Apple & Brie Crostini with Hot Honey Recipe

If you’re looking for the ultimate bite-sized party treat that’s equal parts sweet, savory, and a little spicy, you’re going to love this Apple & Brie Crostini with Hot Honey Recipe. I absolutely love how the crisp apples and creamy brie come together with the peppery arugula and that unexpected drizzle of hot honey—it’s honestly a little addictive. Whether you’re hosting a get-together or just want a special snack, this recipe is fan-freaking-tastic, and I can’t wait to share all my tips so you nail it perfectly every time.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

All the ingredients here come together wonderfully, creating a beautiful textural and flavor contrast. Plus, most are pretty simple to find—though picking the right apple and brie will truly elevate your crostini.

• French baguette: Choose a fresh loaf with a crusty exterior for that perfect crunch.
• Brie cheese: Soft, creamy brie works best—look for a wedge with a nice white rind that’s not too runny.
• Honeycrisp or Granny Smith apple: I prefer Honeycrisp for sweetness or Granny Smith for tartness; either gives a delightful snap.
• Prosciutto: Adds a salty, savory layer—rolling the slices makes for a pretty presentation.
• Arugula: The peppery greens offer a fresh bite to balance the richness.
• Honey: Use a floral, natural honey—local honey if you can get it adds an extra touch.
• Hot sauce or cayenne pepper: This gives you that signature “hot honey” kick—adjust heat to your taste!

Variations

I love playing around with this Apple & Brie Crostini with Hot Honey Recipe, and honestly, it’s so forgiving that slight tweaks only add to the fun. Feel free to make it your own based on what you have or what your guests prefer!

• Go vegetarian: Skip the prosciutto and add a sprinkle of toasted nuts like walnuts or pecans instead—I tried this once, and the crunch really ups the texture game.
• Switch the greens: If arugula isn’t your thing, baby spinach or fresh basil leaves make lovely alternatives.
• Try a different cheese: If brie isn’t your fave, camembert or a mild goat cheese can be delicious swaps.
• Make it spicier: I once added a dash of chili flakes in the hot honey mixture, and it kicked up the heat just right without overpowering.

How to Make Apple & Brie Crostini with Hot Honey Recipe

Step 1: Prep the crostini base

First things first: preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice your baguette diagonally into roughly ½ inch slices. I like that diagonal cut because it gives you a nice, elongated crostini perfect for layering. Arrange the slices on a parchment-lined baking sheet. If you have a lot, don’t crowd them; better to use two sheets than to smoosh them together.

Step 2: Add the brie and bake

Next, place a slice of brie on each piece of bread. Don’t be shy here—use enough so that it melts into a creamy layer once baked. Pop them in the oven for 7 to 9 minutes, keeping an eye out so the brie melts beautifully but doesn’t run everywhere. You want that luscious, gooey texture that makes every bite dreamy.

Step 3: Assemble with apple, prosciutto, and arugula

Once your crostini are toasted and the cheese is melted, it’s time to top. Add a thin apple slice on each, then a rolled piece of prosciutto, and finish with a few arugula leaves. I love this order because the warm cheese slightly softens the apple, bringing out its sweetness but keeping that fresh crunch.

Step 4: Make the hot honey drizzle

For the final touch, mix 2 tablespoons of honey with ½ teaspoon of your preferred hot sauce in a small bowl. Pop it in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds until it’s warm and runny. Drizzle generously over your crostini just before serving. This hot honey drizzle really pulls everything together—giving those sweet and spicy vibes that make this recipe a total showstopper.

How to Serve Apple & Brie Crostini with Hot Honey Recipe

Garnishes

I swear by a few garnish choices that add a bit of extra wow factor: a light sprinkle of cracked black pepper right after drizzling the hot honey, and sometimes a few toasted pecans or walnuts for crunch. A tiny fresh thyme leaf here and there also punches up the aroma in a simple way I adore.

Side Dishes

These crostini pair beautifully with a crisp green salad or a simple soup, like butternut squash or tomato bisque. When I serve these for friends, I usually throw together a quick mixed greens salad dressed with balsamic to balance out the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I love arranging the crostini on a rustic wooden board with little bowls of extra hot honey and fresh arugula. Another trick I tried was making mini skewers with the crostini stacked alongside apple slices and prosciutto, which doubles as a fun finger food centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (which is rare!), I recommend storing the components separately—the crostini alone in an airtight container, apples wrapped to avoid browning, and hot honey in a small jar. This helps keep everything fresher and crisp.

Freezing

This isn’t the kind of recipe I’d freeze—apples and melted brie don’t thaw well. Instead, just prep the ingredients fresh when you want to enjoy, because part of the joy here is the warm, melted cheese and crisp apple contrasts.

Reheating

If you want to reheat crostini, do it in a preheated oven at 350°F for a few minutes to gently warm without drying out the bread. Add fresh apple and arugula after reheating and drizzle on the hot honey last minute for best effect.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Apple & Brie Crostini with Hot Honey Recipe is one of those dishes I genuinely look forward to making whenever friends drop by. It feels fancy but is so simple to pull together, and the flavors? Honestly, they’re unforgettable. Give it a try—you’ll see why my kitchen is always buzzing with compliments whenever I serve them. Trust me, once you get this combination down, it’ll become a go-to for your gatherings and cozy nights in alike.

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