Brie, Apple, and Honey Crostini

There’s a cozy charm in small bites that feel both elegant and effortlessly approachable, and that’s exactly what these brie, apple, and honey crostini deliver. Crisp slices of baguette toasted to golden perfection, topped with creamy brie, thinly sliced sweet-tart apples, and a drizzle of honey—it’s a combination that feels indulgent without being heavy. This warm brie appetizer is one of those recipes that always sparks a little excitement, whether it’s for a quiet night in or a lively gathering.

I love how these apple brie appetizers work for so many occasions. They’re perfect as a light snack with your afternoon tea, a quick indulgence while you’re catching up with friends, or even as part of a more elaborate spread for holiday appetizers. The balance of flavors is simple but irresistible: the creamy, slightly nutty brie complements the crisp sweetness of the apple, while honey adds that touch of golden warmth that just makes you smile.

Fall is the season when I reach for these flavors most often. There’s something about the crisp air and changing leaves that makes a fall brie appetizer feel almost essential. Paired with a glass of crisp white wine or sparkling cider, these crostini really shine. They’re an effortless way to add a touch of sophistication to your table without spending hours in the kitchen.

Beyond the flavor, these crostini recipes are a joy to assemble. They’re essentially finger foods that everyone can grab and enjoy in a single bite, which makes them ideal for gatherings where you want your guests to mingle rather than sit down to a formal meal. Whether you’re planning fall appetizers for a casual get-together or crafting a lineup of crostini appetizers for a festive holiday spread, these brie, apple, and honey bites always manage to feel special.

Why You’ll Love It

• Burst of seasonal flavor in every bite – The sweet-tart apple paired with creamy brie and a drizzle of honey makes each crostini a little celebration of fall in one bite. Perfect for those crisp, cozy evenings.
• Elegant yet effortless – These crostini look like something from a fancy café, but they come together in minutes. You’ll impress guests without breaking a sweat in the kitchen.
• Versatile for any occasion – Whether it’s a casual brunch, holiday appetizers, or a wine-and-cheese night, these apple brie appetizers fit right in. They’re just as at home on a weeknight snack plate as they are on a festive spread.
• Perfect finger foods – Bite-sized and easy to grab, these crostini are ideal for mingling. No forks, no mess—just pure, indulgent flavor.
• Customizable to your taste – Swap the apples for pears, add a sprinkle of nuts, or even a touch of fresh thyme. These fall appetizers let you get creative while keeping the process simple.

Ingredient List

For the Crostini:

• 1 baguette, sliced into ½-inch rounds
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Topping:

• 8 oz brie cheese, sliced or cut into small pieces
• 1–2 apples, thinly sliced (I like Honeycrisp for the perfect balance of sweet and tart)
• 2 tablespoons honey, plus more for drizzling
• Optional: fresh thyme or chopped nuts for garnish

Ingredient Notes

• Baguette: Make sure it’s fresh but slightly firm—it toasts beautifully without getting soggy. I always use a classic French baguette; it crisps up perfectly.
• Brie: Don’t skip the rind—it adds flavor and melts beautifully. I like using a creamy triple-cream brie for that extra indulgence.
• Apples: Honeycrisp or Fuji are my go-tos. They stay firm when baked and add the perfect sweet-tart punch.
• Honey: A drizzle of good-quality honey really elevates this fall brie appetizer. Local honey is my favorite—it gives such a cozy, warm flavor.
• Optional toppings: Fresh thyme or chopped walnuts add a little crunch and herbal brightness, but the crostini are already delicious on their own.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Baking sheet – For toasting the crostini evenly; I love using a rimmed sheet so nothing slides off.
• Parchment paper – Keeps the crostini from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
• Sharp knife – Essential for slicing the baguette and apples neatly; I always use my favorite chef’s knife.
• Cutting board – Protects your counters while giving a stable surface for slicing.
• Small spoon or honey drizzler – Perfect for drizzling honey without overdoing it.
• Oven mitts – For safely handling hot baking sheets; a cozy kitchen staple!

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This makes cleanup much easier and prevents the crostini from sticking.
• Slice the baguette into ½-inch rounds. Try to keep them even so they toast uniformly.

Pro Tip: If your slices are slightly uneven, toast the thicker ones a little longer so everything comes out golden and crisp.

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Step 2: Toast the Crostini

• Brush both sides of each baguette slice lightly with olive oil.
• Arrange the slices in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
• Bake for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway, until they’re golden and crisp.

Pro Tip: Watch closely near the end—bread can go from perfectly golden to too dark in a minute!

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Step 3: Prepare the Toppings

• Slice the brie into small pieces or thin slices that will melt nicely on each crostini.
• Core and thinly slice the apples. Aim for even, bite-sized slices that layer well.

Pro Tip: Leave the apple skin on for extra color, texture, and flavor—it looks beautiful on the finished crostini.

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Step 4: Assemble the Crostini

• Place a piece of brie on each toasted baguette slice.
• Add one or two apple slices on top of the brie.
• Drizzle lightly with honey.

Pro Tip: If you want the brie extra melty, place the crostini back in the oven for 2–3 minutes before adding the apples and honey.

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Step 5: Garnish and Serve

• Optional: Sprinkle with fresh thyme leaves or chopped nuts for added flavor and texture.
• Arrange the crostini on a serving platter while still warm—they’re best enjoyed fresh!

Pro Tip: Serve immediately. These are finger foods, so everyone can grab one without utensils. They disappear fast!

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Toast evenly – Keep an eye on your crostini while toasting; flipping halfway ensures each slice is perfectly golden and crisp.
• Room-temperature brie – Let the brie sit out for 10–15 minutes before assembling so it melts beautifully on the warm bread.
• Thin apple slices – Slice apples thinly so they layer easily without sliding off the crostini.
• Drizzle lightly – A little honey goes a long way. Too much can make the crostini soggy.
• Serve warm – These are best enjoyed right out of the oven; they lose some of their charm as they cool.

Ingredient Substitutions and Variations

• Bread: Swap the baguette for ciabatta or sourdough slices for a different texture.
• Cheese: Brie can be replaced with camembert or a mild goat cheese for a tangy twist.
• Fruit: Pears or figs work beautifully instead of apples for a seasonal variation.
• Sweetener: Maple syrup can be used in place of honey for a richer, deeper sweetness.
• Toppings: Add crushed walnuts, pecans, or a sprinkle of cinnamon for extra flavor and crunch.

Serving Suggestions

• I love serving these crostini as a warm appetizer at holiday parties—they’re always the first to disappear from the platter!
• Pair them with a crisp green salad or arugula for a light lunch or brunch that feels a little fancy without much effort.
• They’re perfect alongside a cheese board with grapes, crackers, and nuts for a casual evening with friends.
• Serve with a glass of sparkling cider or white wine—the fruity notes complement the apples and brie beautifully.
• I sometimes enjoy them as a cozy solo snack while curled up with a good book; the warm honey and melted brie are irresistible.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

• Short-term storage: Keep leftover crostini in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 24 hours.
• Refrigeration: Store in the fridge for up to 2 days, but note the bread may lose some crispness.
• Reheating: Warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 3–5 minutes to restore some crunch and melt the brie slightly.
• Avoid microwaving: Microwaves can make the bread soggy and the apples release too much moisture.
• Assemble before serving: If you need to store, keep apples and honey separate and add them just before serving to maintain texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these crostini ahead of time?

You can prep the bread and slice the apples a few hours ahead, but I recommend assembling and drizzling with honey just before serving so they stay crisp and fresh.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely! Camembert, mild goat cheese, or even a soft blue cheese can be delicious substitutes depending on your taste.

What apples work best?

Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala are ideal—they hold their shape, aren’t too soft, and balance the brie perfectly.

Can I add extra toppings?

Yes! Nuts like walnuts or pecans, a sprinkle of fresh thyme, or even a dash of cinnamon can add extra flavor and texture.

How do I store leftovers?

Store crostini in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 24 hours or in the fridge for 1–2 days. Reheat briefly in the oven to revive the crunch.

Are these gluten-free?

You can easily make them gluten-free by using a gluten-free baguette or sliced bread. The toppings stay just as delicious!

Did you try this recipe? Let me know in the comments how it turned out! I love hearing your twists and tips on this cozy fall favorite.