Description
A delightful appetizer featuring crispy crostini topped with creamy brie, sweet roasted strawberries, spicy-sweet hot honey, crunchy walnuts, and fragrant fresh thyme. Perfect for entertaining or a sophisticated snack.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Crust:
- 1 French baguette, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 8 ounces Brie cheese, sliced or cut into small pieces
- 1 pound fresh strawberries, hulled and halved (or quartered if large)
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey
- 1/4 cup hot honey (or regular honey mixed with a pinch of cayenne)
- 1/3 cup walnuts, roughly chopped
- Fresh thyme leaves for garnish
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Prepare the Crust:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, toss strawberries with balsamic vinegar, maple syrup, and a pinch of salt. Spread on the prepared baking sheet and roast for 15–20 minutes until soft and slightly caramelized. Remove and let cool slightly.
- While strawberries roast, arrange baguette slices on another baking sheet. Brush lightly with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Toast in the oven for 8–10 minutes until golden and crisp.
- Reduce oven temperature to 375°F (190°C). Top each crostini with a piece or slice of Brie cheese. Return to oven for 3–5 minutes until cheese is just melted.
- In a small skillet over medium heat, toast the chopped walnuts for 2–3 minutes until fragrant, stirring frequently. Set aside.
- Assemble crostini: Top each melted Brie crostini with a spoonful of roasted strawberries, a drizzle of hot honey, a sprinkle of toasted walnuts, and fresh thyme leaves.
- Serve immediately while warm.
Notes
You can customize the seasonings to taste. For a milder heat, use less cayenne in the hot honey. The crostini can be made ahead and reheated, but assemble just before serving for best texture.