If you’re looking for Christmas appetizer recipes, this Raisin Jam and Goat Cheese Crostini topped with pomegranate seeds and fresh basil is an easy holiday recipe with no sugar added.

I was compensated by California Raisins via the Kitchen PLAY network for this recipe. As always, thank you for reading and supporting brands I work with.
I know I’ve been giving you a ton of dessert recipes lately, but today I want to share something savory with a special ingredient. As a baker, it’s no surprise how many pounds of sugar I go through a year. Just last week, I bought 12 pounds of sugar because I was running low in my pantry. Then there’s brown sugar, powdered sugar, coconut sugar, all kinds of sugar. Sugar in my coffee, sugar in my hot chocolate. I think saying that I love sugar is an understatement. With that said, I don’t mind playing with alternatives that can make a recipe a bit healthier, like raisins. Yes, raisins as an alternative to sugar. I was a little skeptical at first, but it totally worked with raisin jam. I love those appetizers where you pair pepper jelly with cream cheese, so why not try it with raisin jam and goat cheese? Recently, California Raisins challenged me to use raisins as a natural way to sweeten recipes. My recipes. Without actual (or very little) sugar. Could I really make this happen? The answer – yes, and this Raisin Jam and Goat Cheese Crostini topped with pomegranate seeds and fresh basil is proof that you don’t need sugar to make an amazing festive appetizer for holiday parties.

Sometimes when I get an idea for a recipe, I’m not sure how it’ll work out. Raisin jam was the first thing to pop into my head. I’m not sure if this really qualifies as a jam by definition since there is no pectin and you use a food processor to smooth it out, but let’s go with it. I started out by caramelizing red onion. Then I added balsamic vinegar for some acidity and raisins for some sweetness. The jam alone was a sweet epiphany (then again, anything with balsamic vinegar is my kryptonite). To balance out the jam, I paired it with goat cheese for a bit of tang and topped with pomegranate seeds for a bit of crunch and fresh basil for a bit of freshness.

I never would’ve tried using raisins as a sweetener, but it does make sense when you think about it. Raisins are an all-natural, dried-by-the-sun fruit with no added sugar. I grew up eating raisins in my oatmeal and only needed to add a sprinkle of brown sugar and cinnamon. Bonus points for being full of iron and potassium with zero fat and no cholesterol. Raisins are also the most economical dried fruit, so this is great news for those of you watching your grocery budgets. For more information and recipes, check out California Raisins’ website and get social with their Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest accounts.

Can I go on the record and say that crostini should totally be acceptable for dinner? I shot this recipe right before dinnertime, which was a big mistake because then all I ate for dinner that night was crostini. I might have made a side of pasta to make it a full meal. No regrets.
The crostini is best served immediately upon assembly, but the raisin jam can be made ahead of time. Once completely cool, store in the refrigerator. Let sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before using.Raisin Jam and Goat Cheese Crostini
Ingredients
Raisin Jam
Crostini
Instructions
For the raisin jam
To assemble the crostini
More Christmas Appetizer Recipes For You

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Goat Cheese, Bacon, and Pistachio Truffles
Disclosure: I was compensated by California Raisins via the Kitchen PLAY network for this recipe. As always, thank you for reading and supporting brands I work with, which allows me to bring you more recipes. All opinions, text, and photographs are my own.
Beth says
Carla, these photos are so gorgeous!! I love that you used the raisins to sweeten the jam because I could stand eating less sugar!
Carla says
Thanks Beth! It’s a little unexpected using raisins instead of sugar, but it totally worked.
Toni | BoulderLocavore says
What a completely ingenious recipe Carla! Raisin jam?! Perfect for the season and so many ideas where else it could be used! Love this.
Carla says
I bet you could do a lot with raisin jam on its own! Secret – it almost didn’t make it onto the crostini because I kept eating it from the jar ;) Thanks Toni!
Jennie @themessybakerblog says
This is beyond creative, Carla. Pass a few of those crostini my way. Pinned.
Carla says
Thanks! And passing ;)
Becca from It's Yummi! says
These are GORGEOUS, Carla! I love pomegranates and the idea of raisin jam sounds Heavenly!
Carla says
Thanks, Becca! I just recently discovered I love pomegranate seeds, so I included some for crunch and color.
heather @french press says
I never would have thought to use raisins as a sweetener, I cannot wait to try it!
Carla says
I was pretty amazed at how well they worked as a sweetener. Who knew! :)
Lori @ Foxes Love Lemons says
Oh, crostini is REGULARLY a dinner here in my house. Especially if I happen to make two different kinds, and refer to it as a “crostini bar.” hahaha.
You know that I’m all about a balance of sweet and savory things, and these are totally up my alley. I love the natural sweetness of raisins. They’re probably more of a pantry staple for me than sugar, actually!
Carla says
Raisins are starting to become my go-to sweetener for oatmeal in the mornings. Not that I used much sugar to begin with, but the raisins add that much needed touch. And love the idea of the “crostini bar” – it’s kinda like the same thing as a salad bar, right?
Anne-Marie @ This Mama Cooks! On a Diet says
If it’s not a jam, then maybe it’s a fruit spread. Whatever the case may be, it looks delicious!
Carla says
I was thinking the same thing about the fruit spread, but then I decided jam sounded a little more fancier for appetizers ;) Thanks!
Meg @ The Housewife in Training Files says
Oh crostini’s are a staple dinner of ours all the time! So no shame there ;) And the raisin and balsamic vinegar jam is genius. Everything I love wrapped into one sweet bite!
Carla says
I mean crostini is like a mini compact dinner right? Have all the flavors in one handheld bite? ;) Thanks Meg!
Annemarie (Real Food Real Deals) says
This looks fantastic, Carla! I love that you put vinegar in the jam for that savory kick, and the raisins add the perfect sweet touch.
Carla says
The balance of the vinegar and raisins really do make this jam shine. Thanks Annemarie!
Kate | Food Babbles says
Oh my goodness! Talk about holiday entertaining perfection! These crostini are exquisite. Have to give these a try soon.
Carol at Wild Goose Tea says
What an inspired creative idea!!!! I am giving a couple of gold stars for this. Different and easy too!
Karen @ The Food Charlatan says
Raisins are my jam. Okay I had to. :) I really love this flavor combo! Great idea!
Anna @ Crunchy Creamy Sweet says
Carla, this is so creative! Mind blowing! I need to try the raisin jam!
Nutmeg Nanny says
This crostini looks delicious! Love the idea of a raisin jam…yum!
Ohmydish says
Hi ! We put up a list of the TOP 100 best Christmas recipes for 2015. Your recipe was also included on this list. Go check it out at: http://ohmydish.com/100-best-christmas-recipes-2015/ Greetings, Veronique and Marco from ohmydish.com
Roshani Khanna says
Mmmmmm…..yum. This looks totally amazing. I’m just starring at the screen looking at how delicious they look. : )
Monalisa Roy says
I always hungry to see that types of delicious food .. thanks to share with that type of items…
Shilpa says
That looks really, truly delicious. I think I’m coming to live at your house ;)
Yami says
My mouth is watering just reading this and looking at the pics, this sounds like perfect comfort food after a long day.
Shilpa Malhotra says
this is AWESOME!!! yummy. I can’t wait to try this! Pinned!