I made these Cheddar, Apple & Honey Crostinis as the appetizer for our low-key, simple, at-home New Year's Eve dinner. I had more than an inkling they would be a hit as what's not to love about a creamy cheddar cheese, thinly sliced Honey Crisp Apples, a generous drizzle of honey, and fresh thyme sitting on top of an over roasted (or grilled) crostini. As hoped, or should I say predicted, they were immediately declared 'winners'. Which around here amounts to meaning 'put them on repeat'. Words that are music to my ears. Especially when something so good is so easy to make.
This small bite appetizer is one of those perfect for celebratory occasions, informal gatherings, casual dinners, fancy dinners, or whenever you get the taste for them foods. The Cheddar, Apple & Honey Crostini may have a kind of refined rustic look to them along, but don't let that fool you. Because they have such an unexpected explosion of flavors you might come to view them as a bit luxurious.
A five ingredient, easy to make, unfussy appetizer is exactly one we all need in our lives.
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It all begins with making the crostini. Quarter inch slices of a baguette are brushed on both sides with olive oil and baked a preheated 400 degree (F) oven for 9-11 minutes (or until golden). Alternately, you can grill the olive oil brushed baguette slices on a grill for an added, even better flavor dimension.
If there is one drawback to this appetizer recipe, it's the Unexpected Cheddar Cheese Spread from Trader Joe's. For those of you who don't live near a Trader Joe's, my apologies as I have no recommended substitution to this slightly addictive, insanely good creamy cheese spread. But there happens to be a Trader Joe's near you, don't just buy one container, buy two. I promise you won't be sorry.
The best apples to use for this appetizer are Honey Crisps. They have a sweet and subtly tart tangy flavor that pairs exceptionally well with the creamy cheddar cheese. When buying the apples, choose medium sized ones as you will get the perfect sized slices from them. You can cut the apples using a knife to cut the apple into thin slices or you can use a mandoline. I tend to like using a mandoline to ensure all of my slices are the same thickness.
When choosing the honey, look for a high quality raw honey sold in jars. If you can find a really good locally made honey or find one at a Farmer's Market (like one I bought in Boulder, Colorado) buy it. Even if it's price makes you gasp. Honey is one of those foods that lasts indefinitely if you keep it tightly sealed. Many of the honeys sold in plastic bottles often contain other ingredients, like corn syrup. So before you spend any money on honey, carefully look at the label. Because there is nothing more delectable than a really good pure honey. Especially when it's drizzled over apples and cheese.
And who knew fresh thyme was the perfect compliment to apples, honey and cheese? If you have never had this combination of flavors before, you are in for a treat!
This Cheddar, Apple & Honey Crostini could definitely get me on the simple food, small bites bandwagon in 2023. A meal made up of an appetizer and dessert sounds like something I could easily wrap my head around. Who needs dinner when you can enjoy a delicious, savory appetizer, made with fresh ingredients followed by a slightly decadent dessert! I am thinking the Cheddar, Apple & Honey Crostini would pair well with Honey Baked Pears with Cream, Double Chocolate Pudding, Chocolate Mousse, Creme Brûlée, or Coconut Panna Cotta with Blueberry Sauce. Even a warm chocolate chip cookie with a scoop of ice cream would work well!
Recipe
Cheddar, Apple & Honey Crostini
Makes 16 crostini
Ingredients
1 French Demi Baguette (7 ounce/198g), cut into 1/4 inch slices, slightly on the diagonal
Extra-virgin olive oil
2 small or medium sized Honey Crisp Apples (unpeeled0, cut into thin slices
1/2 cup Trader Joe's Unexpected Cheddar Cheese Spread (see notes)
Good quality honey
4-5 sprigs of fresh thyme, leaves removed
Directions
1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees (F). Lightly brush both sides of the baguette slices with olive oil and place on a heavy bottomed rimmed baking sheet.
2. Bake the baguette slices for 9-11 minutes until golden, turning over once midway through the baking process. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly (approximately 6-8 minutes).
3. Spread about two teaspoons of the Unexpected Cheddar Cheese Spread on each crostini. Don't be skimpy with the cheese.
4. Top with 3-4 apple slices.
5. Transfer the crostini to your serving platter.
6. Use a fork to drizzle honey over each crostini. Then sprinkle each with fresh thyme leaves. Serve immediately. Note: The honey will melt into the apples. Serve the crostini with a side bowl of honey for anyone who wants their crostini a little sweeter.
Notes: (1) Instead of making your crostini, make them on the grill. Brush both sides with olive olive and grill. Cooking time will range from 6-8 minutes depending on the heat of the grill. Be certain to flip your bread slices midway through the grilling process. (2) The Unexpected Cheddar Cheese Spread from Trader Joe's is insanely delicious. Buy at least two on your Trader Joe's run. (3) Use a high quality honey, preferably one from a reliable source. (4) If serving a larger crowd, buy a regular sized french baguette, pick up an extra Honey Crisp apple, and use a few more thyme sprigs. (5) Bjorn's Lavender Colorado Honey was what I used to make these crostini. I am absolutely in love with this honey.
