Introduction
Elevate your appetizer game with this delightful crostini topped with maple butter, crispy prosciutto, and creamy brie. This recipe combines savory and sweet flavors to create a deliciously sophisticated dish that’s perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in. Follow along for a step-by-step guide and impress your guests with this easy yet elegant treat.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
26 – 30 slices good baguette (sourdough, ciabatta etc), sliced 6mm / 0.25″ thick
50g / 3 1/2 tbsp unsalted butter (for maple butter)
1/4 cup real maple syrup (sub honey if desired)
1/4 tsp salt flakes (or 1/8 tsp cooking salt / kosher salt)
6 slices prosciutto or similar cured meats (topping)
200g / 7 oz triple cream brie, cut into 24 to 30 x 5mm slices while fridge cold
1/4 cup pecans, lightly toasted and pretty finely chopped
2 tbsp maple syrup, for a tiny drizzle on each (optional)
1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves (a crucial ingredient for flavor)
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: Serves up to 10 as an appetizer
Follow the abbreviated recipe for a quick overview to create these delicious crostini:
Simmer the maple butter ingredients for 20 seconds, brush onto crostini, and bake for 20 minutes (turning at the 15-minute mark). Bake the prosciutto simultaneously for 15 minutes. Once cool, top the crostini with brie, a shard of prosciutto, chopped pecans, a drizzle of maple syrup, and fresh thyme leaves.
For the full recipe, preheat your oven to 180°C/350°F (160°C fan-forced) and line two large trays with foil followed by baking paper. Prepare the maple butter by melting the unsalted butter in a saucepan over medium heat, then stirring in maple syrup and salt. Once it simmers gently, let it cook for 20 seconds before removing it from heat.
Brush both sides of each piece of bread with the maple butter and lay them on one tray. Place the prosciutto on the second tray, allowing for slight overlaps as they will shrink during baking. Put both trays in the oven, removing the prosciutto after 15 minutes to drain and crisp up. After 20 minutes, turn the crostini and bake for another 5 minutes until lightly crisp. Once both are done, let them cool for about 10 minutes.
Assemble your crostini by placing slices of brie on each piece of bread, adding a prosciutto shard, sprinkling pecans, drizzling a bit of maple syrup, and finishing with fresh thyme leaves. Transfer to a platter and serve against a backdrop of good company and great conversation!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Preparation of the Oven and Trays
Preheat your oven to 180°C/350°F (160°C for fan-forced ovens). Line two large trays with foil and then top them with baking paper.
Making Maple Butter
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt 50g of unsalted butter. Once melted, add 1/4 cup of real maple syrup and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Stir the mixture until it comes to a gentle simmer. Allow it to simmer for 20 seconds, then remove it from the heat.
Preparing the Crostini
Using a brush, coat both sides of each slice of baguette with the maple butter. Arrange the buttered bread slices on one of the prepared trays.
Preparing the Prosciutto
Place 6 slices of prosciutto on the second tray. They can overlap slightly, as they will shrink during cooking.
Baking the Ingredients
Put both trays into the preheated oven at once. Bake the prosciutto for 15 minutes, and after the 15-minute mark, remove it from the oven. The prosciutto should appear wrinkled and dark red. Transfer it to paper towels to drain excess fat, allowing it to crisp as it cools. Break the prosciutto into shards of your desired shape.
Finishing the Crostini
Continue baking the crostini for a total of 20 minutes. At the 15-minute mark, turn the crostini to ensure even crisping. Return to the oven for another 5 minutes, until they are crisp around the edges and lightly crisp on the cut faces. Be cautious not to overbake, as this could make them too hard.
Cooling the Crostini and Prosciutto
Remove both trays from the oven. Allow the crostini to cool for 10 minutes, or until they reach room temperature.
Assembling the Dish
For each crostini piece, place a slice of brie on top. Insert a crispy shard of prosciutto into the brie (or simply place it on top). Sprinkle a pinch of finely chopped pecans over the assembly, then drizzle with a small amount of maple syrup. Finish by adding a few fresh thyme leaves.
Serving
Transfer the assembled crostini to a serving platter and enjoy!
Notes
Note 1
You can use various types of bread for this recipe, such as sourdough or ciabatta.
Note 2
Prosciutto can be replaced with other types of cured meats as desired.
Note 3
For brie, you may also choose camembert or any preferred brie variety. Always slice it while it’s cold for easier handling.
Cook techniques
Melting Butter
Melt unsalted butter over medium heat until fully liquefied.
Simmering
Combine melted butter with maple syrup and salt, then simmer gently for 20 seconds.
Brushing
Use a brush or dab to apply the maple butter mixture on both sides of the sliced bread.
Baking Crostini
Bake the prepared crostini in a preheated oven until the edges are crisp, turning halfway through for even cooking.
Crisping Prosciutto
Bake prosciutto until it is wrinkled and dark red, then let it cool on paper towels to achieve a crispy texture.
Cooling
Allow baked items to cool completely on a wire rack or tray for proper texture before assembly.
Assembling
Layer slices of brie, crispy prosciutto shards, chopped pecans, a drizzle of maple syrup, and fresh thyme on top of the cooled crostini.
FAQ
Can I use other types of bread for crostini?
Yes, sourdough or ciabatta are ideal, but any sturdy bread can work.
What can I substitute for maple syrup?
Honey can be used as a substitute for maple syrup.
How do I know the butter is properly melted?
The butter should be completely liquefied without any solid pieces remaining.
Can I bake the prosciutto in advance?
Yes, you can bake it ahead of time and store it in an airtight container until needed.
What type of thyme should I use?
Fresh thyme leaves are preferred for their flavor and aroma, but dried thyme can be substituted in a pinch.
How can I ensure my crostini doesn’t get too crisp?
Monitor during baking, turning halfway and remove when the edges are crisp but the center remains slightly soft.
Conclusion
This delightful assembly of crostini topped with maple butter, creamy brie, crispy prosciutto, toasted pecans, and fresh thyme is the perfect appetizer. The combination of flavors and textures creates an elegant dish that is sure to impress your guests. Serve it warm to enjoy the melty brie and crisp prosciutto for a truly delicious experience.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Fig and Goat Cheese Crostini
Replace brie with goat cheese, and add sliced fresh figs along with a drizzle of honey and a sprinkle of fresh basil.
Smoked Salmon and Cream Cheese Bites
Top crostini with a smear of cream cheese, slices of smoked salmon, capers, and a squeeze of lemon juice for a refreshing flavor.
Caprese Crostini
Use slices of fresh mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, and basil, drizzled with balsamic glaze for a classic Italian flavor.
Avocado and Feta Spread
Mash avocados with feta cheese, lemon juice, and a touch of garlic, then spread it over the toasted bread and top with radish slices.
Roasted Red Pepper and Hummus
Spread hummus on the crostini and top with roasted red pepper strips, drizzle with olive oil, and add a sprinkle of paprika for a Middle Eastern twist.
