Apple and Cheddar Crostini Recipe
Introduction
These Apple and Cheddar Crostini make a delightful appetizer, combining the crisp sweetness of apples with the sharpness of cheddar cheese. Finished with a light drizzle of honey and fresh thyme, they are perfect for entertaining or a simple snack.
Ingredients
- 1 baguette, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
- 1 apple, thinly sliced
- 4 oz sharp cheddar cheese, sliced
- 2 tablespoons honey
- Fresh thyme for garnish
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Step 2: Arrange the baguette slices on a baking sheet and toast them in the oven for 5-7 minutes until they are golden and crisp.
- Step 3: Remove the toasted baguette slices from the oven and top each with a slice of sharp cheddar cheese followed by thin apple slices.
- Step 4: Drizzle honey evenly over the crostini and garnish with fresh thyme leaves.
- Step 5: Serve immediately to enjoy the contrast of warm toast and cool apple slices.
Tips & Variations
- Use Granny Smith apples for a tart flavor or Honeycrisp for a sweeter bite.
- Swap fresh thyme with rosemary for a more robust herbal note.
- For extra crunch, lightly broil the assembled crostini for 1-2 minutes until the cheese melts slightly.
- Try drizzling a bit of balsamic glaze instead of honey for a tangy twist.
Storage
These crostini are best served fresh. If you have leftovers, store the toasted baguette slices and toppings separately in airtight containers for up to 2 days. Assemble and drizzle with honey just before serving to keep the bread crisp.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese?
Yes, sharp cheddar works best, but you can substitute with gouda, brie, or even blue cheese depending on your taste preference.
Can I prepare these crostini ahead of time?
To maintain crunchiness, it’s best to toast the bread and slice the apples ahead, but assemble and add honey right before serving.
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Apple and Cheddar Crostini Recipe
- Total Time: 17 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
These Apple and Cheddar Crostini offer a delightful balance of sweet and savory flavors, combining crisp apple slices, sharp cheddar cheese, and a touch of honey atop toasted baguette slices. Perfect as an elegant appetizer or a quick snack, this simple recipe is easy to prepare and sure to impress guests with its fresh, autumn-inspired taste.
Ingredients
For the Crostini
- 1 baguette, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
- 1 apple, thinly sliced
- 4 oz sharp cheddar cheese, sliced
- 2 tablespoons honey
- Fresh thyme for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for toasting the baguette slices.
- Toast Baguette Slices: Arrange the baguette slices on a baking sheet and toast them in the oven for 5-7 minutes, or until they turn golden and crispy.
- Add Cheese and Apples: Remove the toasted slices from the oven and immediately top each with a slice of sharp cheddar cheese followed by thin apple slices, allowing the warmth to slightly soften the cheese.
- Drizzle with Honey: Drizzle 2 tablespoons of honey evenly over each crostini to add a sweet contrast to the savory cheese.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle fresh thyme leaves on top for a fragrant herbal finish and serve the crostini immediately while the toast is still crisp.
Notes
- Choose a crisp apple variety like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best texture and taste contrast.
- Sharp cheddar pairs beautifully with the sweetness of honey and apples, but you can experiment with other cheeses like gouda or brie.
- For added texture, you can lightly brush the baguette slices with olive oil before toasting.
- Serve these crostini warm to enjoy the melted cheese and crisp toast.
- This appetizer can be easily doubled or tripled for larger gatherings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: apple crostini, cheddar crostini, appetizer, easy appetizer, honey drizzle, fall appetizer, toasted baguette, sweet and savory snack
