in this recipe – it has a naturally sweet and mild flavor that enhances the strawberries without overpowering their natural taste.

The Perfect Pairing:

Pairing these pickled strawberries with creamy goat cheese creates a delightful contrast: the strawberries are sweet, tart, and slightly peppery, while the goat cheese is creamy and tangy. The thyme leaves add an herbal touch that complements the fruity and savory flavors. Drizzling a bit of honey over the toasts provides a final layer of sweetness, making each bite an explosion of flavor.

Tips for Customizing:

Switch the Bread: Sourdough adds a rustic and slightly chewy texture that works well with the creamy and tangy toppings, but you can use any type of bread you prefer. A multigrain loaf, baguette slices, or even gluten-free bread can be substituted depending on dietary preferences.
Cheese Alternatives: Goat cheese is used for its distinct flavor and creaminess, but cream cheese or ricotta can also be great alternatives. For a dairy-free version, a plant-based cream cheese works beautifully.
Herbs and Seasonings: Thyme adds an earthy note, but other herbs like basil or mint can also enhance the flavor. Fresh cracked black pepper is another option to sprinkle over the toasts if you prefer a more pronounced peppery kick.

Serving Suggestions: While these pickled strawberry crostinis are perfect as an appetizer, you can serve them as part of a brunch spread, a sophisticated picnic snack, or even as a light summer dinner alongside a salad or soup.

Pickling Process and Storage:

The pickling process is simple and only requires a few hours to infuse the strawberries with flavor. It’s recommended to let them marinate in the fridge for at least 2 hours before serving, but they can be left for up to 2 days. The optimal window to enjoy them is within the first 12-24 hours when the strawberries have absorbed all the flavor without getting too soft.

If you prepare a larger batch, the pickled strawberries can be kept in the fridge for up to a week, and they can be used in various dishes, such as:

Adding them to yogurt and granola bowls for breakfast
Topping fresh green salads with nuts and a balsamic reduction
Serving with soft cheeses as a part of a charcuterie board

Health Benefits:

This recipe is not only delicious but also carries some health benefits:

Strawberries are packed with vitamin C, antioxidants, and fiber, making them great for immune health and digestion.
Goat cheese is easier to digest for many compared to cow’s milk cheese, providing protein and calcium.

Whole grain sourdough bread adds complex carbohydrates and fiber.

Fun Fact:

Pickling isn’t just for cucumbers! Strawberries and other fruits like peaches, blueberries, and cherries can be pickled to add exciting flavors to your dishes. The process is similar across most fruits: a balance of vinegar, sugar, and spices brings out a delightful taste profile that’s different from their raw state.

Pairing Ideas:

This recipe pairs wonderfully with:

A sparkling wine or rosé to complement the acidity and sweetness of the pickled strawberries.
A fresh summer salad with mixed greens, nuts, and a light vinaigrette.
Grilled meats or seafood as a side accompaniment to add a fresh and zesty flavor contrast.

How to Choose and Prepare the Strawberries:

When making pickled strawberries, the freshness and ripeness of the strawberries are key to achieving the best flavor and texture.

Choose Ripe Yet Firm Strawberries: For this recipe, look for strawberries that are ripe but still firm. They should be red all over with no green or white patches. The firmness will help them hold up during the pickling process and prevent them from becoming too mushy.
Hull and Halve Carefully: Removing the green tops (hulling) is important to ensure a smooth bite. Cutting the strawberries in halves or quarters (depending on size) ensures they absorb the pickling brine evenly.

White Balsamic Vinegar – A Game Changer:

White balsamic vinegar is a star ingredient in this recipe. It’s different from traditional dark balsamic vinegar in that it is lighter, both in color and flavor.

Flavor Profile: With its slightly sweet and delicate flavor, it adds tang without overwhelming the natural sweetness of the strawberries. It’s milder compared to the strong, syrupy dark balsamic, which can sometimes overpower a dish.
Other Vinegar Options: If you can’t find white balsamic vinegar, you can try apple cider vinegar or champagne vinegar for a similar gentle tang. Avoid strong vinegars like red wine vinegar or white distilled vinegar as they can be too harsh for this recipe.

Playing with the Flavors:

One of the joys of pickling is the ability to customize flavors based on your preferences. Here are some variations and additional ingredients you can experiment with:

Spices and Aromatics: If you’re looking for a more complex flavor, try adding spices like cinnamon sticks, star anise, or cloves to the pickling liquid. Fresh herbs like rosemary, tarragon, or basil also add an extra layer of flavor to the strawberries.
Sweeteners: While this recipe uses sugar to balance the acidity, you can swap it out for honey, agave syrup, or maple syrup for a different touch of sweetness.

Peppercorns for a Bite: The black peppercorns add a hint of warmth and a slight crunch to the strawberries. Feel free to add more peppercorns for an extra peppery punch or experiment with other varieties like pink peppercorns for a milder flavor.

Uses Beyond the Toasts:

While the combination of goat cheese and pickled strawberries on sourdough toast is divine, there are plenty of other creative ways to use these pickled strawberries:

Salads: Toss the pickled strawberries with arugula, candied pecans, and feta cheese for a refreshing summer salad. A light lemon or honey vinaigrette would complement the pickled flavor perfectly.

Cheese Boards: Include these pickled strawberries as part of a cheese platter. They pair exceptionally well with soft cheeses like brie or camembert and add a burst of flavor alongside nuts, olives, and cured meats.
Dessert Topping: Try them as a topping for vanilla ice cream, panna cotta, or even cheesecake for a unique dessert twist that combines sweet, tangy, and savory elements.
Breakfast Bowls: Add them to oatmeal, chia seed pudding, or a yogurt parfait for a flavorful morning boost. Their tangy sweetness provides a delicious contrast to creamy and mild breakfast bases.

Nutritional Benefits and Special Diets:

This recipe can be tailored to various dietary preferences and offers some great nutritional benefits:

Low Calorie and Low Fat: The strawberries themselves are low in calories and fat, making them a great option for a light snack.
Dairy-Free Options: For those who are dairy-free or vegan, try swapping out goat cheese for cashew cheese or any plant-based spreadable cheese. A dollop of coconut yogurt can also provide creaminess while keeping it dairy-free.

Gluten-Free Variations: Simply use gluten-free bread to make the toasts suitable for those with gluten sensitivities or Celiac disease.
Rich in Antioxidants and Nutrients: Strawberries are packed with antioxidants, vitamin C, manganese, and folate. When combined with the thyme and olive oil used for grilling the bread, this dish provides not only flavor but also a healthy dose of nutrients.

Make It a Meal:

You can transform these crostinis from an appetizer into a full meal by pairing them with other complementary dishes:

Side of Soup: A chilled gazpacho or a creamy tomato soup pairs beautifully with these toasts and makes for a complete, refreshing summer meal.
Paired with a Protein: Serve the toasts alongside grilled chicken, seared scallops, or roasted vegetables for a more substantial dish.
Grains and Greens: Create a grain bowl by adding the pickled strawberries to a base of quinoa, farro, or couscous, combined with greens, nuts, and some crumbled cheese.

Visual Appeal and Presentation Tips:

Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkling fresh thyme not only adds flavor but also enhances the visual appeal. For a pop of color, add a few edible flowers like violets or nasturtiums.
Serve Immediately: These toasts are best served fresh to maintain their crispy texture. Assemble them just before serving to prevent the bread from becoming soggy from the pickled strawberries.

Recipe Pairings for Entertaining:

If you plan on serving these pickled strawberry toasts for a gathering, here are some ideas for accompanying dishes to create a balanced and impressive spread:

Fresh Lemonade or Sparkling Water: The sweetness of a lemon- or berry-infused drink complements the tartness of the strawberries.
Seasonal Salads: A mixed greens salad with a light vinaigrette or a watermelon and feta salad would pair well with the toasts.
Finger Foods: Other small bites like stuffed mushrooms, mini bruschetta, or caprese skewers are great choices for a party spread with different flavor profiles.

Culinary Inspiration and Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

Pickled strawberries are not your everyday topping, but that’s what makes them so special. They’re a great way to elevate a simple dish, add unexpected flavors, and make use of seasonal produce in a unique way. If you’re someone who enjoys experimenting with flavors, this recipe will quickly become a go-to, adding a fresh twist to your repertoire of appetizers or light meals.

Conclusion:

Pickled strawberries are a refreshing and versatile addition to any dish, offering a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors. Whether served on grilled sourdough crostinis with goat cheese or incorporated into salads, cheese boards, and desserts, this easy recipe brings a gourmet touch to your table. Perfect for entertaining, brunch, or a simple summer snack, these pickled strawberries are a delightful way to add a pop of flavor and creativity to your meals. Enjoy the burst of freshness and impress your guests with this unique and flavorful treat!