Apple and Brie Crostini Appetizers

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By Karmen
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When it comes to holiday and party appetizers, crostini always steal the show. They’re perfectly bite-sized, easy to decorate so that they’re beautiful and festive, plus they’re endlessly versatile. Although …

Crostini appetizers with apple, Brie cheese, and serrano ham topped with arugula, crushed walnuts and maple syrup.

When it comes to holiday and party appetizers, crostini always steal the show.

They’re perfectly bite-sized, easy to decorate so that they’re beautiful and festive, plus they’re endlessly versatile.

Although I do love strong and bold flavors, this apple and Brie crostini recipe is one of my holiday staples too, with its lighter, slightly more delicate flavors.

In this recipe, the soft, creamy Brie pairs perfectly with crisp apple slices, while salty serrano ham, peppery arugula, and a drizzle of maple syrup add additional layers of flavor.

Crostini appetizers with apple, Brie cheese, and serrano ham topped with arugula, crushed walnuts and maple syrup.

What You’ll Need

This recipe makes about a dozen crostini, depending on how thick you slice your baguette.

You’ll need:

  • A fresh French baguette, sliced diagonally
  • Brie cheese that is soft and creamy so that it melts easily
  • A red apple, thinly sliced for a fresh, crisp bite
  • Thin slices of cured ham. I used Serrano, but you can also choose prosciutto, or any other of your favorites
  • A small handful of arugula leaves for decoration
  • Crushed walnuts for texture and crunch
  • Maple syrup, but just a drizzle to tie everything together

How to Make These Apple and Brie Crostini

Start by slicing your baguette on a slight diagonal angle to get crostini with a bit more surface area. Cut your cheese and place one or two slices of Brie on each piece of bread, depending on how thick you cut them.

Arrange the slices on a baking tray, then broil (or grill) for about five minutes, just until the Brie starts to melt and the baguette edges turn golden brown.

While the bread and cheese are baking, prepare the toppings.

Thinly slice the apple and soak the slices in a mixture of 1 tbsp of lemon juice and 1 cup of water for a few minutes to prevent browning. Rinse and pat them dry after 3-5 minutes so they’re ready to go.

Wash the arugula and crush the walnuts into smaller pieces. Tear the serrano ham into smaller strips – this makes the crostini easier to bite into later.

Once the baguette and Brie come out of the oven, it’s time to assemble.

Place a slice of apple on top of each piece, then add a bit of serrano ham. Tuck in a leaf or two of arugula, sprinkle with crushed walnuts, and finish with a drizzle of maple syrup.

Serve warm while the Brie is still soft and creamy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • It looks elegant but is actually super easy to put together: It’s beautiful enough for any (holiday) party but comes together in under 20 minutes.
  • Lots of balanced flavors: This recipe has sweet and crisp apples, creamy Brie, salty ham, and crunchy walnuts all in one bite.
  • Seasonal and festive: Apples and Brie are classic fall and winter flavors that fit any holiday table, although you can make this recipe all-year-round.
  • Don’t have all the ingredients at hand? No worries!: You can easily swap serrano for prosciutto, walnuts for pecans, or maple syrup for honey.

Tips for Success

  • Soak apple slices in lemon water to keep them from browning.
  • Don’t overbake the Brie you want it soft, not melted completely off the bread.
  • Use fresh baguette for the best texture.
  • Assemble right before serving so the bread stays crisp.
  • Think about presentation: If serving for a holiday party, put a little effort into your presentation. Serve the crostini on a bed of arugula, sprinkle crushed walnuts over your plate, or add a sprinkle of pomegranate seeds for some holiday color.

📌 Apple and Brie Crostini Appetizers (Recipe Card)

Ingredients (Makes 12 crostini)

  • 1 French baguette
  • 3.5–4.5 oz Brie cheese
  • 3–4 slices serrano ham (or prosciutto)
  • 1 red apple, thinly sliced
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice + 1 cup water (for soaking apple slices)
  • A handful of arugula leaves
  • A handful of walnuts, crushed
  • Maple syrup, for drizzling

Equipment

  • Baking tray
  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board
  • Small bowl for lemon water soak

Instructions

  1. Slice baguette diagonally into 12 pieces and cut your cheese (thicker slices are best).
  2. Place one slice of Brie on each piece of toast and arrange on a baking tray.
  3. Broil (grill) for about 5 minutes, until cheese softens and the edges of your toasts are starting to get golden.
  4. Meanwhile, thinly slice your apple and soak the slices in lemon water for 3–5 minutes to prevent browning. Rinse and pat dry.
  5. Wash arugula and crush walnuts. Tear serrano into smaller strips.
  6. Assemble crostini: top each piece of bread with a slice of apple, a few pieces of torn ham, a couple of arugula leaves, and walnuts.
  7. Drizzle lightly with maple syrup and serve immediately.

Karmen

Karmen is a health and wellness enthusiast who loves to write about food and nutrition. She got her nutrition counseling certificate in 2016. Karmen shares her partner's passion for cooking and is always looking for ways to make recipes healthier (and meat-free). She's also interested in leading a natural lifestyle and is taking baby steps to a cleaner and more eco-friendly life.

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