crostiniEasyAmerican

Apple Cheddar Crostini

Crisp apple slices with sharp cheddar and honey on toasted baguette - the classic pairing elevated

⏱️ Prep: 15min🍳 Cook: 8min⏰ Total: 23min👥 Serves: 24🌡️ room_temp

✓ vegetarian

⚠️ Contains: 🌾 Gluten, 🥛 Dairy

Ingredients

1baguette(sliced 1/4-inch thick)
2honeycrisp or fuji apples
8 ozsharp white cheddar(thinly sliced)
3 tbsphoney
2 tbspolive oil
0.5 cuparugula
freshly cracked black pepper
flaky sea salt

📝 Make Ahead

Toast crostini ahead. Assemble just before serving to prevent sogginess.

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400°F
Brush baguette slices with olive oil and arrange on baking sheet
Toast until golden, about 8 minutes, flipping halfway
Meanwhile, core apples and slice into thin half-moons
Top each crostini with a few arugula leaves
Layer with apple slice and cheddar
Drizzle with honey and finish with pepper and flaky salt
Serve immediately

💡 Pro Tips

Choose firm, sweet-tart apples that won't brown quickly. Honeycrisp and Fuji hold up best. Aged white cheddar has more complex flavor than yellow. Toss apple slices in lemon juice if making ahead. The arugula adds peppery contrast to the sweetness.

📜 History

The pairing of apples and cheddar cheese is a time-honored tradition in both American and British cuisine. The combination works because the apple's acidity cuts through the cheese's richness. This appetizer celebrates the apple harvest while showcasing how simple, quality ingredients need little embellishment.

🍸 Pairs Well With

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Also pairs well with:

bourbonapple-brandyhard-ciderrye