Crostini Appetizers are a delicious starter for the holidays. Crisp toast, creamy brie, tart apples with a sweet glaze… the perfect combo!
With the holidays quickly approaching, I’ve started to plan out my menus for soon-to-be-here family gatherings. Instead of busting out a bunch of decorations, I like to adorn our dining room table with lots and lots of food! Some of our favorite include Family Friendly Charcuterie Boards, Burrata with Blistered Tomatoes, and Crunchy Party Mix for those who have a sweet tooth.
BRIE AND APPLE CROSTINI APPETIZERS:
You’ll need a handful of ingredients for this recipe, and you can serve them open-faced, as a mini sandwich or a mix of both! The Pepsi Dijon Glaze is the star here, so be sure to whip it together before assembling! Here’s what you’ll need:
- Baguette or Ciabatta Rolls: Both bread options hold up to the toppings well when sliced and toasted.
- Pepsi Dijon Glaze: This gives a sweet element that compliments the savory and tart.
- Brie Cheese: I love this cheese for its creamy texture that has a mild, buttery taste. No melting required!
- Apple Slices: I prefer to use Granny Smith for a tart, crisp bite. However, use whatever you enjoy most.
- Arugula: A peppery zip of freshness is never a bad idea. Plus, it makes the platter pretty. 😉
Other additions that would be super yummy include a layer of prosciutto, a sprinkle of crumbled crispy bacon or a slice of leftover turkey or ham (if you’re trying to use up leftovers after holiday dinners).
CUSTOMIZING YOUR CROSTINI:
I mentioned a few meat options above, but here are some other ideas!
- If you’re not a fan of brie cheese, you can also use Havarti, gruyere, fresh mozzarella, fontina or a smear of goat cheese. I even enjoy skillet-warmed bread cheese in this recipe. Wowza, I heart me some bread cheese. Have you tried it yet?
- Don’t have apples on hand? No problem! Try adding pomegranate seeds, sliced strawberries, cranberry relish, bacon jam or caramelized onions. Play around with flavors and see what you enjoy most!
- I’ve had these with roast beef and a glaze made with hot English mustard… oh my. Besides Dijon, you can make the glaze with stone ground, English or a horseradish variety when serving with meat.
OTHER RECIPES YOU MIGHT ENJOY:
Toasty Meatloaf Sandwich Appetizers (VIDEO)
Strawberry Spinach Salad with Feta and Apple
Tomato Bruschetta with Pesto, Blue Cheese and Hot Honey
- ¼ cup Pepsi
- ¾ cup Brown Sugar, packed
- 2 tbsp. Dijon Mustard, or to taste
- Pinch of Salt
- 1 Baguette, cut into slices
- 1 cup Arugula
- 2 tbsp. Fresh Lemon Juice (1/2 lemon)
- Salt + Pepper, to taste
- 8 oz. Double Cream Brie Cheese, thinly sliced
- 1 Granny Smith Apple, thinly sliced
- Whisk all ingredients for the Pepsi Dijon Glaze together in a medium-bowl and set aside.
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Place sliced baguettes on a large cookie sheet and bake until lightly toasted, between 10 - 15 minutes.
- While the crostini's toast, add arugula to a large bowl and toss together with lemon juice, salt and pepper. Slice the brie cheese and apple.
- Mix the Pepsi Dijon Glaze together right before assembling. Then layer in the following order: toasted crostini, glaze, slice of Brie Cheese, one or two slices of apple, and arugula. If making into sandwiches, drizzle a little more glaze and top with another toasted crostini. Enjoy immediately.
NOTES ON THIS RECIPE:
- I like to LIGHTLY toast the crostini. If they’re too toasty you might irritate the roof of your mouth with their crunchy edges.
- If you prefer to add a little heat, a few sprinkles of red pepper flakes on top will do the trick.
- Need more appetizers for your holiday spread? Try making this Southern Pimento Cheese, my Loaded Mashed Potato Stuffed Jalapeño Poppers, or Tik Tok’s trending Air Fryer Pasta Chips!
This post is sponsored by Born in the Carolinas. Per the usual, all opinions here are mine alone and I would never recommend an ingredient that I did not immensely enjoy myself. Thank you for supporting the brands that support SliceOfJess.com!
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