Apple & Brie Crostini with Hot Honey

This Apple & Brie Crostini with Hot Honey is a simple yet elegant appetizer that’s perfect for entertaining. I love how the creamy brie melts into the crisp baguette, the apple adds freshness, and the drizzle of hot honey ties everything together with a sweet-spicy kick.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it takes only a few minutes to prepare but looks and tastes impressive. The mix of flavors and textures—crispy bread, creamy brie, tart apple, and spicy honey—is irresistible. I also like that it’s easy to scale up for a party or enjoy as a quick snack with a glass of wine.

Ingredients

For the crostini:
1 french baguette, cut diagonally into 1/2 inch slices
8 ounces brie cheese, sliced (you’ll need as many slices as crostini slices you have)
1 large honeycrisp or granny smith apple, thinly sliced
1 cup arugula

For the hot honey:
2 tablespoons honey
½ teaspoon hot sauce (or sub a pinch of cayenne pepper)

(Note: All ingredient amounts are listed in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. I preheat my oven to 375°F (190°C) and arrange the baguette slices on a baking sheet.
2. I bake the slices for 5–7 minutes until lightly toasted.
3. I top each slice with a piece of brie and return them to the oven for 3–4 minutes, until the cheese just starts to melt.
4. I remove the crostini from the oven and top each with a slice of apple and a few arugula leaves.
5. For the hot honey, I stir honey and hot sauce (or cayenne) together until smooth.
6. I drizzle the hot honey over the crostini right before serving.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes about 20 crostini, depending on the size of the baguette. The total time is around 15 minutes, with 5 minutes of prep and 10 minutes of baking.

Variations

Sometimes I add a sprinkle of chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch. I also like using pears instead of apples for a different twist. For a sweeter version, I drizzle plain honey, while for extra spice I add more hot sauce.

Storage/Reheating

I recommend serving these fresh since the bread can soften once topped. If I want to prepare ahead, I toast the baguette slices in advance and store them in an airtight container, then assemble with brie, apple, and honey just before serving.

FAQs

Can I use another type of cheese?

Yes, I sometimes use goat cheese or camembert instead of brie.

What apples work best?

I like honeycrisp for sweetness or granny smith for a tart bite.

Can I make the hot honey spicier?

Yes, I add more hot sauce or cayenne to adjust the heat.

Can I grill the crostini instead of baking?

Yes, I toast them on a grill pan for extra flavor.

Can I make these ahead for a party?

I toast the bread and slice the apples ahead, but assemble just before serving.

What bread works if I don’t have a baguette?

I use ciabatta or sourdough as good alternatives.

Can I make this gluten free?

Yes, I use a gluten free baguette or bread.

Can I serve these cold?

Yes, but I prefer them warm with melted brie.

Can I skip the arugula?

Yes, but I like the peppery flavor it adds.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, I often double or triple it for larger gatherings.

Conclusion

This Apple & Brie Crostini with Hot Honey is one of my favorite appetizers because it’s quick, flavorful, and elegant. I love the balance of creamy brie, crisp apple, and spicy honey on crunchy bread. It’s a simple recipe that always feels special and never fails to impress guests.

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