If you love the perfect bite that’s sweet, salty, creamy, and a little bit crunchy, then you’re going to absolutely adore this Roasted Grape & Brie Crostini with Honey and Sea Salt Recipe. I stumbled upon this gem when I wanted something fancy yet foolproof for a last-minute gathering, and now it’s become my go-to appetizer whenever friends come over. The way the grapes roast until bursting with sweetness, paired with gooey brie and a drizzle of honey, creates this magical combo that’s way simpler than you’d expect. Stick around—I promise, once you try this, your snack game will never be the same!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flavor Explosion: Roasting the grapes amplifies their sweetness and adds a caramelized depth that perfectly balances the creamy brie.
- Simple Yet Elegant: Despite its fancy appearance, this crostini recipe is easy to pull off with minimal ingredients and effort.
- Perfect Crowd-Pleaser: I’ve made this for family and friends, and everyone loves the mix of textures and flavors.
- Versatile and Customizable: You can easily swap ingredients or add toppings to fit your mood or season.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Roasted Grape & Brie Crostini with Honey and Sea Salt Recipe plays an important role. I find that using fresh, high-quality grapes and a good French baguette really makes a difference. And brie? The gooier, the better—this recipe really shines when you let that cheese melt into the crostini.
- Seedless Red Grapes: I prefer seedless for easy munching, and red ones roast beautifully to a jammy sweetness.
- Olive Oil: Use a good quality extra virgin olive oil—this adds richness without overpowering the delicate flavors.
- French Baguette: Choose a fresh baguette with a crunchy crust and soft interior for the perfect crostini base.
- Brie Cheese: A creamy, mild brie works best—look for one that’s not too firm for melty goodness.
- Honey: I like a mild-flavored honey that enhances without stealing the show.
- Maldon Sea Salt: Its flaky texture adds that lovely crunch and just the right amount of saltiness.
- Chopped Toasted Walnuts: Adds a nutty crunch that perfectly contrasts the soft cheese and grapes.
- Fresh Diced Rosemary: Just a touch adds a fragrant herbal note that elevates every bite.
Variations
I love experimenting a bit with this Roasted Grape & Brie Crostini with Honey and Sea Salt Recipe depending on the season or occasion—don’t hesitate to make it your own! Maybe you want to add a little zing, or keep it milder for a kid-friendly version.
- Savory Twist: Sometimes I sprinkle a pinch of red pepper flakes on top for a subtle heat that balances the sweetness.
- Nut Variations: Walnuts are my favorite, but toasted pecans or sliced almonds also bring a lovely crunch.
- Herb Choices: Fresh thyme or basil work great if you’re not a rosemary fan—each gives a different aroma to enjoy.
- Fruit Swap: If grapes aren’t in season, roasted figs or thinly sliced pears make a fantastic alternative in this recipe.
How to Make Roasted Grape & Brie Crostini with Honey and Sea Salt Recipe
Step 1: Roast Those Grapes to Sweet, Juicy Perfection
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. Spread about 4 cups of seedless red grapes on a nonstick baking sheet. Drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil and sprinkle lightly with sea salt—Maldon sea salt is my favorite here for its flaky texture. Toss the grapes gently so they’re evenly coated. Roast them for around 15 minutes, or until they begin to soften and look a little shriveled but not burnt. The trick I learned is to watch closely near the 15-minute mark because once they start bursting, that’s when the flavor hits its peak. Set them aside to cool slightly. Don’t turn off the oven—you’ll need it!
Step 2: Prepare Your Crostini Base
While the grapes are roasting, slice your baguette diagonally into about 1/2-inch thick slices—this shape gives you more surface area for toppings. Arrange them on a separate baking sheet and brush each slice lightly with the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. This adds flavor and helps the bread toast up beautifully in the oven.
Step 3: Melt Brie on Toasted Bread
Top each baguette slice with a slice of brie—use about 8 ounces total so every crostini gets a nice cheesy layer. Pop these into the oven and bake for 5-7 minutes until the brie melts and bubbles slightly. Keep an eye on them because you want gooey cheese without overcooking or drying out the bread underneath.
Step 4: Assemble and Garnish
Spoon the roasted grapes generously over the melted brie on each crostini. Then, drizzle honey all over—just a tablespoon or two will do, but you can adjust to your sweetness preference. Sprinkle on some chopped toasted walnuts, a pinch of Maldon sea salt, and finish with fresh diced rosemary. The rosemary is subtle but adds that beautiful aromatic punch that pulls all the flavors together.
Pro Tips for Making Roasted Grape & Brie Crostini with Honey and Sea Salt Recipe
- Use Room Temperature Brie: Let the brie sit out for 20 minutes before baking so it melts evenly without drying out.
- Don’t Overcrowd Grapes on Pan: Spread grapes in a single layer to ensure even roasting and caramelization.
- Toast Nuts Separately: Toast walnuts in a dry pan over medium heat for 3-5 minutes until fragrant to add a richer flavor.
- Watch Baking Times Closely: Brie melts quickly—if you leave it too long, the crostini can get soggy or cheese can burn.
How to Serve Roasted Grape & Brie Crostini with Honey and Sea Salt Recipe
Garnishes
I usually keep the garnishes simple and elegant—fresh rosemary and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt do the trick every time. Sometimes, I add a tiny fresh basil leaf for a pop of color and a slightly sweet note. A light drizzle of good quality honey right before serving is non-negotiable—it brings everything together beautifully.
Side Dishes
This crostini goes great alongside other simple dishes like a fresh green salad with vinaigrette or a bowl of marinated olives. When I serve it for a party, I like to add a few bowls of mixed nuts and charcuterie for guests to nibble on. It’s perfect as part of a tapas spread or even a light lunch paired with chilled white wine or sparkling water.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I’ve arranged these fruit and cheese crostini on a large wooden board with fresh thyme sprigs and edible flowers for a rustic yet elegant look. Serving them with little bowls of extra honey and sea salt lets guests customize their bites. Another fun idea is to stack the crostini on a tiered serving tray to save table space and wow your crowd.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare in my house!), keep any assembled crostini in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. However, I recommend storing the components separately when possible — keep the roasted grapes, crostini, and brie apart to avoid sogginess.
Freezing
Freezing isn’t ideal for this recipe because the texture of the bread and roasted grapes changes after thawing. I have tried freezing the baguette slices alone before assembling, but I still prefer fresh-baked crostini for the best crunch and flavor.
Reheating
To reheat, pop the assembled crostini in a 350°F oven for just a few minutes to warm the cheese and grapes without drying out the bread. I avoid microwaving since that tends to make the crostini soggy and chewy. A quick oven reheat keeps them tasting fresh and delicious.
FAQs
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Can I use green grapes instead of red grapes?
Absolutely! Green grapes will work, but red grapes tend to roast to a sweeter, richer flavor that compliments the brie better. If you use green, consider adding a bit more honey to balance tartness.
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What other cheeses can I use instead of brie?
Camembert is a great substitute because it also melts well and has a creamy texture. Goat cheese softened slightly also pairs nicely, but it won’t melt as smoothly as brie.
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Can I prepare this recipe entirely ahead of time?
You can roast the grapes and slice the baguette and brie ahead of time, but I recommend assembling and melting the brie right before serving to keep the crostini crisp and cheese melted perfectly.
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What’s the best way to toast walnuts?
Toast walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat, shaking frequently, for about 3-5 minutes until fragrant and lightly browned. Let them cool before chopping and adding to your crostini to enhance flavor and crunch.
Final Thoughts
This Roasted Grape & Brie Crostini with Honey and Sea Salt Recipe is one of those dishes that feels special but doesn’t require hours in the kitchen. I always get compliments—and sometimes jealous questions—whenever I bring this out. If you want to impress without stress, give this recipe a shot. Trust me, once you taste those juicy roasted grapes combined with silky brie and that sweet-salty honey finish, you’ll want to make it again and again as I do!
PrintRoasted Grape & Brie Crostini with Honey and Sea Salt Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 20-24 crostini
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Roasted Grape & Brie Crostini with Honey and Sea Salt offer an elegant and delicious appetizer perfect for entertaining. Sweet, juicy roasted grapes paired with creamy melted brie, accented by crunchy toasted walnuts, fragrant rosemary, and a touch of honey create a sophisticated flavor combination atop crisp baguette slices.
Ingredients
Roasted Grapes
- 4 cups seedless red grapes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Maldon sea salt, for sprinkling
Crostini
- 1 french baguette, cut diagonally into 1/2 inch slices (about 20-24 slices)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 8 ounces brie cheese, sliced (enough slices for each crostini slice)
Toppings
- 1-2 tablespoons honey, for drizzling
- Maldon sea salt, for sprinkling
- 1/4 cup chopped toasted walnuts
- 1 teaspoon fresh diced rosemary
Instructions
- Roast the Grapes: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place 4 cups of seedless red grapes on a nonstick baking sheet. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and sprinkle some Maldon sea salt. Toss to coat the grapes evenly. Roast in the oven for about 15 minutes until the grapes begin to burst and shrivel slightly. Remove and allow them to cool.
- Prepare the Baguette and Brie: On a separate baking sheet, arrange the sliced baguette pieces. Brush each slice with the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Top each slice with a slice of brie cheese. Return to the oven and bake for 5-7 minutes until the brie melts and the bread becomes slightly crispy.
- Assemble the Crostini: Spoon the roasted grapes generously on top of the melted brie on each crostini. Drizzle each with 1-2 tablespoons of honey. Sprinkle with chopped toasted walnuts and a pinch of Maldon sea salt to enhance flavors. Finish by garnishing with fresh diced rosemary.
- Serve: Arrange the crostini on a serving platter and serve immediately as a delightful appetizer for your guests.
Notes
- Use seedless grapes for ease of eating and better texture.
- You can substitute walnuts with toasted pecans if preferred.
- For a stronger rosemary flavor, lightly bruise the rosemary before chopping.
- Adjust honey quantity to your preferred level of sweetness.
- Make sure not to over-bake the crostini to keep the bread crisp yet tender on the inside.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 crostini
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 110mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 10mg