Apple & Fig Crostini with Brie takes me right back to the rustic kitchen where my love for cooking began my grandmother’s house. The scent of toasted bread, warm fruit, and creamy cheese instantly transports me to crisp autumn afternoons, where fresh apples from the orchard and homemade fig jam were always within reach. Over the years, through my travels and street-side culinary adventures, I’ve tasted many crostinis, but this one always brings me home.
It’s a cozy, festive bite that’s as beautiful as it is delicious perfect for fall gatherings, holiday starters, or when you simply want something a little special. And the best part? You don’t need hours or fancy techniques to make it happen. This recipe is proof that seasonal ingredients, when paired thoughtfully, create pure magic.
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or looking for an elevated snack, this Apple & Fig Crostini with Brie will be your go-to. With toasted baguette slices, creamy brie, fresh apple slices, and a touch of fig sweetness, it brings balance, texture, and bold flavor. Let’s jump right in and make it together.
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Apple & Fig Crostini with Brie
- Total Time: 23 minutes
- Yield: 12 crostinis
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
With toasted baguette slices, creamy brie, fresh apple slices, and a touch of fig sweetness, this crostini recipe brings balance, texture, and bold flavor to your fall gatherings or weeknight snack spreads.
Ingredients
- 1 French baguette, sliced into ½ inch rounds
- 1 wheel of Brie cheese, sliced into bite-sized pieces
- 1 crisp red apple (Honeycrisp or Fuji), thinly sliced
- ½ cup fig jam or fig preserves
- 2 tablespoons chopped walnuts (optional for added crunch)
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary or thyme, chopped
- Olive oil for brushing
- Fresh cracked black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
- Arrange baguette slices on the baking sheet and brush lightly with olive oil. Toast for 7–8 minutes until crisp and golden.
- While crostini toast, slice apple thinly and cut brie into small squares to fit on each bread slice.
- Remove crostini from oven and spread a small spoonful of fig jam over each. Use a thin layer for balance.
- Place a slice of brie over the jam, followed by an apple slice. Alternate apple types if desired for contrast.
- Return crostini to oven for 4–5 minutes, just until brie softens but doesn’t fully melt.
- Garnish with chopped walnuts, herbs, and cracked pepper. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
Use firm apples like Honeycrisp for ideal crunch. Brie slices best when slightly warm. For make-ahead prep, keep apple slices in lemon water and store all components separately until ready to bake.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 13 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients for Apple & Fig Crostini with Brie
Here’s what you’ll need to bring this elegant yet easy appetizer to life:
- 1 French baguette, sliced into ½ inch rounds
- 1 wheel of Brie cheese, sliced into bite-sized pieces
- 1 crisp red apple (Honeycrisp or Fuji), thinly sliced
- ½ cup fig jam or fig preserves
- 2 tablespoons chopped walnuts (optional for added crunch)
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary or thyme, chopped
- Olive oil for brushing
- Fresh cracked black pepper to taste
Ingredient tip: If you’re planning ahead, you can prep all the components a few hours before your event. Keep the apple slices in lemon water to prevent browning, and store everything in separate airtight containers.
For those who enjoy building a fall appetizer board, this recipe pairs well with Mini Brie Bites with Fig and Rosemary and Brie and Fig Flatbread Appetizer.
Step by Step Instructions
1. Preheat the oven
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
2. Toast the baguette
Arrange baguette slices on the baking sheet and brush lightly with olive oil. Toast for about 7–8 minutes until they’re crisp and golden.
3. Prepare the toppings
While the crostini toast, thinly slice your apple and cut the brie into small squares that will fit neatly on each bread slice.
4. Spread the fig jam
Once the crostini come out of the oven, spread a small spoonful of fig jam over each one. Don’t go overboard a thin layer is enough to bring sweetness and depth.
5. Add the brie and apple
Place a slice of brie on top of the jam, followed by a slice of apple. You can alternate apple styles for a beautiful contrast.
6. Bake again
Return the crostini to the oven and bake for another 4–5 minutes until the brie softens but doesn’t fully melt off the edges.
7. Garnish and serve
Sprinkle the crostini with chopped walnuts, herbs, and fresh cracked black pepper. Serve warm or at room temperature.
This entire process takes less than 30 minutes, making it ideal for weeknight entertaining or as a quick addition to a larger spread.
Tips for Success
Getting the most out of your Apple & Fig Crostini with Brie is all about the details:
- Use a firm apple: Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Pink Lady apples hold their shape and add a fresh crunch.
- Warm the brie slightly before slicing. Cold brie is harder to cut and won’t melt evenly.
- Don’t skip the jam: It’s the bridge between the salty brie and crisp apple. If you love the fig flavor combo, try this Skillet Brie with Fig Chutney.
- Make it elegant: Garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs for a fragrant, decorative finish.
- Serve alongside: Pair with Pumpkin Soup Served in Mini Pumpkins for a festive fall menu.
Delicious Variations
There’s plenty of room to personalize this recipe. Here are a few variations worth trying:
- Gluten-Free Crostini: Use gluten-free baguette or toasted sweet potato rounds for a wholesome twist.
- Add Streusel: Combine walnuts with a bit of brown sugar and cinnamon for a warm, sweet crunch.
- Fruit Swaps: Pears or peaches work beautifully. In fact, the base flavor combination is similar to what you’ll find in Apple Pumpkin Streusel Muffins or Caramel Apple Puppy Chow.
Another great idea? Drizzle with honey or a fig-infused balsamic glaze just before serving.
How to Store & Reheat
These are best enjoyed fresh, but you can still enjoy leftovers with the right storage:
- Storage: Keep any leftover crostini in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 300°F for about 5 minutes to restore the crunch and melt the cheese again.
- Make-ahead tip: Toast the bread and prep all toppings separately. Assemble just before baking to avoid sogginess.
Pair leftovers with a warm drink and a slice of Apple Cinnamon Bread or Sweet Sourdough Pumpkin Bread with Cinnamon and Pecans for a comforting afternoon snack.
FAQ: Apple & Fig Crostini with Brie
Can I make Apple & Fig Crostini with Brie ahead of time?
Yes, toast the baguette and prep all toppings in advance. Assemble and bake just before serving.
What type of brie works best?
Go for double or triple cream brie. It melts beautifully and pairs well with fruit and nuts.
What can I use instead of fig jam?
Try apricot preserves, plum jam, or a drizzle of honey with balsamic vinegar for a sweet-savory alternative.
Can I make this nut-free?
Definitely. Skip the walnuts or substitute with roasted pumpkin seeds or crispy shallots for crunch.
Final Thoughts
This Apple & Fig Crostini with Brie recipe captures everything we love about fall rich flavors, vibrant colors, and a warmth that brings people together. It’s simple enough for a weeknight and special enough for any holiday table. Whether you’re serving them as a starter, snack, or part of a festive spread, these crostini are guaranteed to impress.
With crisp apples, creamy brie, and sweet fig jam, this appetizer is a fall favorite you’ll want to make again and again. Keep it in your seasonal recipe rotation you won’t regret it.