If you’re looking for a show-stopping appetizer that’s as simple to make as it is irresistible, Fig and Brie Crostini is your answer. This recipe balances creamy, melty Brie with the natural sweetness of fig jam, all nestled on a crisp, golden baguette slice and finished with a drizzle of honey and a sprinkle of fresh herbs. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering, a weekend brunch, or just want to treat yourself, Fig and Brie Crostini is a surefire way to impress guests with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Fig and Brie Crostini is how it transforms a handful of basic ingredients into something truly memorable. Each element brings its own flair: creamy Brie for richness, fig jam for sweetness, and fresh herbs for a pop of color and aroma. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Baguette: Sliced into half-inch pieces, it becomes the perfect crisp base for all those luscious toppings.
- Brie cheese: Six ounces, sliced—its mild, buttery flavor melts beautifully over the crostini.
- Fig jam or preserves: Half a cup adds a sweet, slightly earthy layer that pairs perfectly with the Brie.
- Fresh figs (optional): Four to five, sliced thinly for extra freshness and a lovely look.
- Olive oil: A tablespoon to brush over the bread, ensuring it toasts up golden and crisp.
- Fresh rosemary or thyme (optional): A tablespoon chopped, for a burst of herbal flavor and color.
- Honey: For drizzling, which ties everything together with a touch of floral sweetness.
- Salt and black pepper: Add to taste to balance out the flavors and bring everything to life.
How to Make Fig and Brie Crostini
Step 1: Toast the Baguette Slices
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and set out a baking sheet. Arrange your baguette slices in a single layer and brush them lightly with olive oil. This quick step not only helps the bread crisp up beautifully but also adds a subtle richness that sets the stage for your toppings. Toast for 6 to 8 minutes until the slices are golden and crisp, then let them cool just enough to handle.
Step 2: Spread the Fig Jam
Once your crostini are cool enough to touch, it’s time to slather on the fig jam. About a teaspoon per slice is perfect—you want enough to taste the sweet, fruity layer but not so much that it overwhelms the Brie. If you like a tangier bite, you can swap in another fruit preserve like apricot or raspberry here for a fun twist.
Step 3: Add Brie and Fresh Figs
Lay a slice of Brie over the fig jam on each crostini. If you’re using fresh figs, place a thin slice on top of the Brie for that extra burst of juiciness and a beautiful finish. The contrast of creamy, savory cheese with sweet, jammy fig is what makes Fig and Brie Crostini so special.
Step 4: Warm in the Oven
Pop the assembled crostini back in the oven for 3 to 4 minutes. You’re not looking to melt the Brie into oblivion—just enough warmth for it to soften and get a little gooey. Keep an eye on them so the bread doesn’t over-toast and the cheese stays luscious.
Step 5: Finish with Honey and Herbs
Pull your crostini from the oven and drizzle with a little honey while they’re still warm. Scatter over chopped rosemary or thyme if you like, and don’t forget a light sprinkle of salt and freshly cracked black pepper. These finishing touches elevate the Fig and Brie Crostini from simple snack to sophisticated party fare.
How to Serve Fig and Brie Crostini
Garnishes
Elevate your Fig and Brie Crostini with a handful of thoughtful garnishes. A drizzle of good-quality honey adds shine and sweetness, while fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme provide a pop of color and fragrance. You can also add a crack of black pepper or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt for that perfect finishing touch. If you’re feeling fancy, edible flowers or microgreens make a stunning statement on a party platter.
Side Dishes
These crostini are delicious on their own, but they also pair well with a vibrant salad—think arugula with a lemony vinaigrette or a crisp apple salad with walnuts. For a more indulgent spread, set them alongside a cheese and charcuterie board, olives, and spiced nuts. Fig and Brie Crostini fit right in at brunch buffets and cocktail hours, too.
Creative Ways to Present
Presentation is everything! Arrange your crostini on a rustic wooden board, scatter fresh fig slices and herb sprigs around, and let guests help themselves. For an appetizer tower, stack crostini on a tiered platter. Or, try serving smaller, bite-sized versions on cocktail picks for easy mingling. However you present them, Fig and Brie Crostini are guaranteed to steal the spotlight.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any Fig and Brie Crostini left over (it’s rare!), let them cool completely before storing. Place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. The bread will soften a bit, but the flavors stay just as lovely.
Freezing
While it’s best to enjoy these crostini fresh, you can freeze the toasted baguette slices on their own. Simply cool them after toasting, store in a freezer bag, and thaw when you’re ready to assemble. Avoid freezing the assembled crostini, as the cheese and figs don’t thaw well.
Reheating
To revive any leftover Fig and Brie Crostini, pop them back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes until just warmed through and the cheese softens again. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the bread soggy and the cheese rubbery.
FAQs
Can I make Fig and Brie Crostini ahead of time?
You can toast the baguette slices and prep your toppings in advance, but for the best texture, assemble and bake the crostini just before serving. This keeps the bread crisp and the Brie perfectly melty.
What can I use instead of fig jam?
If you don’t have fig jam, try apricot or raspberry preserves. Both pair beautifully with Brie and give your crostini a unique twist while keeping that sweet-savory balance.
Is it necessary to use fresh figs?
Not at all! Fresh figs are a lovely addition when in season, but the crostini are absolutely delicious with just the fig jam. Don’t let a lack of fresh figs stop you from making this dish.
Can I use a different type Appetizer
Absolutely. While a classic baguette gives the best crunch, you can use ciabatta or even a sturdy multigrain loaf. Just slice thinly and toast until golden for the perfect base.
How do I make Fig and Brie Crostini gluten-free?
Simply swap in your favorite gluten-free baguette or bread. The process stays the same, and you’ll still get all the delicious flavors and textures that make this appetizer so popular.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something magical about the combination of creamy cheese, sweet figs, and crunchy bread. I hope you’ll give Fig and Brie Crostini a try—whether you’re hosting friends or treating yourself, it’s a little bite of elegance that’s sure to become a new favorite. Enjoy every last crumb!
Print
Fig and Brie Crostini Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 20 crostini
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful and elegant appetizer featuring toasted baguette slices topped with creamy Brie cheese, sweet fig jam, and optional fresh figs, garnished with herbs and a honey drizzle. Perfect for holiday entertaining or sophisticated gatherings.
Ingredients
Bread and Toppings
- 1 baguette, sliced into 1/2-inch pieces
- 6 ounces Brie cheese, sliced
- 1/2 cup fig jam or preserves
- 4–5 fresh figs, sliced (optional)
Additional Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary or thyme (optional)
- Honey for drizzling
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat and Toast Bread: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and arrange the baguette slices on a baking sheet. Brush each slice lightly with olive oil, then toast in the oven for 6–8 minutes until golden and crisp. Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly.
- Spread Fig Jam: Spread about 1 teaspoon of fig jam evenly over each toasted baguette slice to add a sweet and fruity base layer.
- Add Brie and Figs: Place a slice of Brie cheese on top of the fig jam. If using fresh figs, add a thin slice atop the Brie for extra texture and flavor.
- Warm Crostini: Return the crostini to the oven for 3–4 minutes, just until the Brie starts to soften and become melty.
- Finish with Honey and Herbs: Remove from the oven and drizzle lightly with honey. Sprinkle chopped herbs if desired, and season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Serve: Serve the crostini warm or at room temperature for an elegant appetizer experience.
Notes
- You can substitute fig jam with other fruit preserves like apricot or raspberry for variety.
- These crostini are perfect for holiday entertaining or elegant appetizers.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 crostini
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
