Roasted Grape & Brie Crostini with Honey + Sea Salt is an elegant appetizer that combines sweet, savory, and salty flavors in every bite. The crostini starts with crisp, toasted baguette slices that are topped with creamy, melted Brie cheese and juicy, caramelized roasted grapes. A drizzle of honey adds a touch of sweetness, while a sprinkle of flaky sea salt enhances the flavors and balances the dish beautifully.
The first time I made this, I was looking for a sophisticated yet easy-to-make appetizer, and it turned out to be a showstopper! The roasted grapes bring out a natural sweetness and slight tang, which pairs perfectly with the rich, buttery Brie. The honey and sea salt elevate the flavors, making each bite utterly irresistible. What I love most about Roasted Grape & Brie Crostini with Honey + Sea Salt is how simple it is to prepare while delivering such a stunning presentation. It’s perfect for dinner parties, holiday gatherings, or anytime you want to impress with minimal effort!
Perfect for:
- Entertaining guests
- Holiday gatherings
- Wine and cheese parties
- Casual dinner parties
- Grape and cheese lovers
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here are 9 reasons why this Roasted Grape & Brie Crostini with Honey + Sea Salt will be your new favorite appetizer:
- Unique Flavor Profile: The sweet roasted grapes paired with the rich Brie and honey create an unforgettable taste experience.
- Perfect Balance of Sweet and Savory: The combination of honey, sea salt, and Brie offers the ideal balance of sweet and savory flavors.
- Quick and Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, this recipe is perfect for busy hosts.
- Elegant and Beautiful Presentation: The vibrant grapes and smooth Brie make these crostini visually appealing, perfect for any occasion.
- Versatile and Customizable: You can easily adjust the sweetness or add extra toppings like nuts or herbs.
- No Oven Required (Optional): If you prefer, you can prepare the crostini without roasting the grapes for a simpler version.
- Perfect for Any Season: Roasted grapes bring warmth to winter gatherings, but this dish is also light enough for spring and summer events.
- Crowd-Pleasing Bite-Sized Appetizers: The crostini make perfect individual servings for easy sharing.
- A Modern Twist on Classic Appetizers: A fresh take on traditional cheese and cracker platters that will excite your guests.
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Servings: 12 servings (depending on crostini size)
- Calories per serving: Approximately 120-150 calories
- Key Nutrients: Protein: 5g, Carbs: 15g, Fat: 9g
Ingredients
For the Crostini:
- 1 baguette, sliced into 12 pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
The Roasted Grapes:
- 1 cup red or green grapes, halved
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Fresh thyme or rosemary, for garnish
For the Topping:
- 8 oz Brie cheese, sliced
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Flaked sea salt
Ingredient Highlights
- Brie Cheese: Its creamy texture perfectly complements the sweetness of the grapes and honey.
- Roasted Grapes: Roasting grapes intensifies their sweetness and creates a tender, caramelized texture.
- Honey and Sea Salt: A drizzle of honey adds a touch of sweetness, while sea salt provides a savory contrast.
- Olive Oil: Used to roast the grapes and toast the baguette slices, enhancing their flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Make the Crostini:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the Baguette: Arrange the baguette slices on a baking sheet. Brush each slice with olive oil and sprinkle with garlic powder, if using.
- Toast the Crostini: Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Set aside to cool.
Prepare the Roasted Grapes:
- Roast the Grapes: Toss the halved grapes in olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and honey. Spread them on a baking sheet and roast for 10-12 minutes, until soft and caramelized.
Assemble the Crostini:
- Top with Brie: Place a slice of Brie on each toasted baguette slice.
- Add Roasted Grapes: Spoon the roasted grapes onto the Brie-topped crostini.
- Drizzle with Honey and Sea Salt: Drizzle with honey and sprinkle with sea salt for added flavor and balance.
Serve:
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh thyme or rosemary and serve immediately while the crostini is warm.
How to Serve
Here are 9 serving suggestions for Roasted Grape & Brie Crostini with Honey + Sea Salt:
- As a Party Starter: Serve these crostini as a delicious appetizer for your next mocktail party.
- For a Charcuterie Board: Add these crostini to a charcuterie board with other cheeses and fresh fruits.
- At a Mocktail Tasting: An elegant snack for a mocktail-tasting evening.
- As an Elegant Appetizer: Serve before a main meal at a dinner party to wow your guests.
- With Fresh Herbs: Garnish with fresh rosemary or thyme for an aromatic touch.
- As a Light Snack: Enjoy with a glass of sparkling water for a refreshing light snack.
- For a Holiday Feast: These crostini are perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or New Year’s Eve gatherings.
- As a Gift: Pack the crostini ingredients in a basket as a thoughtful homemade gift.
- For Afternoon Tea: Serve smaller portions as part of a savory tea spread.
Additional Tips
- Customize with Nuts: Add chopped walnuts or almonds on top of the roasted grapes for a crunchy contrast.
- Use Other Cheeses: Brie can be replaced with goat cheese or Camembert for different flavor profiles.
- Prepare in Advance: Toast the baguette slices and roast the grapes ahead of time for easy assembly.
- Serve Warm: For the best texture and flavor, serve the crostini immediately after assembly while the Brie is slightly melted.
- Experiment with Flavors: Add a few drops of balsamic glaze for extra sweetness, or try a sprinkle of cinnamon for a holiday twist.
Recipe Variations
- Fig & Brie Crostini: Swap the grapes for figs for a sweeter, more earthy flavor.
- Goat Cheese and Grape Crostini: Use goat cheese instead of Brie for a tangier option.
- Herb-Infused Honey: Infuse honey with rosemary or thyme for an extra burst of flavor.
- Spicy Kick: Add a drizzle of chili honey for a sweet and spicy version.
- Pecan Topping: Replace the sea salt with crushed pecans for added texture and flavor.
- Vegan Option: Use vegan Brie or cashew cheese for a dairy-free alternative.
- Balsamic Glaze Finish: Drizzle with balsamic glaze instead of regular honey for a more tangy bite.
Special Equipment
- Baking Sheet: For toasting the crostini and roasting the grapes.
- Sharp Knife: For slicing the Brie and grapes.
- Small Bowl: For tossing the grapes with olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
- Basting Brush: To apply olive oil to the baguette slices.
- Spatula or Tongs: For transferring roasted grapes onto the crostini.
- Serving Tray: To arrange and present the crostini beautifully.
- Cheese Knife: For slicing the Brie cheese without smooshing it.
FAQ Section
- Can I use frozen grapes instead of fresh?
Fresh grapes are best for roasting, but if you use frozen grapes, thaw them before roasting to prevent excess moisture. - How long do the crostini last?
The crostini are best served fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days. - Can I prepare these crostini ahead of time?
You can prepare the baguette slices and roasted grapes ahead of time, but assemble the crostini just before serving for the best texture. - Can I make this recipe without roasting the grapes?
Yes, you can serve the grapes raw for a fresher taste, but roasting enhances their sweetness and flavor. - What can I substitute for Brie cheese?
Goat cheese, Camembert, or a soft cheese of your choice can be used instead of Brie. - Can I make these crostini gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free baguette slices or crackers as the base for a gluten-free version. - How do I store leftover crostini?
Store the crostini in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat in the oven for 5-10 minutes to crisp them up. - Can I freeze the crostini?
It’s best to freeze the roasted grapes and prepare the crostini fresh. The toasted baguette slices can be frozen for later use. - How do I prevent the Brie from melting too much?
Ensure the Brie is slightly chilled before placing it on the crostini to help it hold its shape. - Can I use other fruits instead of grapes?
Yes, figs, pears, or apples are great alternatives for this recipe.
Conclusion
Roasted Grape & Brie Crostini with Honey + Sea Salt is a delightful and sophisticated appetizer that combines the sweetness of roasted grapes with the creamy, rich Brie cheese, all on top of a crispy, toasted baguette slice. The grapes are roasted until they’re soft and caramelized, releasing their natural sweetness and depth of flavor. When paired with the smooth, buttery Brie cheese, it creates a perfect balance of savory and sweet.
A drizzle of honey adds a touch of sweetness that complements the richness of the Brie, while a sprinkle of sea salt provides a subtle contrast that enhances all the flavors. The crunchy crostini base adds the perfect texture, making each bite a satisfying combination of crispy, creamy, sweet, and salty. This dish is perfect for a light appetizer at gatherings or as a special treat to serve with wine. It’s easy to prepare and sure to impress your guests with its elegant presentation and amazing flavors.
I can’t wait to see how your Roasted Grape & Brie Crostini with Honey + Sea Salt turn out! Be sure to share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I’d love to see your beautiful creations. Don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know how you made this dish your own!