There is something truly magical about the combination of creamy brie, crisp apples, and sweet honey atop crunchy crostini. The Brie, Apple, and Honey Crostini Recipe perfectly balances rich, tart, and sweet flavors with a satisfying crunch. Each bite delivers a delightful contrast of textures, making it an irresistible appetizer or snack that’s both elegant and incredibly simple to prepare. Whether you’re hosting a cozy get-together or treating yourself to a gourmet bite, this recipe never fails to impress and delight.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward yet essential to crafting the perfect bite. Each element adds its own charm: the baguette provides a crisp base, brie brings creamy richness, apple butter adds subtle fruitiness, fresh apples contribute crunch and acidity, while candied pecans and honey deliver irresistible sweet notes.
- Baguette, sliced ½-inch: Choose a fresh, crusty baguette to ensure a perfect crunch that holds all toppings beautifully.
- Apple butter: A generous dollop spreads a smooth layer of warm, spiced fruit flavor under the cheese.
- Six ounces brie, thinly sliced: Soft and creamy, brie melts to create a luscious base for the apple and honey topping.
- Two large apples, thinly sliced: Tart or sweet apples work well; lemon juice stops them from browning and keeps them bright.
- Fresh lemon juice: Just a squeeze prevents apple slices from turning dull and keeps flavors fresh.
- Half cup chopped candied pecans: Adds crunchy texture and a toasty, caramelized sweetness that complements the cheese perfectly.
- Honey for drizzling: Finish with a light drizzle of honey for golden, floral sweetness that ties the whole dish together.
How to Make Brie, Apple, and Honey Crostini Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Bread and Apple Butter
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread 1–2 teaspoons of apple butter on one side of each baguette slice; this adds a lovely layer of sweet, spiced fruit flavor that will infuse the crostini as they bake. Arrange the slices carefully on a large baking sheet, ensuring they lie flat and not overlapping for even toasting.
Step 2: Add Brie and Bake
Next, top each slice with a thin piece of brie. The brie melts beautifully in the oven, creating a creamy, oozy layer that contrasts perfectly with the crunchy bread base. Bake the crostini for 5 to 7 minutes, just until the cheese melts without losing its delicate structure.
Step 3: Prepare the Apple Slices
While your crostini bake, thinly slice the apples and remove the cores. Toss them gently with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to preserve their bright color and sharp flavor — this step keeps the crostini as visually inviting as they taste.
Step 4: Assemble the Toppings
Remove the crostini from the oven and immediately place a thin apple slice on each. Sprinkle chopped candied pecans generously over the top. The nuts add a wonderful crunch and a sweet undertone balanced nicely against the smooth cheese. Finish with a drizzle of honey for that extra touch of sweetness and gloss.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Serve these little bites immediately while the brie is warm and melty, the bread still crisp, and the apples fresh and bright. They make a fantastic appetizer or snack guaranteed to wow guests and satisfy a craving for something both light and indulgent.
How to Serve Brie, Apple, and Honey Crostini Recipe
Garnishes
Consider adding fresh thyme leaves or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper for a pop of color and a hint of herbaceous or spicy contrast to the sweet and creamy flavors. A few microgreens can also elevate the presentation and freshen each bite.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs beautifully with light salads, such as arugula dressed in lemon vinaigrette, or a crisp white wine to complement the creamy brie and sweet honey notes. For a fuller spread, include a charcuterie board with cured meats and olives to satisfy all taste preferences.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange the crostini artfully on a wooden board or slate tray, alternating the apple slices and drizzling honey tableside for a touch of theater. You can also serve them alongside small bowls of extra apple butter and honey for guests to customize their bites—making this a fun and interactive appetizer.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover crostini, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Keep the apple slices separate if possible to prevent sogginess and add them fresh when serving again.
Freezing
Freezing is not ideal for this recipe because the texture of the apples and melted brie won’t hold up well after thawing. For best results, enjoy fresh whenever possible.
Reheating
To reheat, pop the crostini into a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes to restore crispness and gently warm the cheese. Avoid microwaving as it can make the bread soggy and the cheese rubbery.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese instead of brie?
Absolutely! While brie offers a creamy and mild flavor that’s perfect here, you can substitute with camembert or a mild goat cheese for a slightly different but equally delicious result.
What kind of apples work best for this recipe?
Tart apples like Granny Smith or honeycrisp work wonderfully because their brightness balances the richness of the cheese and sweetness of the honey. Feel free to experiment with your favorite variety, just be sure to slice them thinly.
Is there a vegan alternative for the brie?
Yes, there are several plant-based soft cheeses available now that melt similarly to brie. Look for a creamy cashew-based cheese or almond cheese that will complement the other flavors nicely.
Can I prepare the crostini entirely in advance?
While you can prep the bread and apple slices ahead, assembling right before serving is best to maintain crispness and freshness, especially with the apple slices and melted cheese.
How much honey should I drizzle per crostini?
A light drizzle of about half a teaspoon per crostini is perfect—it adds just enough sweetness without overpowering the other ingredients.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been searching for an effortless yet show-stopping appetizer, the Brie, Apple, and Honey Crostini Recipe is a winner every time. Its delightful combination of flavors and textures makes it a true crowd-pleaser. I encourage you to try it soon—your taste buds and guests will thank you!
Print
Brie, Apple, and Honey Crostini Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Total Time: 12 minutes
- Yield: 16 crostini
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Brie, Apple, and Honey Crostini are an elegant and easy appetizer that combines creamy melted brie, sweet apple butter, fresh apple slices, and crunchy candied pecans drizzled with honey atop toasted baguette slices. Perfect for entertaining or a sophisticated snack.
Ingredients
Bread Base
- 1 baguette, cut into ½-inch slices
Spreads and Cheese
- 1 jar apple butter (about 1–2 teaspoons per slice)
- 6 ounces brie, sliced thin (Murray’s brie recommended)
Fruit and Toppings
- 2 large apples, thinly sliced
- Squeeze of fresh lemon juice
- ½ cup candied pecans, chopped
- Honey, for drizzling
Instructions
- Preheat and spread apple butter: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread about 1–2 teaspoons of apple butter evenly on one side of each baguette slice and arrange them on a large baking sheet.
- Add brie and bake: Place a thin slice of brie on top of each buttered baguette slice. Bake in the preheated oven for 5–7 minutes, or until the brie has melted and is slightly bubbly.
- Prepare apples: While the crostini bake, thinly slice the apples and remove the core. Immediately squeeze fresh lemon juice over the apple slices to prevent browning.
- Assemble toppings: Remove the melted brie crostini from the oven. Top each crostini with a slice or two of the lemon-tossed apple slices, then sprinkle chopped candied pecans evenly over each piece. Drizzle honey lightly over the assembled crostini to finish.
- Serve: Serve the crostini immediately while warm for the best flavor and texture, ensuring the brie remains melty and the apples fresh.
Notes
- Use a good quality brie like Murray’s for best flavor and melt.
- Thinly slice apples for easier biting and better presentation.
- Apple butter quantity can be adjusted based on sweetness preference.
- Serve crostini warm and freshly assembled for optimal taste and texture.
- Can be customized with different nuts or drizzle flavor, like maple syrup instead of honey.
