Baked Brie Crostini with Pumpkin Butter is a delicious treat that combines the rich flavors of creamy brie cheese, sweet pumpkin butter, and crunchy bread. This recipe shines during fall and festive gatherings. It’s easy to make and offers a wonderful blend of flavors. The warm cheese melts into the pumpkin butter, creating a delightful spread that everyone will love. Serve this dish at parties or enjoy it as a cozy snack at home.
WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE
There are many reasons to love Baked Brie Crostini with Pumpkin Butter. First, it is incredibly simple. Even if you are not an experienced cook, you can make this recipe with ease. Second, it combines creamy, savory, and sweet flavors in each bite. The warm, melted brie cheese perfectly melds with the pumpkin butter, creating a taste that’s both comforting and satisfying.
Moreover, this dish looks beautiful on any table, making it a stunning appetizer for gatherings. The colors of the pumpkin and the golden bread are sure to catch everyone’s eye. Lastly, it can be made in just a short time, which is great for busy days when you want to impress your family and friends without spending hours in the kitchen.
HOW TO MAKE BAKED BRIE CROSTINI WITH PUMPKIN BUTTER
Ingredients:
- 1 French baguette, cut diagonally into 1/2″ slices
- Olive oil, for drizzling
- 1 cup homemade pumpkin butter (or use store bought)
- 8 ounces brie cheese, cut into 2″ slices
- Hot honey, for serving
- Sea salt, for serving
- Thyme or sage for serving
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Arrange the sliced baguette on a baking sheet. Drizzle olive oil on both sides of the bread.
- Bake in the oven for about 5-7 minutes until the bread is lightly golden.
- Carefully take the pan out of the oven. Spread each slice of crostini with pumpkin butter.
- Top each slice with a piece of brie cheese. Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake again for 7-8 minutes, or until the brie is melted and bubbly.
- When done, take the baking sheet out of the oven and move the crostini to a serving dish.
- Drizzle with hot honey and sprinkle with sea salt and fresh thyme or sage.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
HOW TO SERVE BAKED BRIE CROSTINI WITH PUMPKIN BUTTER
When it comes to serving Baked Brie Crostini with Pumpkin Butter, presentation matters. Serve the warm crostini on a large platter. Make sure to arrange them neatly to highlight their beautiful colors. You can place a small bowl of additional pumpkin butter and hot honey on the side for guests to add more to their crostini if they desire.
It’s also nice to serve this dish with some fresh fall fruits, like sliced apples or pears. They pair well with the flavors of the crostini and add a nice crunch. This recipe is best enjoyed warm, so try to serve it straight from the oven.
STORAGE & FREEZING: BAKED BRIE CROSTINI WITH PUMPKIN BUTTER
Baked Brie Crostini is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, you can store them. Allow the crostini to cool completely. Place them in an airtight container. They will last in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you want to reheat them, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes until warmed through.
Freezing is not recommended for this dish as the texture of the bread and cheese may change once thawed. It is best to prepare the dish fresh when you plan to serve it.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
Baked Brie Crostini with Pumpkin Butter makes a fantastic appetizer for fall gatherings, holiday parties, or cozy nights at home. Here are some serving suggestions:
- Pair the crostini with a selection of wines, like a light white wine or a sweet dessert wine, to enhance the flavors.
- Serve alongside a cheese platter featuring other types of cheese, crackers, nuts, and fresh fruits.
- For a more hearty option, pair with a warm soup, like butternut squash or tomato soup, to complement the flavors.
- Add a side salad with mixed greens and a light vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast to the rich crostini.
VARIATIONS
There are many ways to make Baked Brie Crostini with Pumpkin Butter your own. Here are a few variations to consider:
- Different Cheeses: Swap out the brie cheese for camembert or goat cheese to explore new flavors.
- Flavored Butters: Use different flavored butters, such as apple butter or spiced pear butter, for a different twist.
- Add Nuts: Top the crostini with chopped nuts for an added crunch. Walnuts or pecans work well!
- Herb Variations: Try using different herbs, like rosemary or oregano, to change up the flavor profile.
- Spicy Kick: For those who enjoy a bit of spice, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some jalapeño slices on top before baking.
FAQs
1. Can I use store-bought pumpkin butter?
Yes, store-bought pumpkin butter works great in this recipe. However, homemade pumpkin butter adds a special touch if you have the time to make it.
2. How do I know when the brie cheese is melted?
The brie is ready when it looks bubbly and soft, and you can easily spread it with a knife. This usually takes about 7-8 minutes in the oven.
3. What is the best way to cut the brie cheese?
Use a very sharp knife to cut the brie into large slices. Warming the knife slightly in hot water can help it glide through the cheese more smoothly.
4. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can prepare the crostini in advance by slicing the bread and assembling them with pumpkin butter and brie. Store them in the fridge and bake just before serving.
MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR BAKED BRIE CROSTINI WITH PUMPKIN BUTTER
If you want to save time on the day of serving, consider these make-ahead tips:
- Slice the Baguette: You can slice the baguette a few hours ahead of time. Store the slices in an airtight bag to keep them fresh.
- Prepare Pumpkin Butter: If you are making homemade pumpkin butter, you can do that days in advance. It keeps well in the refrigerator.
- Assemble Ahead: Assemble the crostini with pumpkin butter and brie cheese and store them in the fridge on a baking sheet covered with plastic wrap. Just remember to bring them to room temperature before baking.
- Preheat Oven – Preheat the oven right before you are ready to bake. This will save you time and ensure your crostini are hot and ready to serve when your guests arrive.
Baked Brie Crostini with Pumpkin Butter is a perfect dish to impress those around you. Simple to make, and delicious to eat, it is sure to be a hit at any occasion.
Baked Brie Crostini with Pumpkin Butter
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Arrange the sliced baguette on a baking sheet. Drizzle olive oil on both sides of the bread.
- Bake in the oven for about 5-7 minutes until the bread is lightly golden.
- Carefully take the pan out of the oven. Spread each slice of crostini with pumpkin butter.
- Top each slice with a piece of brie cheese. Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake again for 7-8 minutes, or until the brie is melted and bubbly.
- When done, take the baking sheet out of the oven and move the crostini to a serving dish.
- Drizzle with hot honey and sprinkle with sea salt and fresh thyme or sage.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!