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If you are looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer that feels both elegant and delightfully comforting, this Apple & Brie Crostini with Hot Honey Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine the creamy, melted brie melting over a crisp baguette slice, topped with the bright crunch of fresh apple and the salty kiss of prosciutto, all finished with a drizzle of warm, spicy-sweet hot honey that ties every flavor into a perfect bite. It’s simple to make yet incredibly impressive, making it my go-to recipe whenever friends come over or I just want a special snack to fancy up my day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Apple & Brie Crostini with Hot Honey Recipe calls for straightforward ingredients that come together beautifully. Each element plays a key role from the crunchy baguette base to the luscious brie and the delightful spice in the honey drizzle, ensuring every bite is layered with texture and flavor.
- French baguette: Choose a fresh baguette sliced diagonally for perfect-sized crostini that are crisp and sturdy.
- Brie cheese: Soft and creamy, brie melts perfectly to create that irresistible gooey layer.
- Honeycrisp or Granny Smith apple: Thinly sliced for a crisp, tart contrast that cuts through the richness of the brie.
- Prosciutto: Thinly sliced and rolled to add a savory, slightly salty touch that complements the sweetness.
- Arugula: A handful of peppery greens for fresh color and a bit of bite.
- Honey: The base for your hot honey drizzle, bringing sweetness and shine.
- Hot sauce or cayenne pepper: Adds just the right amount of kick without overpowering the other flavors.
How to Make Apple & Brie Crostini with Hot Honey Recipe
Step 1: Toast the Baguette
Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and prepare a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to keep things mess-free. Lay out the baguette slices on the sheet, making sure they don’t overlap so each piece can toast evenly and become perfectly crisp.
Step 2: Melt the Brie on Top
Place a generous slice of brie cheese on each baguette slice. Pop the tray into your preheated oven and let the brie melt until it’s bubbly and just starting to turn golden around the edges, usually about 7 to 9 minutes. This step is critical because that melting cheese is what makes these crostini irresistibly luscious.
Step 3: Add Apple, Prosciutto, and Arugula
Once the crostini come out of the oven, immediately layer on your thin apple slices, the rolled prosciutto pieces, and a few arugula leaves. These toppings add crunch, saltiness, and freshness that balance the richness of the melted brie.
Step 4: Prepare the Hot Honey Drizzle
Combine the honey and hot sauce (or cayenne if you prefer) in a small bowl. Warm it gently in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds just until it is pourable but not too hot, then stir well to blend the spicy sweetness perfectly. This simple sauce is a game changer, adding a beautiful glaze and zing to the crostini.
Step 5: Drizzle and Serve
Drizzle the warm hot honey generously over each assembled crostini right before serving. This finishing touch makes every bite shine with a combination of sweet heat and gooey, melty goodness. Serve immediately to enjoy the contrast of textures at their best.
How to Serve Apple & Brie Crostini with Hot Honey Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Apple & Brie Crostini with Hot Honey Recipe even further, consider sprinkling a few toasted walnuts or pecans on top for crunch, or add a light dusting of freshly ground black pepper for a subtle spice kick. Fresh thyme leaves also work wonderfully to introduce a gentle herbal note that complements the honey and brie.
Side Dishes
This crostini pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette or alongside a lovely spread of olives and marinated vegetables. For a heartier option, serve with a bowl of rich butternut squash soup or a bright, chilled gazpacho to contrast the warm flavors of the crostini.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings, arrange the crostini on a large wooden board interspersed with clusters of fresh grapes or figs for an inviting seasonal display. Layering the crostini with small bowls of the hot honey for dipping allows everyone to customize their sweetness level, making your presentation interactive and fun.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers, store the crostini components separately in airtight containers—the bread and cheese on one side, and the apple, prosciutto, and arugula on the other. This keeps everything fresh and prevents sogginess. Assemble just before serving the next day for the best texture.
Freezing
While the Apple & Brie Crostini with Hot Honey Recipe is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the toasted baguette slices alone. Lay them flat in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Reheat gently in the oven before topping so they regain crispness.
Reheating
To reheat assembled crostini, avoid the microwave as it makes bread soggy. Instead, warm them in a low oven (around 300 degrees Fahrenheit) for a few minutes until the brie softens again. Add fresh apple, prosciutto, and hot honey drizzle after reheating to refresh the bite.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of apple for this recipe?
Absolutely! While Honeycrisp and Granny Smith apples are recommended for their crispness and balanced tartness, feel free to experiment with Fuji, Pink Lady, or even Gala apples depending on your preference for sweetness and texture.
Is there a substitute for prosciutto?
If you want to avoid pork or prefer a vegetarian option, thin slices of smoked turkey or even roasted mushrooms can work well to add a savory depth. For vegans, consider marinated strips of eggplant or a flavorful nut-based topping instead.
How spicy is the hot honey in this recipe?
The hot honey drizzle offers a gentle but noticeable kick that enhances rather than overpowers the other flavors. You can adjust the heat by varying the amount of hot sauce or cayenne to suit your taste or make a milder drizzle by simply using honey alone.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap the French baguette for a gluten-free baguette or crackers. Make sure to check your hot sauce ingredient list for any hidden gluten if you are particularly sensitive.
What drinks pair well with Apple & Brie Crostini with Hot Honey Recipe?
This recipe pairs wonderfully with crisp white wines like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. For a non-alcoholic option, sparkling apple cider or a lightly brewed iced tea with lemon also complement the sweet and savory flavors perfectly.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend the Apple & Brie Crostini with Hot Honey Recipe enough—it’s one of those deceptively simple appetizers that feels totally special every time. Whether you’re hosting friends or treating yourself, the combination of creamy, crunchy, sweet, and spicy is just irresistible. Give it a try and watch it become your new favorite go-to for any occasion!
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Apple & Brie Crostini with Hot Honey Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 9 minutes
- Total Time: 34 minutes
- Yield: 20-24 crostini
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Apple & Brie Crostini with Hot Honey are a delightful appetizer featuring warm, melted brie on toasted baguette slices, topped with crisp apple slices, savory prosciutto, fresh arugula, and a drizzle of sweet and spicy hot honey. Perfect for parties or elegant gatherings, they balance creamy, sweet, spicy, and salty flavors in every bite.
Ingredients
For the Crostini
- 1 French baguette, cut diagonally into 1/2 inch slices
- 8 ounces brie cheese, sliced (enough slices for each crostini)
- 1 large Honeycrisp or Granny Smith apple, thinly sliced
- 2 ounces prosciutto, cut into 20 pieces and rolled
- 1 cup arugula
For the Hot Honey
- 2 tablespoons honey
- ½ teaspoon hot sauce (or substitute with a pinch of cayenne pepper)
Instructions
- Prepare the oven and baguette slices: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Arrange the baguette slices evenly on the baking sheet, using two sheets if necessary to fit all slices.
- Melt the brie on the crostini: Place a slice of brie cheese on top of each baguette slice. Bake in the preheated oven for 7 to 9 minutes, or until the brie is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- Assemble the toppings: Remove the crostini from the oven and immediately top each with a thin slice of apple, a rolled piece of prosciutto, and a few fresh arugula leaves to add texture and a pop of freshness.
- Prepare the hot honey: In a small bowl, combine the honey and hot sauce (or cayenne pepper). Warm in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds until heated through. Stir well to blend the flavors evenly.
- Finish and serve: Drizzle the warm hot honey over each assembled crostini just before serving to provide a sweet and spicy glaze. Serve immediately to enjoy the perfect contrast of flavors and textures.
Notes
- Use a tart apple variety like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best contrast with the rich brie.
- Adjust the amount of hot sauce or cayenne pepper to control the heat level of the hot honey glaze.
- For a vegetarian option, omit the prosciutto or substitute with a plant-based alternative.
- Serve crostini immediately after assembling to maintain the crispiness of the bread and freshness of the toppings.
