If you are looking for an appetizer that combines creamy, sweet, and crunchy all in one bite, this Brie, Apple, and Honey Crostini Recipe will become your new go-to. It’s the perfect balance of rich brie melting over crisp baguette slices, layered with thin apple slices for a refreshing contrast and finished with a drizzle of honey and crunchy candied pecans for that irresistible sweet-savory flavor. Whether you’re hosting a cozy gathering or simply craving something delicious yet simple, these crostini hit every note and will leave everyone asking for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is half the joy here because they’re straightforward but each one plays a crucial role in making the flavors sing. From the creamy brie to the tart apples and sweet honey, the harmony of these ingredients creates an unforgettable taste experience.
- Baguette: Choose a fresh baguette sliced into ½-inch rounds for the perfect crispy base that holds all the toppings.
- Apple Butter: A luscious spread that adds fruitiness and a hint of spice underneath the cheese.
- Brie cheese: Thinly sliced, ideally a quality brie like Murray’s, which melts beautifully and offers a creamy texture.
- Apples: Use two large, crisp apples sliced thinly and tossed with lemon juice to keep them fresh and bright.
- Lemon Juice: A squeeze prevents browning and adds a bit of tartness to balance the sweetness.
- Candied Pecans: Chopped for the perfect crunchy contrast that elevates texture and flavor.
- Honey: A generous drizzle on top adds floral sweetness and ties everything together.
How to Make Brie, Apple, and Honey Crostini Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Baguette
First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lay your baguette slices out on a baking sheet. Spread 1 to 2 teaspoons of apple butter on one side of each slice. This step infuses the crostini with a subtle sweetness and helps the brie meld perfectly during baking.
Step 2: Add Brie and Bake
Next, place a thin slice of brie onto each apple butter-coated baguette slice. Pop the tray in the oven and bake for about 5 to 7 minutes until the brie melts to a soft, gooey perfection, creating a luscious layer that’s just begging to be topped.
Step 3: Prepare the Apples
While the brie melts, thinly slice your apples, removing the cores, and toss them with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. This keeps the apple slices crisp and vibrant, adding a fresh, juicy note that balances the richness of the cheese.
Step 4: Assemble the Crostini
Once the crostini are out of the oven, gently top each slice with a few apple slices. Sprinkle the chopped candied pecans evenly over the top for that delightful crunch. Finish with a generous drizzle of honey for sweetness and a glossy sheen. Serve immediately to enjoy the contrast of warm, melty brie with crisp apples and pecans.
How to Serve Brie, Apple, and Honey Crostini Recipe
Garnishes
To make your Brie, Apple, and Honey Crostini Recipe even more stunning, consider adding a sprinkle of fresh thyme or rosemary leaves. These herbs offer a fragrant, herbaceous note that complements the sweet and savory layers beautifully.
Side Dishes
Pair your crostini with a light green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette or a bowl of warm butternut squash soup. These side dishes keep the meal elevated yet light, letting your crostini shine as the star of the show.
Creative Ways to Present
For an elegant touch, arrange your crostini on a wooden serving board or slate platter lined with fresh greens. You can also serve them alongside assorted nuts, olives, or charcuterie for an irresistible spread that invites everyone to nibble and enjoy.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store the crostini components separately for best results. Keep the baked baguette slices and brie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Store the apple slices and candied pecans separately to maintain freshness and crunch.
Freezing
This Brie, Apple, and Honey Crostini Recipe is best enjoyed fresh, so freezing isn’t recommended as the texture of the apples and brie can suffer. Instead, you can freeze plain baguette slices for future use.
Reheating
To reheat, place the crostini in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes until warmed through. Add fresh apple slices and honey before serving for the best texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese instead of brie?
Absolutely! While brie offers a creamy richness that’s hard to beat, you can try camembert or a mild goat cheese for a different twist. Just keep in mind the melting properties and adjust baking time if needed.
What kind of apples work best for this crostini?
Firm, crisp apples such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji are ideal because they add a tart or sweet crunch that contrasts nicely with the soft brie and sweet honey.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?
Yes, by swapping brie cheese for a plant-based cheese alternative and using maple syrup instead of honey, you can create a vegan-friendly version that still boasts delicious flavors.
Can I prepare this recipe for a large party?
Definitely! The simplicity and scalability of this Brie, Apple, and Honey Crostini Recipe make it perfect for entertaining a crowd. Just multiply the ingredients accordingly and serve on large platters.
How should I slice the baguette for the perfect crostini?
Cut the baguette into ½-inch thick slices to ensure the base is sturdy enough to hold the toppings without being too thick or too thin, striking the perfect balance of crispy and tender.
Final Thoughts
This Brie, Apple, and Honey Crostini Recipe is a true celebration of flavors and textures that come together effortlessly. Once you try it, you’ll see how a handful of simple ingredients can elevate your hosting game or snack time. So grab your baguette and get ready to delight your taste buds with this little bite of heaven.
Print
Brie, Apple, and Honey Crostini Recipe
- Total Time: 12 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Brie, Apple, and Honey Crostini offer a delightful blend of creamy cheese, sweet apple butter, fresh apple slices, and crunchy candied pecans, all drizzled with honey on toasted baguette slices. Perfect as an elegant appetizer or a sophisticated snack, this easy recipe combines fresh and sweet flavors with a melty, warm texture in under 20 minutes.
Ingredients
Bread
- 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 Nuts
- 2 large apples, thinly sliced
- Squeeze of fresh lemon juice
- ½ cup candied pecans, chopped
Finishing
- Honey, for drizzling
Instructions
- Prepare the Baguette: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread about 1–2 teaspoons of apple butter on one side of each sliced baguette piece and arrange them evenly on a large baking sheet to get ready for baking.
- Add Brie and Bake: Place a thin slice of brie on top of each apple butter–spread baguette slice. Bake the slices in the preheated oven for 5 to 7 minutes, until the brie is melted and bubbly.
- Prepare the Apples: While the crostini bake, thinly slice the apples and remove their cores. Immediately squeeze fresh lemon juice over the apple slices to prevent browning and keep them fresh for assembly.
- Assemble the Crostini: Once the crostini are melted and golden, remove them from the oven. Top each with a slice or two of the prepared apples, sprinkle the chopped candied pecans evenly over the crostini, then finish with a generous drizzle of honey for sweetness and a glossy finish.
- Serve: Serve the crostini immediately while warm to enjoy the perfect balance of flavors and textures—the creamy brie, sweet honey, tart apples, and crunchy pecans.
Notes
- Use fresh lemon juice on apple slices to avoid browning and maintain a vibrant look.
- Thinly slicing the brie helps it melt evenly and quickly in the oven.
- Feel free to substitute candied pecans with walnuts or almonds for variation.
- This recipe is best enjoyed warm; leftover crostini can be briefly reheated but are not ideal for long storage.
- For a savory twist, add a pinch of black pepper or fresh thyme before baking.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
