This delightful appetizer of roasted grape crostini with brie is the epitome of sweet and savory. Fresh, juicy grapes combined with creamy brie on a crisp slice of whole grain bread, it's a symphony of flavors in every bite.
This recipe calls for a few simple, but high-quality ingredients. Seedless red grapes and brie cheese are the stars of this dish. You might not commonly have these in your pantry, but they are easily found in the fresh produce and cheese sections in most supermarkets. Whole grain bread is used for the crostini, which is healthier and more flavorful than white bread.
Ingredients of Roasted Grape Crostini with Brie
Whole grain bread: Whole grain bread is used for its hearty texture and nutty flavor. It provides a robust base for our toppings.
Seedless red grapes: These sweet and juicy fruits are roasted to bring out their natural sweetness and provide a delightful contrast to the brie.
Olive oil: Olive oil adds a touch of richness and is used to toast the bread and roast the grapes.
Brie: Brie is a creamy and mild cheese that complements the sweetness of the grapes. It melts beautifully on the warm bread.
Thyme: Fresh thyme adds an earthy and slightly minty flavor that balances the richness of the brie and the sweetness of the grapes.
Salt and pepper: These are used to season the crostini and enhance the flavors of all the ingredients.
One reader, Carlye Bundy says:
This roasted grape crostini with brie recipe is a game-changer! The combination of sweet roasted grapes and creamy brie on crunchy bread is simply divine. The flavors are perfectly balanced, and it's a hit at every gathering. I highly recommend trying this recipe for a delightful and sophisticated appetizer.
Techniques Required for Making Roasted Grape Crostini With Brie
How to roast grapes: Roasting grapes involves removing the stems from the grapes, tossing them with olive oil, and seasoning with salt and pepper. Then, spread them on a baking sheet and roast in the oven at 400 degrees F for about 20 minutes until they are slightly caramelized.
How to assemble crostini: To assemble the crostini, slice the brie into thin strips and arrange them on the toasted bread. Then, top with the roasted grapes and finish with a sprinkle of fresh thyme leaves and pepper.
How To Make Roasted Grape Crostini with Brie and Fresh Thyme
Crunchy and savory crostinis are toasted to golden-brown perfection and topped with sweet and tangy grapes. Brie gives added umami to this grape crostini.
Serves:
Ingredients
Instructions
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- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F with racks in the top third and lower third of the oven.
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- Line a large rimmed baking sheet and a small rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
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- Brush olive oil lightly over both sides of each slice of bread. Arrange the future toasts in a single layer on the large baking sheet.
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- Remove all stems from the grapes. Transfer the grapes to the small baking sheet, toss them with about 1 tablespoon olive oil and then season them with a light sprinkle of salt and pepper.
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- Place the grapes on the upper oven rack and the toasts on the lower. Set the timer for 20 minutes.
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- Slice the brie into long, 1/4-inch wide strips, then slice them into smaller strips to fit the crostini.
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- Top each toast with enough brie to roughly cover the surface, followed by grapes. Finish the crostini with a light sprinkle of pepper and fresh thyme leaves.
Nutrition
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- Calories: 591.98kcal
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- Fat: 23.41g
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- Saturated Fat: 7.49g
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- Monounsaturated Fat: 10.61g
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- Polyunsaturated Fat: 3.67g
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- Carbohydrates: 74.86g
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- Fiber: 10.54g
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- Sugar: 25.55g
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- Protein: 23.30g
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- Cholesterol: 28.35mg
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- Sodium: 649.72mg
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- Calcium: 200.04mg
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- Potassium: 562.84mg
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- Iron: 4.02mg
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- Vitamin A: 56.52µg
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- Vitamin C: 6.15mg
Technique Tip for Achieving Perfect Roasted Grape Crostini With Brie
When roasting the grapes, it's important to keep an eye on them as they can quickly go from perfectly roasted to burnt. The goal is to achieve a slight caramelization which brings out their natural sweetness, making them a perfect complement to the creamy brie. Also, when slicing the brie, use a warm knife to make cleaner cuts. Simply run your knife under warm water, dry it off, and then slice. This will prevent the cheese from sticking to the knife and will result in neater slices.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Crostini Recipe
Prep ahead: Prepare the bread and grapes in advance to cut down on cooking time. You can slice the bread and remove the grape stems a day before, and store them in airtight containers until ready to use.
Multi-task: While the grapes are roasting, you can prepare the brie and thyme to save time. This way, you can efficiently use the oven and have all the components ready to assemble the crostini quickly.
Use a mandoline: If you have a mandoline, use it to slice the bread and brie. This will ensure uniform slices and save time compared to cutting them by hand.
Batch cooking: Consider making a larger batch of crostini and roasted grapes. They can be stored and enjoyed later, saving time on future meal preparations.
Organize your workspace: Before you start cooking, make sure all your ingredients and tools are easily accessible. This will streamline the cooking process and save time searching for items.
Substitute Ingredients For Roasted Grape Crostini with Brie Recipe
crusty whole grain bread - Substitute with sourdough bread: Sourdough bread has a tangy flavor and a chewy texture, which can complement the roasted grapes and brie in a similar way to whole grain bread.
seedless red grapes - Substitute with black seedless grapes: Black seedless grapes have a slightly deeper flavor and can provide a beautiful contrast in color to the dish.
olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a mild flavor and a high smoke point, making it a suitable substitute for roasting the grapes.
wedge of brie - Substitute with camembert: Camembert has a similar creamy texture and rich flavor to brie, making it a great alternative for this recipe.
fresh thyme - Substitute with fresh rosemary: Fresh rosemary can provide a fragrant and earthy flavor that complements the roasted grapes and brie.
freshly ground pepper - Substitute with crushed red pepper flakes: Crushed red pepper flakes can add a subtle heat and complexity to the dish, enhancing the flavors of the other ingredients.
salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can provide a clean and briny flavor, enhancing the overall taste of the crostini.
How to Beautifully Present Roasted Grape Crostini With Brie
Elevate the crostini: Arrange the roasted grape crostini on a sleek, rectangular plate to showcase the vibrant colors and textures.
Artful grape arrangement: Place the roasted grapes on the crostini with precision, ensuring an elegant and visually appealing presentation.
Brie placement: Arrange the brie on the crostini in a way that highlights its creamy texture and complements the roasted grapes.
Thyme garnish: Sprinkle fresh thyme leaves delicately over the crostini to add a pop of color and a hint of aromatic freshness.
Use of negative space: Embrace the beauty of negative space on the plate to allow the crostini to stand out as the focal point of the dish.
Attention to detail: Ensure that each crostini is meticulously crafted, paying attention to the placement of each ingredient for a polished and professional presentation.
Balance and symmetry: Create a visually balanced arrangement of crostini on the plate, ensuring that each element complements the others harmoniously.
Minimalist elegance: Embrace a minimalist approach to plating, allowing the natural beauty of the ingredients to shine through without overwhelming the senses.
Precision in plating: Pay close attention to the alignment and positioning of each component, demonstrating a high level of skill and artistry in the presentation.
Final touch: A subtle drizzle of aged balsamic reduction can add a touch of sophistication and depth to the overall presentation without overpowering the flavors.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Crostini With Roasted Grapes and Brie
- Oven: Used for roasting the grapes and toasting the bread.
- Baking sheet: Used to provide a flat surface for baking the bread and roasting the grapes.
- Parchment paper: Used to line the baking sheets for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
- Brush: Used to apply olive oil to the bread slices.
- Knife: Used to slice the brie into strips for topping the crostini.
- Cutting board: Used as a surface for slicing the brie.
- Tongs: Used for transferring the grapes to the baking sheet and for handling the hot crostini.
- Timer: Used to keep track of the cooking time for the grapes and toasts.
How To Store and Freeze Roasted Grape Crostini With Brie
- Let the crostini cool completely before storing. This will help prevent them from getting soggy.
- Store leftover crostini in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain their crispness, place a sheet of paper towel at the bottom of the container to absorb any excess moisture.
- For longer storage, freeze the crostini without the brie and grapes. Arrange the cooled crostini in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, about 1 hour. Transfer the frozen crostini to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag and store in the freezer for up to 1 month.
- To reheat frozen crostini, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the frozen crostini on a baking sheet and bake for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through and crispy. Top with brie and roasted grapes before serving.
- If you have leftover roasted grapes, store them separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. They can be enjoyed on their own, added to salads, or used as a topping for yogurt or oatmeal.
How To Reheat Leftover Crostini
- To reheat leftover roasted grape crostini with brie, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the crostini on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 5-7 minutes, or until the brie is melted and the grapes are warm.
- Another option is to use a toaster oven. Set the toaster oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the crostini on the toaster oven tray. Heat for 3-5 minutes, or until the brie is melted and the grapes are warm.
- For a quick and easy reheat, you can use a microwave. Place the crostini on a microwave-safe plate and heat for 15-20 seconds, or until the brie is melted and the grapes are warm. Be careful not to overheat, as the bread may become soggy.
- If you want to refresh the crostini and make them crispy again, you can place them under the broiler for 1-2 minutes after reheating. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.
- For a more gourmet approach, you can reheat the crostini on a grill pan or outdoor grill. Preheat the grill to medium heat and place the crostini on the grates. Heat for 1-2 minutes per side, or until the brie is melted and the grapes are warm. This method will add a nice smoky flavor to the crostini.
Random Fact About Roasted Grape Crostini With Brie
Brie is a soft cow's milk cheese named after the French region from which it originated.
Is Making Crostini With Roasted Grapes and Brie Economical for Home Cooking?
This roasted grape crostini with brie recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The main ingredients, such as grapes and bread, are affordable and readily available. The addition of brie may increase the cost slightly, but it's worth the investment for the rich flavor it brings. The estimated cost for a household of 4 people is approximately $15. The overall verdict for this recipe is 9/10, considering its taste, visual appeal, and affordability.
Is This Crostini Recipe Healthy or Unhealthy?
This roasted grape crostini with brie recipe is a delightful blend of flavors, but it may not be the healthiest option. The recipe includes whole grain bread, which is a nutritious choice, but the brie cheese is high in saturated fat and calories. Additionally, the olive oil used for brushing the bread and tossing the grapes adds extra fat and calories to the dish.
On the positive side, the grapes provide some fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. The fresh thyme also adds a pop of flavor and potential health benefits.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Use a smaller amount of brie or opt for a lower-fat cheese alternative, such as goat cheese or reduced-fat feta
- Reduce the amount of olive oil used or replace it with a light misting of olive oil spray
- Add more nutrient-dense toppings, such as:
- Sliced avocado for healthy fats
- Fresh baby spinach or arugula for added greens
- Chopped walnuts for a crunchy, heart-healthy boost
- Experiment with different whole grain bread options, like a sprouted grain or seeded variety, for added fiber and nutrients
By making these adjustments, you can still enjoy the delightful combination of flavors in this crostini while making it a more well-rounded and nutritious appetizer or snack.
Editor's Thoughts on This Delightful Crostini Recipe
The roasted grape crostini with brie recipe is a delightful combination of sweet and savory flavors. The roasted grapes add a burst of sweetness, while the brie brings a creamy and rich texture. The thyme adds a subtle earthy note, and the crusty whole grain bread provides a perfect base for the toppings. This recipe is a great choice for a sophisticated appetizer or a light lunch option. The balance of flavors and textures makes it a versatile and impressive dish for any occasion.
Enhance Your Roasted Grape Crostini with Brie Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
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Why trust this Roasted Grape Crostini with Brie Recipe:
This recipe offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures, making it a perfect choice for any occasion. The roasted grapes bring a sweet and savory element, complemented by the creamy brie and the hearty whole grain bread. The use of fresh thyme adds a fragrant and earthy note, enhancing the overall dish. With the careful attention to detail in the preparation and the use of high-quality ingredients, this recipe promises a delightful culinary experience that users can trust and enjoy.
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