Pea Pesto and Goat Cheese Bruschetta Recipe

Pea Pesto Bruschetta features sweet peas, fresh mint, basil, garlic and a squeeze of lemon spread over char-grilled crusty bread and finished with creamy, tangy goat’s cheese. It’s a quick, bright appetizer, snack or light lunch—ideal for spring.

A close up of bruschetta topped with pea pesto and goat cheese on a ceramic serving board.

Bruschetta and crostini offer endless possibilities. You can stick with the classic tomato-topped Bruschetta al Pomodoro or try bolder options like Sausage and Stracchino crostini. This pea pesto version is fresh and herb-forward thanks to peas, mint and basil, balanced by lemon and a touch of garlic.

The pea pesto is spread generously on charred slices of crusty bread, topped with a dollop of creamy goat’s cheese and a drizzle of olive oil. It’s simple to make and bursting with seasonal flavour.

Scroll down for the full recipe with ingredient notes, step-by-step photos, tips and variations. For a printable recipe see the recipe card below.

Ingredient notes

An overhead shot of all the ingredients needed to make bruschetta with pea pesto and goats cheese.
  • Frozen peas – Frozen peas are convenient and work beautifully here; you can use fresh peas when they’re in season.
  • Fresh herbs – A mix of mint and basil gives the pesto a bright, aromatic lift. Use only one herb if you prefer a simpler flavour.
  • Garlic – The recipe calls for just half a clove so the garlic isn’t overwhelming; add more if you like a stronger punch.
  • Goat’s cheese – Choose a mild, creamy goat’s cheese. Ricotta, stracchino or robiola are good alternatives.
  • Crusty bread – Use a good-quality crusty white loaf or ciabatta and slice it thick enough to char-grill without falling apart.

Visual walk-through of the recipe

Slices of crusty bread getting char-grilled on a griddle pan.
Char-grill slices of bread on a hot griddle pan.
Frozen peas getting added to a small pot of boiling water.
Cook frozen peas in boiling water for 1 minute, then drain.
All ingredients for pea pesto in a bowl with an immersion blender over it.
Combine the peas and herbs, then blitz to a smooth paste.
Pea pesto blitzed to a smooth paste in a small glass bowl.
Aim for a smooth but thick paste—an immersion blender or food processor works well.

Recipe tip!

Using an immersion blender – an immersion blender is ideal for making a thick, even paste. If you use a food processor you might need a bit more olive oil or a splash of water to help it blend.

Serving suggestion

Serve these bruschetta alongside other toppings such as roasted tomatoes, cheeses, cured meats or grilled vegetables. Add simple nibbles like olives and pickled vegetables and enjoy with a chilled white wine for a relaxed spring spread.

A close up of a piece of pea pesto bruschetta cut in half sitting on a ceramic serving board.

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If you try this Pea Pesto Bruschetta or any recipe from the blog, please rate it and leave a comment to let me know how it turned out. I love hearing from readers!

Step By Step Photos Above

Most of our recipes include step-by-step photos and helpful tips to make them foolproof.

Pea Pesto Bruschetta with Creamy Goat’s Cheese

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By Emily

Prep: 10
Cook: 2
Total: 12
Servings: 4 servings
A close up of a slice of bruschetta topped with pea pesto and goats cheese on a ceramic serving board.
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Pea Pesto Bruschetta made with peas, mint, garlic and fresh lemon juice spread on char-grilled crusty bread and topped with creamy goat’s cheese. A quick and delicious spring-ready appetizer, snack or light lunch.

Ingredients

  • 4 slices crusty bread
  • 1 cup (150g) frozen peas
  • small handful fresh basil
  • small handful fresh mint leaves
  • 1 tablespoon Parmigiano Reggiano, finely grated
  • 1.7 oz (50g) goats cheese, (to top each slice)
  • 1 squeeze fresh lemon juice
  • 1/2 clove garlic
  • 1 pinch salt and pepper
  • 2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions 

  • Bring a small pot of water to the boil and heat a griddle pan over high heat.
  • Drizzle the bread slices with a little olive oil on both sides and char-grill them on the hot griddle until marked and crisp.
  • Add the peas to the boiling water and cook for 1 minute, then drain. In a bowl combine the peas with basil, mint, Parmigiano, lemon juice, garlic, 1 tablespoon olive oil and a pinch of salt and pepper. Blitz to a fine paste.
  • Spread a generous layer of pea pesto on each slice of bread, top with a spoonful of goat’s cheese, drizzle with a little olive oil, season with black pepper and serve immediately.

Notes

  • Storage – The pea pesto keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container.

Helpful Info for All Recipes

  • I use extra virgin olive oil unless otherwise stated.
  • Vegetables are medium sized unless noted.
  • Recipes are tested using a fan (convection) oven where applicable.
  • Nutrition is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation.

Nutrition

Calories: 317kcal | Carbohydrates: 39g | Protein: 13g

Nutrition information is an approximation.

Did you try this recipe?Leave a comment below!