Apple And Brie Crostini Recipe

I absolutely love this recipe because it combines the creamy goodness of Brie with the crisp sweetness of apples in such a comforting yet sophisticated way. Plus, the drizzle of honey and crunch of walnuts makes each bite feel like a little taste of fall, and who can resist that cozy vibe?

I love to make appetizers that are impossible to resist, and my Apple and Brie Crostini is an absolute winner among my friends and family. Its perfect medley of flavors and textures makes it hard to stop at just one.

My favorite part is how the creamy Brie pairs with the crisp slices of Granny Smith apples. Drizzled with honey, strewn with chopped walnuts, and perfumed with thyme, it’s a delightful bite that’s both sweet and savory.

Ingredients

A baguette is a source of carbohydrates; it provides the crispy base.

Brie Cheese possesses a creamy texture, and it is quite rich in flavor, making it a delectable source of protein and calcium.

Apples: Bring a sweet-tart taste; very high in fiber (5 g per medium apple) and loaded with antioxidants.

Honey is a sweetening agent that is found in nature and imparts golden sweetness.

Walnuts: Crunchy nut; full of healthy fats and omega-3s.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 French baguette
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 8 ounces Brie cheese
• 2 medium apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped
• Fresh thyme leaves, for garnish
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Heat the oven to 375°F (190°C) before baking.

2. Cut the French baguette into pieces that are 1/2 inch thick.

3. Set the baguette slices on a baking sheet and apply the olive oil with a brush to both sides of the bread.

4. In the preheated oven, bake the baguette slices for approximately 8-10 minutes, until they’re golden and crisp.

5. Cut thin slices of Brie cheese while the bread bakes.

6. Core the apples and slice them thinly.

7. When the baguette slices have been toasted, take them out of the oven and cover the top of each slice with a piece of Brie.

8. Place the baking sheet back in the oven for 2-3 minutes more, until the Brie is just melting.

9. Remove from the oven; add to each crostini apple slices, a drizzle of honey, and a light shower of walnuts. Top with a sprinkle of salt and enjoy!

10. Add fresh thyme leaves as a garnish, then season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Serve at once.

Equipment Needed

1. Oven
2. Baking sheet
3. Knife
4. Cutting board
5. Pastry brush
6. Core remover (optional, for apples)
7. Measuring spoons
8. Serving platter

FAQ

• What type of apples should I use?Any crisp apple variety you favor can be used, but Granny Smith or Honeycrisp is recommended for their perfect blend of sweetness and tartness.
• Can I use a different kind of bread?Yes, you can substitute any of the following for the French baguette:

  – crusty bread
  – ciabatta
  – sourdough slices

  These all make good substitutes.

• Do I have to peel the apples?The apples may be peeled. The skin contributes texture and color, but if you want a softer apple, peel it.
• Can I prepare this in advance?Crostini are at their best when they are fresh. To save time, you can prepare and put together the components just before serving.
• What if I’m allergic to nuts?The walnuts can be omitted or replaced with a nut-free crunchy component, such as sunflower seeds or pepitas.
• How do I prevent the apples from browning?To prevent your apples from turning brown, you can throw the slices with a bit of lemon juice before you set about putting the crostini together.
• Is there a substitute for Brie cheese?Alternatives could include Camembert or a creamy goat cheese.

Substitutions and Variations

Substitute a sourdough baguette or a ciabatta bread for a French baguette.
Brie cheese: Use Camembert or goat cheese in its place.
Substituting with pears or figs offers a distinctly different flavor profile.
Maple syrup or agave nectar can be used instead of honey.
Pecans or almonds, chopped, can be used as substitutes for walnuts.

Pro Tips

1. Use a Serrated Knife When slicing the French baguette, use a serrated knife for cleaner cuts and to avoid crushing the bread.

2. Brie at Room Temperature Allow the Brie cheese to come to room temperature before slicing. This makes it easier to cut and ensures even melting when placed on the bread.

3. Toasting the Walnuts Before chopping, lightly toast the walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes. This enhances their flavor and adds a bit of extra crunch to the crostini.

4. Optimal Apple Slices Use a mandoline slicer for the apples to achieve uniformly thin slices, which will lay nicely on the crostini and provide a consistent bite.

5. Olive Oil Enhancement Add a bit of freshly chopped thyme to the olive oil before brushing it on the bread. This infuses the bread with extra herbal aroma and flavor from the start.