These roasted grape and brie crostini are a fun snack! Crispy bread topped with creamy brie and sweet, warm grapes make for a tasty treat that surprises everyone.
Assembling them is a breeze. Just throw your grapes in the oven and watch them get all juicy while the bread toasts. I could eat these all day—and I sometimes do! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Baguette: A fresh baguette is perfect for crostini because of its crispy exterior and soft inside. If you can’t find a baguette, use any crusty bread like sourdough or ciabatta.
Red Grapes: Red grapes provide a lovely sweetness. Green grapes can work too, but they may be slightly less sweet. For a different taste, try using roasted figs or other seasonal fruits!
Brie Cheese: Brie is creamy and melts nicely. If you’re looking for alternatives, try Camembert for a similar texture or creamy goat cheese for a tangy flavor.
Blue Cheese: It adds a bold flavor, but if it’s not your thing, skip it or use feta for a lighter touch. Alternatively, some freshly grated Parmesan can add flavor without overpowering.
Herbs: Fresh thyme or rosemary gives a nice earthy note. If you don’t have fresh herbs, dried herbs can be used. A sprinkle of Italian seasoning can also work well!
How Can You Roast Grapes to Perfect Sweetness?
Roasting grapes intensifies their sweetness and brings out their juices, making them a fantastic topping. It’s simple, but timing is key!
- Spread grapes evenly on a baking sheet—crowding can lead to steaming.
- Roast them at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, until they soften and burst. Check around 15 minutes!
- Let them cool slightly before adding to your crostini; the juices can make things messy!
This technique not only enhances the flavor but creates a warm, juicy topping that pairs beautifully with the creamy Brie. Enjoy making your crostini!
Roasted Grape And Brie Crostini
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Crostini Base:
- 1 baguette, sliced into 1/2-inch thick pieces
For the Roasted Grapes:
- 1 cup red grapes, whole and washed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme or rosemary (optional, dried also works)
For the Toppings:
- 6 ounces Brie cheese, sliced
- 2 ounces crumbled blue cheese (optional for extra flavor)
- Honey (optional, for drizzling)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious appetizer will take about 30 minutes to prepare and cook. In just 10 minutes you’ll have your ingredients ready, and roasting and toasting will take another 20 minutes. Perfect for when you’re entertaining guests or just want something yummy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First, set your oven to preheat at 400°F (200°C). This is key for roasting the grapes perfectly!
2. Prepare the Grapes:
In a bowl, toss those beautiful grapes with olive oil, a sprinkle of salt, and fresh ground black pepper. If you decided to use herbs, mix them in too! Spread the grapes out evenly on a baking sheet.
3. Roast the Grapes:
Pop the baking sheet into the preheated oven. Roast the grapes for about 15-20 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when they start to soften and burst, making a lovely syrupy juice!
4. Toast the Baguette Slices:
While your grapes are roasting, arrange your baguette slices on another baking sheet. Place them in the oven and toast for about 5-7 minutes or until they’re golden and crispy—keep an eye on them!
5. Assemble the Crostini:
Once your baguette slices are toasted, place a piece of Brie cheese on each slice. If you love the flavor of blue cheese, sprinkle a little on top for an extra tasty treat!
6. Top with Roasted Grapes:
Grab those delightful roasted grapes and spoon them over the Brie. Make sure to drizzle some of that sweet juice on too; it enhances the flavor!
7. (Optional) Drizzle with Honey:
If you have a sweet tooth, drizzling a bit of honey over the top adds a lovely touch. Yum!
8. Serve Immediately:
These crostini are best served warm, so dig in and enjoy those crispy bites with melted cheese and sweet grapes!
Happy munching! This sweet, savory, and crispy appetizer is sure to impress your friends and family!
Can I Use Different Types of Bread for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While a baguette is traditional, you can use any crusty bread like sourdough, ciabatta, or even whole grain for added flavor and texture. Just be sure to slice it to a similar thickness for even toasting.
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian-Friendly?
This recipe is already vegetarian, as it contains no meat. The only optional ingredient is blue cheese, which you can skip or substitute with a milder cheese like feta or more Brie if you prefer. Just ensure any cheese you choose fits your dietary preferences!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
While these crostini are best enjoyed fresh, you can store leftovers by keeping the grapes, bread, and cheese separately in airtight containers in the fridge. Enjoy the bread on its own, or toast it again when you’re ready to serve the grapes and cheese, but keep in mind that the texture may change.
Can I Prepare This Dish Ahead of Time?
You can prep components in advance! Roast the grapes and slice the bread a few hours prior, but it’s best to assemble and garnish them just before serving to maintain that delightful freshness and crunch.
