Golden Brûléed Brie Crostini combines creamy, melted brie with a crispy, caramelized sugar crust for an elegant appetizer that’s both savory and sweet. Paired with toasted baguette slices and a drizzle of honey, this dish is a showstopper at any gathering, balancing textures and flavors that are sure to impress!
Key Information:
- Preparation time:
10 minutes
- Cooking time:
10 minutes
- Total time:
20 minutes
- Number of servings:
12 crostini
- Serving size:
1 crostini
Nutritional Information (per serving, 1 crostini):
- Calories: 180
- Protein: 6g
- Carbs: 14g
- Fat: 11g
Ingredients:
- 1 small baguette (about 150g / 5.3 oz), sliced into 12
rounds
- 200g (7 oz) brie cheese, sliced into 12 pieces
- 2 tbsp brown sugar (30g)
- 2 tbsp honey (30ml)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (15ml)
- Fresh thyme leaves, for garnish
- Sea salt, for sprinkling
Method of Preparation:
- Preheat the oven:
Set the oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Toast the baguette:
Lightly brush the baguette slices with olive oil and arrange them on a
baking sheet. Toast in the oven for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway
through, until golden and crispy.
- Prepare the brie:
While the bread is toasting, slice the brie into 12 pieces and set them
aside.
- Brûlée the brie:
Arrange the brie slices on top of the toasted crostini. Sprinkle about 1/2
teaspoon of brown sugar on each piece of brie.
- Caramelize the sugar:
Using a kitchen torch, gently brûlée the sugar on top of the brie until it
melts and turns golden brown, forming a crispy caramelized crust. If you
don't have a kitchen torch, place the crostini under a broiler for 1-2
minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Drizzle and garnish:
Drizzle each crostini with a little honey and sprinkle with fresh thyme
leaves and a pinch of sea salt for balance.
- Serve immediately:
Serve the crostini warm, so the brie remains gooey and the sugar crust is
crispy.
Culinary Tips for Success:
- Use a kitchen torch:
For the best results, use a kitchen torch to control the brûlée process
and achieve an even, golden caramelization.
- Choose the right brie:
Opt for a ripe, soft brie that will melt beautifully but still hold its
shape when heated.
- Watch the broiler closely: If you’re using the broiler to caramelize the sugar,
keep a close eye to prevent burning, as sugar can caramelize very quickly.
- Serve immediately:
For the best texture, serve the crostini warm right after brûléeing, when
the brie is soft, and the sugar crust is crunchy.
- Add toppings to taste:
For a more complex flavor profile, consider adding a sprinkle of crushed
nuts, dried fruit, or even a dash of balsamic glaze.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I make these crostini ahead of time? You can toast the baguette slices in advance, but it's
best to brûlée the brie right before serving to ensure the sugar crust
remains crisp.
- What can I use instead of a kitchen torch? You can use the oven broiler for caramelizing the
sugar. Place the crostini under the broiler for about 1-2 minutes, but
watch closely to avoid burning.
- What type of honey works best? Any honey works, but floral varieties like clover or
wildflower honey add a nice aromatic touch.
- Can I substitute the brie? If you’re not a fan of brie, Camembert works well as a
substitute since it has a similar creamy texture.
- What wine pairs well with this dish? A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a sparkling
wine complements the creamy brie and sweet brûléed top beautifully.
Golden Brûléed Brie Crostini is a
perfect combination of creamy brie, sweet caramelized sugar, and the satisfying
crunch of toasted baguette. With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, you
can create a stunning appetizer that will elevate any gathering. The delicate
balance of textures and flavors will have your guests coming back for more!