Elegant Mini Brie & Fig Jam Crostini 🥂 – Ready in 12 Min for Gourmet Holiday Bites
Elevate your Thanksgiving appetizer board with these elegant mini crostini, combining creamy brie, sweet fig jam, and a honey drizzle on toasted baguette slices. Perfect for sophisticated holiday entertaining.
These mini brie crostini are the ultimate holiday starter: ready in 12 minutes, requiring just 4 ingredients, and offering a luxurious flavor profile that pairs beautifully with sparkling wine and your main turkey. Perfect for hosts who want to impress without hours of prep.
Whether you're hosting Thanksgiving, a New Year's Eve gathering, or a cozy dinner party, these crostini add a touch of elegance to any appetizer board. The combination of creamy brie, sweet fig jam, and a honey drizzle creates a sophisticated flavor that's sure to delight guests.
What makes this recipe special is its simplicity. With minimal ingredients and a quick preparation time, you can focus on enjoying your guests rather than slaving over the kitchen. The crostini's delicate balance of sweet and savory makes them a crowd-pleaser, while the presentation on a rustic wooden board adds a festive touch.
This recipe is also incredibly versatile. You can customize the toppings to suit your preferences or dietary needs. For a vegan option, swap the brie for a vegan cheese alternative, and use maple syrup instead of honey. The fig jam can also be replaced with other fruit preserves like apricot or raspberry for a different flavor profile.
Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions to create these elegant mini bites that will elevate your holiday entertaining game.
Ingredients
- 1 (8-ounce) wheel brie cheese, rind removed
- 3 tablespoons fig jam
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 (10-ounce) baguette, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Sea salt to taste
- Fresh thyme sprigs for garnish
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Brush baguette slices with olive oil and season with sea salt. Arrange on the prepared baking sheet.
- Step 2: Toast the baguette slices in the oven for 5-7 minutes, or until golden and crisp. Remove from oven and let cool slightly.
- Step 3: Using a small paring knife, spread a thin layer of brie onto each baguette slice. Top with a dollop of fig jam and a drizzle of honey.
- Step 4: Garnish each crostini with a fresh thyme sprig. Serve immediately or at room temperature.
Recipe Card
Elegant Mini Brie & Fig Jam Crostini
Quick, elegant, and perfect for holidays
🛒 Ingredients
- - 1 (8-ounce) wheel brie cheese
- - 3 tablespoons fig jam
- - 1/4 cup honey
- - 10-ounce baguette
👨🍳 Instructions
Toast Baguette: Brush slices with oil and bake at 350°F for 5-7 minutes until golden.
💡 For extra crispiness, broil for the last 2 minutes.
Assemble Crostini: Spread brie, add fig jam, and drizzle with honey.
💡 Use a small offset spatula for precise spreading.
Garnish: Top with fresh thyme and serve immediately.
💡 For a festive touch, add edible flowers like violas.
Nutrition (per serving):
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
Brie Cheese
The creamy texture of brie is essential for this recipe. For a firmer cheese, use Camembert or goat cheese. Vegan option: use a vegan brie alternative.
Substitutions: Camembert, vegan brie, or goat cheese
Fig Jam
The sweet, tangy flavor of fig jam balances the richness of the brie. Substitute with apricot, raspberry, or blackberry jam for different flavor profiles.
Substitutions: Any fruit jam or preserves
Honey
Honey adds a touch of sweetness and shine. For a vegan option, use maple syrup. Reduce quantity if using a sweeter jam.
Substitutions: Maple syrup or agave nectar
Baguette
The baguette provides a crisp base. Substitute with sourdough, whole grain, or gluten-free bread for dietary needs.
Substitutions: Sourdough, whole grain, or gluten-free bread
Pro Tips for Perfect Crostini
✨ Toasting Technique
For optimal crispiness, toast the baguette slices on both sides. Avoid overcrowding the baking sheet to ensure even toasting.
🧪 Cheese Selection
Choose a soft-ripened cheese for the best flavor. Brie de Meaux or Brie de Melun are excellent choices for their rich, buttery taste.
🍯 Drizzle Technique
Use a squeeze bottle for precise honey drizzling. This ensures even distribution and prevents over-sweetening.
🌿 Garnishing Tips
Add fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or edible flowers for visual appeal. A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a festive touch.
Variations & Customizations
Vegan Version
Replace brie with vegan cheese and use maple syrup instead of honey. Top with vegan fig jam or other fruit preserves.
Spicy Twist
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the fig jam or top with a slice of jalapeño for a spicy kick.
Citrus Zest
Grate lemon or orange zest over the crostini for a refreshing citrus flavor that pairs well with the fig jam.
Nuts & Seeds
Sprinkle chopped pistachios, walnuts, or toasted sesame seeds for added crunch and nutty flavor.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
🍽️ Best Served With:
- Sparkling wine or champagne for a festive touch
- Charcuterie board with cured meats and olives
- Mini quiches or stuffed mushrooms for a varied appetizer spread
🍷 Drink Pairings:
Pair with a dry Riesling or a sweet dessert wine like Sauternes to complement the fig jam's sweetness and the brie's richness.
Make-Ahead Instructions & Storage
Make-Ahead Tips
Toast the baguette slices up to 24 hours in advance and store in an airtight container. Assemble the crostini just before serving to maintain crispiness.
Refrigerator Storage
Store assembled crostini in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Bring to room temperature before serving.
Freezer Storage
Not recommended for freezing as the cheese and bread will lose texture and moisture.
Reheating Instructions
Not recommended. These crostini are best served fresh to preserve the crispiness of the baguette.
Troubleshooting & Common Questions
Q: Can I use pre-sliced baguette?
A: Yes, but ensure the slices are about 1/2-inch thick for optimal toasting. Avoid using pre-toasted slices as they may become too dry.
Q: How do I prevent the brie from melting too much?
A: Spread the brie after toasting the baguette. If assembling ahead, store in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Q: Can I use a different type of jam?
A: Absolutely! Try apricot, blackberry, or even a spiced apple jam for different flavor profiles. Adjust the sweetness accordingly.
Q: How do I make these gluten-free?
A: Use a gluten-free baguette or substitute with gluten-free bread. Ensure the fig jam is certified gluten-free.
Final Thoughts
These elegant mini brie crostini are a game-changer for holiday entertaining. With their quick preparation and luxurious flavor, they're sure to impress your guests and elevate any appetizer board.
Whether you're hosting a Thanksgiving dinner, a New Year's Eve party, or a cozy dinner for two, these crostini add a touch of sophistication to your menu. The combination of creamy brie, sweet fig jam, and a honey drizzle creates a perfect balance of flavors that's both indulgent and refined.
