Brie Crostini Appetizers

There’s something about a tray of golden crostini, still warm from the oven, that makes a room instantly feel more welcoming.

Picture thin baguette slices toasted to a delicate crunch, topped with luscious, just-melted Brie that oozes at the edges, and finished with a jewel-like drizzle of honey or a pop of ruby-red jam.

These Brie crostini are the ultimate quick entertaining appetizer—elegant enough for guests, simple enough for beginners, and ready in about 15 minutes.

They’ve saved me more than once: like the evening friends dropped by unexpectedly and I needed something impressive, fast. A baguette, a small wheel of Brie, a jar of fig jam—and suddenly it felt like I’d planned the whole night.

Perfect for holiday gatherings, cozy date nights, or last-minute “come over for a glass of wine” moments, these bites turn any occasion into something special. Ready to bring this dish to life?

Why You’ll Love It

• Delivers elegant, restaurant-worthy flavor with very little effort
• Impresses guests using simple, easy-to-find ingredients and minimal equipment
• Preps and bakes quickly, perfect for last-minute entertaining
• Offers flexible toppings to match seasonal flavors or menu theme
• Serves as a versatile starter for brunches, holidays, or wine nights

Ingredients

• 1 baguette — slice into 12 1/2-inch rounds (day-old toasts best)
• 2 tbsp olive oil — good extra-virgin for flavor
• 6 oz brie cheese — cut into 12 pieces (chill first for cleaner slices)
• 1/3 cup fig jam — loosen with gentle heat if too thick
• 1/4 cup walnuts — roughly chopped and toasted for extra nuttiness
• 1 tbsp honey — a mild, runny honey drizzles easily
• 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves — finely chopped for even garnish
• 1/8 tsp kosher salt — to season baguette slices lightly
• 1/8 tsp freshly ground black pepper — adds a subtle bite

Step-by-Step Method

Set the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easier cleanup, if you like. Let the oven fully preheat while you slice the baguette and prepare the toppings.

A properly heated oven guarantees the bread toasts evenly and the brie melts gently without overcooking.

Slice and Arrange the Baguette

Slice the baguette into twelve 1/2-inch rounds. Use a sharp knife for clean cuts that don’t crush the bread.

Arrange the slices in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Leave a little space between each slice so the heat can circulate and the edges crisp instead of steaming.

Brush and Season the Bread

Brush the tops of the baguette slices lightly with olive oil using a pastry brush or the back of a spoon. Sprinkle evenly with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.

Coat each slice, but avoid soaking them. This step builds flavor and helps the bread toast to a golden, crisp texture.

Toast the Crostini Base

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Bake for 5–6 minutes until the baguette slices are lightly crisped and just starting to turn golden around the edges.

Watch closely toward the end so they don’t overbrown. Remove the baking sheet from the oven and keep the crostini in a single layer.

Top with Sliced Brie

Immediately place one slice of brie on each warm baguette round. Keep the rind on or remove it, depending on your preference.

Make sure the brie pieces roughly match the bread size for even coverage. Work quickly so the residual heat from the crostini begins to soften the cheese right away.

Melt the Brie Gently

Return the baking sheet to the oven. Bake for 2–3 minutes, just until the brie is softened and starting to melt at the edges.

Avoid overbaking or the cheese may run off the bread. Remove from the oven when the brie looks soft and slightly oozy but still mostly holds its shape.

Warm and Spoon the Fig Jam

Warm the fig jam gently in a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl until loosened and spreadable. Stir to smooth it out.

Spoon a small dollop onto the center of each brie-topped crostini. Distribute the jam evenly so every bite balances sweet jam with the creamy, savory cheese beneath.

Add Walnuts, Honey, and Thyme

Sprinkle the chopped toasted walnuts evenly over the crostini, pressing lightly so they adhere to the jam and cheese. Drizzle honey thinly over all the pieces for a glossy, sweet finish.

Garnish each crostini with a few chopped thyme leaves to add freshness and a subtle herbal aroma.

Rest Briefly and Serve

Let the crostini rest for about 5 minutes before serving. Allow the brie to settle slightly so it’s soft and luscious but not scalding hot.

Arrange the crostini on a platter in a single layer. Serve warm or at room temperature as an elegant appetizer for gatherings or intimate dinners.

Ingredient Swaps

• Cheese: Swap brie with camembert, triple-cream, or a soft goat cheese; for a budget option, use a mild, melty cheese like fontina or young gouda.
• Bread: Any crusty loaf (Italian, ciabatta, sourdough) or gluten-free baguette-style bread works in place of a classic baguette.
• Jam: Use apricot, raspberry, cranberry, onion jam, or even apple butter if fig jam isn’t available.
• Nuts: Replace walnuts with pecans, almonds, pistachios, or omit for nut-free; add pumpkin or sunflower seeds for crunch instead.
• Herbs & Sweetener: Thyme can be swapped for rosemary, chives, or sage; honey can be replaced with maple syrup or agave.

You Must Know

– Flavor Boost • For deeper contrast with the fig jam, warm the jam with an extra pinch of salt and an extra 1–2 teaspoons honey until just loosened and glossy.

The sweet-salty balance makes the thyme and toasted walnuts pop more against the rich cheese.

Serving Tips

• Serve on a wooden board, loosely grouped by topping variations for visual variety.
• Pair with chilled sparkling wine, light-bodied reds, or crisp hard cider.
• Add fresh grapes, pear slices, and nuts to the platter for contrast.
• Offer a small bowl of extra warmed fig jam and honey for drizzling.
• Garnish platter with thyme sprigs for aroma and a rustic, elegant presentation.

Storage & Make-Ahead

Brie crostini are best fresh but can be refrigerated, tightly covered, for up to 1 day.

Toast baguette slices and prep toppings ahead, then add brie and warm just before serving.

Assembled crostini don’t freeze well; however, plain toasted baguette slices can be frozen up to 1 month.

Reheating

Reheat crostini gently: in a 300°F oven for 5–7 minutes, or briefly in a covered skillet on low.

Avoid microwaving; it softens the bread and ruins the crisp texture.

Brie on Parisian Café Menus

Once you’ve warmed leftover crostini to a gentle crisp, it’s easy to imagine yourself in a tiny Paris café, where brie appears on menus as casually as coffee.

I think of those slate boards listing “tartine au brie,” “croque au brie,” or simple “pain et fromage,” letters chalked in soft, dusty strokes.

Brie arrives barely melting over toasted bread, maybe with a smear of fig or onion jam, a few walnut halves catching the light.

The rind is tender, smelling faintly of mushrooms and sweet cream; the paste slumps luxuriously when you cut in.

Around you, cups clink, chairs scrape, and there’s that quiet murmur of conversations, all wrapped in the comforting, buttery perfume of warm cheese and bread.

Final Thoughts

Give these Brie Crostini Appetizers a try the next time you need an easy yet elegant bite to share.

Don’t hesitate to tweak the toppings with your favorite jams, nuts, or herbs to make them your own.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Make These Brie Crostini Gluten-Free Without Sacrificing Texture?

Yes, you can. I’d choose a sturdy gluten-free baguette, toast it well, then layer warm, velvety brie, glossy fig jam, and crackling walnuts so every bite still feels rustic, crisp, and luxuriously indulgent.

What Wine Pairings Work Best With Fig, Brie, and Honey Flavors?

I’d pour a chilled Sauternes or late-harvest Riesling; their honeyed sweetness wraps around the brie and figs. For something drier, I’d choose Champagne or Prosecco—bubbles cut the richness and brighten every warm, nutty bite.

How Can I Adapt This Recipe for a Large Catering Event Efficiently?

You can scale this easily: I’d pre-toast baguette slices in batches, pre-slice chilled brie, keep warmed jam in squeeze bottles, then assemble on sheet pans and flash in the oven—golden, melty, fragrant in minutes.

Are There Kid-Friendly Topping Variations That Avoid Strong Flavors Like Thyme?

Yes, you can. I’d top them with mild honey, strawberry or apricot jam, thin apple slices, or mini chocolate chips. You’ll smell warm toast, taste gentle sweetness, and skip herbs entirely so kids feel cozy and safe.

How Do I Adjust Baking Time for an Air Fryer Instead of an Oven?

Use your air fryer at 350°F: I’d toast the bread 3–4 minutes, then add cheese and cook 1–2 minutes. Listen for a gentle crackle, watch edges blush golden, and serve while the cheese sighs softly.