Description
These Apple & Brie Crostini with Hot Honey combine crispy toasted baguette slices topped with creamy Brie cheese, thinly sliced apples, and a drizzle of spicy hot honey. Garnished with fresh thyme and a touch of seasoning, this elegant appetizer offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures perfect for entertaining or a sophisticated snack.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Crostini
- 1 French baguette, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Toppings
- 8 ounces Brie cheese, sliced or cut into small pieces
- 2 medium-sized apples, such as Honeycrisp or Granny Smith, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup hot honey (store-bought or homemade)
- Fresh thyme leaves, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it’s at the right temperature for toasting the baguette slices.
- Arrange Baguette Slices: Place the baguette slices on a baking sheet in a single layer to allow even toasting on each piece.
- Butter the Slices: Spread a thin layer of softened unsalted butter on one side of each baguette slice for added flavor and crispiness.
- Toast Bread: Bake the buttered baguette slices in the preheated oven for 5-7 minutes or until they turn golden and crisp.
- Cool Slightly: Remove the toasted baguette slices from the oven and let them cool just enough to handle safely.
- Prepare Apples: While the crostini cool, thinly slice the apples, which will add freshness and a pleasant crunch.
- Add Brie Cheese: On the toasted side of each crostini, place a slice or small piece of Brie cheese to create a creamy base.
- Top with Apple: Layer a thin apple slice over the Brie, covering it well to balance the creamy cheese with crisp fruit.
- Drizzle Hot Honey: Drizzle a small amount of hot honey over the apple topping for a sweet and spicy kick that soaks slightly into the cheese.
- Season: Lightly sprinkle each crostini with salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance all the flavors.
- Melt Brie: Return the crostini to the oven for 2-4 minutes, just long enough for the Brie to soften and melt without losing shape.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven, garnish each crostini with fresh thyme leaves, and serve immediately to enjoy the warm gooey cheese paired with crisp apples and spicy honey.
Notes
- Use firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for a nice contrast to the creamy Brie.
- If you prefer less heat, adjust the quantity of hot honey or substitute with regular honey.
- Make sure the butter is softened to ensure easy spreading on the baguette slices.
- For a more pronounced herb flavor, you can lightly toast fresh thyme along with the crostini before serving.
- This appetizer is best served immediately to enjoy the Brie while warm and melty.
