Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’ll love this Apple Crostini because it’s simple to make yet full of flavor and texture. The combination of creamy cheese, juicy apple slices, and crisp toasted bread creates a perfect balance of sweet and savory. It’s a versatile appetizer that can be dressed up for holidays or enjoyed as a light snack any time of year.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Baguette, sliced into ½-inch rounds
- Olive oil (for brushing)
- Apples (such as Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji), thinly sliced
- Cream cheese, goat cheese, or brie
- Honey or balsamic glaze (for drizzling)
- Chopped nuts (such as pecans or walnuts)
- Fresh thyme or rosemary (optional for garnish)
- Lemon juice (to prevent apple slices from browning)
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Arrange the baguette slices on a baking sheet and brush lightly with olive oil on both sides.
- Bake for 6–8 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crisp.
- While the crostini cool slightly, slice the apples and toss them in a small amount of lemon juice to keep them fresh and bright.
- Spread a layer of your chosen cheese (cream cheese, goat cheese, or brie) over each toasted slice.
- Top with thin apple slices.
- Drizzle with honey or balsamic glaze.
- Sprinkle with chopped nuts and fresh herbs, if desired.
- Serve immediately, or refrigerate briefly and serve at room temperature.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 20 crostini.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 8 minutes
Total time: 18 minutes
Variations
- Savory Apple Crostini: Use blue cheese or sharp cheddar and drizzle with balsamic glaze instead of honey.
- Cinnamon Honey Version: Sprinkle cinnamon on top for a warm, sweet flavor.
- Brie and Apple Crostini: Melt brie slightly on the warm toasts before adding apples for a gooey texture.
- Prosciutto Twist: Add a thin slice of prosciutto for a salty contrast to the sweet apples.
- Vegan Option: Use plant-based cream cheese and maple syrup instead of honey.
Storage/Reheating
Apple Crostini are best assembled fresh. You can, however, prepare the components ahead of time. Toast the baguette slices up to 2 days in advance and store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Slice apples just before serving to maintain freshness. Assembled crostini should be eaten within a few hours for the best texture—avoid refrigeration after assembly to prevent sogginess.
FAQs
What type of apple works best?
Crisp, sweet-tart apples like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala work best for this recipe.
Can I make the crostini ahead of time?
You can toast the bread ahead of time, but assemble with cheese and apples just before serving.
Can I use a different bread?
Yes, any crusty loaf such as sourdough or ciabatta works well.
Can I use different cheese?
Absolutely. Goat cheese, brie, blue cheese, or ricotta all pair beautifully with apples.
How do I keep the apples from browning?
Toss the slices in lemon juice right after cutting to maintain their color.
Can I make this appetizer savory instead of sweet?
Yes, use blue cheese or cheddar and drizzle with balsamic reduction for a savory twist.
What nuts go best on top?
Pecans, walnuts, or almonds add the perfect crunch and complement the apples nicely.
Can I add meat for extra flavor?
Yes, a thin slice of prosciutto or pancetta adds a delicious salty balance.
What wine pairs well with apple crostini?
A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light rosé pairs beautifully.
Can I serve this as a dessert?
Yes, use sweetened cream cheese and a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar for a dessert-style crostini.
Conclusion
Apple Crostini is a fresh, flavorful, and elegant appetizer that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. With its mix of crisp apples, creamy cheese, and a touch of sweetness, it’s perfect for any occasion—from holiday gatherings to casual get-togethers. Easy to prepare and endlessly customizable, this simple dish will impress guests every time.
PrintApple Crostini
Apple Crostini is a crisp and elegant appetizer featuring toasted baguette slices topped with creamy cheese, fresh apple slices, a drizzle of honey or balsamic glaze, and a sprinkle of nuts or herbs. It’s a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and crunchy—ideal for parties, brunches, or fall entertaining.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: 20 crostini
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 French baguette, sliced into ½-inch rounds
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for brushing)
- 2 apples (Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji), thinly sliced
- 8 oz cream cheese, goat cheese, or brie
- 2 tablespoons honey or balsamic glaze (for drizzling)
- ¼ cup chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts)
- Fresh thyme or rosemary (optional for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (to prevent browning)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Arrange baguette slices on a baking sheet and brush lightly with olive oil on both sides.
- Bake for 6–8 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crisp.
- Slice apples and toss in lemon juice to keep them from browning.
- Spread a layer of cheese on each toasted baguette slice.
- Top with apple slices.
- Drizzle with honey or balsamic glaze.
- Sprinkle with chopped nuts and herbs, if desired.
- Serve immediately or at room temperature.
Notes
- Use crisp, sweet-tart apples for the best flavor and texture.
- Assemble right before serving to prevent soggy crostini.
- Try brie or goat cheese for a rich, tangy variation.
- For a savory version, skip the honey and use balsamic glaze with blue cheese.
- Store toasted baguette slices separately and assemble when ready to serve.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 crostini
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 110mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
