Dubliner Cheese Apple Crostini

Dubliner cheese and apple crostini are my go—to when I want a showstopping snack that balances sweet and savory. The combination of buttery Irish cheese and crisp apple always surprises guests, making this a favorite for gatherings or relaxing weekends at home.

I first made these on a rainy afternoon when I wanted to use up some leftover cheese and fruit. They instantly became a staple at book club nights and family brunches.

Ingredients

• Baguette sliced into thin rounds: choose a fresh baguette for best crispiness
• Olive oil: brings golden crunch to each bite, use extra virgin for best flavor
• Shredded Dubliner cheese: delivers nutty sharp notes, look for pre—shredded or block Dubliner for easy melting
• Crisp apple: such as Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for tartness, pick a firm apple so slices hold their shape
• Honey: adds a delicate sweetness and shine, use local honey for more complex flavor
• Sea salt: enhances and balances all the flavors, choose flaky sea salt for texture
• Black pepper: gives a gentle warmth, freshly cracked is best
• Chopped walnuts: sprinkle for crunch and earthiness, toast walnuts for deeper flavor
• Fresh thyme or microgreens: create a beautiful finish and light herbal note, pick vibrant sprigs of thyme or fresh microgreens

Instructions

Prep the Oven:

Preheat your oven to three hundred seventy five degrees Fahrenheit one hundred ninety degrees Celsius and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easier cleanup

Prepare the Bread:

Arrange baguette slices on the baking sheet in a single layer then brush each one lightly with olive oil using a pastry brush to reach the edges

Toast the Crostini:

Bake the oiled baguette slices for seven to eight minutes watching closely until golden around the edges and lightly crisped do not let them brown too much since they will bake again later

Melt the Cheese:

Take the tray from the oven then sprinkle a generous tablespoon of shredded Dubliner cheese over each crostini making sure it mostly covers each slice return the tray to the oven and bake for three to four minutes until the cheese is fully melted and lightly bubbling

Add Toppings:

Top each hot cheesy crostini with a thin apple slice gently pressing into the melted cheese for stability drizzle them all with honey using a small spoon and finish by sprinkling over sea salt black pepper and the chopped walnuts if using

Garnish and Serve:

Scatter fresh thyme leaves or microgreens on top of each crostini for color and aroma serve immediately while the cheese remains gooey and the apples are crisp

My favorite part about this recipe is how the honey pulls together every flavor into one perfect bite. Once I brought these to a family picnic and everyone fought over the last piece for the first time ever my brother asked for the recipe on the spot.

Storage Tips

Store leftover crostini in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one day but they are best enjoyed fresh. To reheat arrange them on a baking tray and warm in a low oven for a few minutes then add garnish. Keep garnishes like thyme or microgreens separate if storing ahead of time.

Ingredient Substitutions

Swap Dubliner cheese with aged cheddar Gruyere or a sharp Irish cheese for similar tang. For apples try Asian pear or Bosc pear for a crisp sweet twist. Use pecans or hazelnuts if walnuts are not available. Maple syrup can step in for honey if needed.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these crostini as a sophisticated appetizer for cocktail parties or lay them out with a salad for a light lunch. They also pair beautifully with sparkling wine crisp cider or a bold Irish ale for a festive feel.

Cultural and Historical Context

Dubliner cheese hails from Ireland known for its lush pastures and rich dairy traditions. The sweet salty combination is inspired by Irish pairings of cheese with fruit and honey often seen during fall apple harvest celebrations and farmhouse gatherings.

Seasonal Adaptations

In autumn swap apples for pears and add a sprinkle of cinnamon. For springtime garnish with edible flowers instead of thyme. During winter top with pomegranate seeds for a burst of color and tartness.

Success Stories

When I brought these crostini to a neighborhood potluck they disappeared in under ten minutes one friend called them the best appetizer she had ever had. Another time I swapped Dubliner for pepper jack for a fun spicy surprise and everyone raved about the twist. They are a crowd pleaser every single time I make them.

Freezer Meal Conversion

While assembled crostini do not freeze well you can freeze the toasted baguette rounds in advance and simply top and reheat with cheese when needed. Store them in a freezer bag for up to one month then thaw and finish assembling right before guests arrive.

These crostini bring a touch of Irish flair and the perfect balance of flavors to any occasion. Enjoy the blend of creamy cheese, crisp apple, and honeyed sweetness in every bite.

Recipe FAQs

→ What type of apple works best for this dish?

Crisp varieties like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji provide a refreshing contrast to the rich cheese.

→ How do I prevent the baguette slices from getting soggy?

Lightly toasting the bread before adding toppings ensures a sturdy, crunchy base for each piece.

→ Can other nuts be substituted for walnuts?

Pecans or sliced almonds also provide an excellent texture and nutty flavor if you don't have walnuts.

→ Is there an alternative to Dubliner cheese?

Aged cheddar or Gruyère offer similar melting qualities and can work well if Dubliner is unavailable.

→ What herbs make a good garnish for this appetizer?

Fresh thyme, microgreens, or even finely chopped chives add aroma and color to each crostini.