Fall Crostini, Two Ways!

It’s not quite fall yet, I know.

But in anticipation of all things fall and fabulous, here’s some crostini to pave the way.

They’re light, they’re bright, they’re SO damn easy. And both versions take only 6 ingredients + 10 minutes to make.

Dave and I are headed to France today (YAY!) so my next few posts are going to be short. Because between cooking, clients, packing, and pre-vacation maintenance — waxing, nails, the works — I can barely keep my sanity. Let alone 500 words a post.

Like I said these crostini are fast, delicious, and super simple to make, so it’s hard to play favorites. But you might prefer one over the other, so let’s dive in and discuss.

First up is a goat cheese & apple crostini, which represents everything fall should be. You start with crispy slices of olive oil-toasted baguette, then dollop each with a mound of goat cheese. Next add layers of sliced honeycrisp apples (THE best), a shit-ton of honey, and a liberal dose of shaved almonds. Together this crostini is sweet, luscious, and brimming with texture, so obviously I’m obsessed. But what I love most is that this delightful bite manages to be comforting and fresh all at once. The cool sensation of the goat cheese next to the crisp apples is a freakin’ dream, while the honey adds an unmistakable fall coziness. These are perfect for bookclubs, brunches, or even a lazy night in the with gals, so there’s no reason not to make them at your leisure!

Just remember that when you do, an ice-cold glass of sancerre is highly recommended.

Next up is a brie & prosciutto crostini, which is the savory bite of the bunch. Made with toasted white bread — relax! it’s not anthrax — fig jam, prosciutto, brie, and thyme, this is a meaty bite that easily keeps hunger at bay. When it comes to prosciutto Citterio is a reliable brand, though obviously fresh from the butcher is best. And for the brie I always try to buy at least a double crème, triple clearly being king. Finished off with a fragrant touch of thyme, this crostini tastes GREAT with a cold beer (or six), so when your man’s craving a snack, put together this.

And if you’re hosting friends, make both! They’re simple enough — and delicious enough — to command equal attention. xo

Fall Crostini, Two Ways!

Ingredients:

  • GOAT CHEESE APPLE CROSTINI:
  • 6 oz baguette, sliced
  • 2 – 3 tbsps extra virgin olive oil
  • 5 oz goat cheese
  • 1 large honeycrisp apple, sliced
  • 1/4 cup shaved almonds
  • honey to drizzle
  • BRIE & PROSCIUTTO CROSTINI:
  • 6 oz white bread, sliced diagonally
  • 2 – 3 tbsps extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 – 3 tbsps fig jam
  • 3 oz prosciutto
  • 5 oz brie cheese, sliced
  • fresh thyme to garnish

Directions:

  1. Pre-heat oven to 400F.
  2. For either crostini, use a pastry brush to coat the top of each slice of bread with olive oil, then transfer to a baking sheet. Toast on oven middle rack for 5 minutes until the bottom has begun to brown and the tops are slightly golden.
  3. Top the bread with either goat cheese, apple slices, shaved almonds, and honey, or fig jam, folded prosciutto, brie, and fresh thyme. Serve immediately!