Festive Cheese Board Crostini
Festive Cheese Board Crostini with Blue Cheese, Apple & Crispy Prosciutto
If you're looking for an elegant Christmas canapé that's quick to prepare but looks beautifully festive, these Festive Cheese Board Crostini are guaranteed to impress. Inspired by the flavours you'd find on a traditional Christmas cheese board, each crispy crostini is topped with a creamy blue cheese spread, crisp slices of tart apple and salty, crispy prosciutto for the perfect balance of flavours and textures.
Don't let the blue cheese put you off if you're not usually a fan. Mixing it with cream cheese softens its bold flavour, creating a rich, creamy spread that's beautifully balanced by the freshness of the apple and the savoury crunch of crispy prosciutto. Every bite is salty, creamy, crisp and just a little sweet—the kind of appetiser that disappears long before the main course arrives.
One of my favourite things about this recipe is how easy it is to prepare ahead. The crostini, cheese spread and crispy prosciutto can all be made in advance, leaving you to simply assemble everything just before your guests arrive. They're ideal for Christmas parties, festive buffets, Boxing Day nibbles or even as part of a Christmas cheese board.
If you're unsure about adding apple, trust me—it works beautifully. However, if you'd prefer something a little more traditional, a small spoonful of plum jam also pairs wonderfully with the blue cheese.
Why You'll Love These Festive Cheese Board Crostini
- The perfect Christmas party appetiser
- Ready in under 30 minutes
- Easy to prepare ahead
- Inspired by a festive cheese board
- Great for holiday entertaining
- Simple ingredients with impressive results
- Easily adapted to suit your favourite cheeses
Ingredients
Makes approximately 20 crostini
- 1–2 small baguettes, sliced into 1cm rounds
- 3 tbsp cream cheese
- 2 tbsp crumbled Stilton
- ½ tsp onion powder
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Freshly ground white pepper
- 1 Granny Smith or Braeburn apple, thinly sliced
- 1 lemon
- 3 slices prosciutto
Method
1. Prepare the Apple
Preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C fan) and line a baking tray with baking paper.
Fill a bowl with cold water and add a generous squeeze of lemon juice. Thinly slice the apple and place the slices into the lemon water to prevent them from browning while you prepare the remaining ingredients.
2. Make the Blue Cheese Spread
In a small bowl, combine the cream cheese, crumbled Stilton, onion powder and a pinch of salt, black pepper and white pepper.
Mix until smooth and creamy before setting aside.
3. Bake the Crostini
Arrange the baguette slices on the prepared baking tray.
Lightly brush both sides with olive oil.
Bake for around 5 minutes, flip each slice over, then bake for another 5 minutes, or until crisp and lightly golden.
Transfer to a serving platter and allow to cool.
4. Crisp the Prosciutto
Place the prosciutto onto the same baking tray.
Bake for 5 minutes, turn the slices over and cook for another 2–3 minutes until crisp.
Allow the prosciutto to cool completely before breaking or chopping it into small pieces.
5. Assemble
Spread a generous layer of the blue cheese mixture over each crostini.
Pat the apple slices dry using kitchen paper and arrange two or three slices on top of each crostini.
Finish by sprinkling over the crispy prosciutto.
Serve immediately.
Make Ahead Tips
These festive crostini are perfect for stress-free entertaining.
- Bake the crostini up to 2 days in advance and store in an airtight container.
- Prepare the blue cheese spread up to 3 days ahead and refrigerate.
- Crisp the prosciutto the day before and keep it in an airtight container.
- Slice the apples shortly before serving for the freshest finish.
Simply assemble everything just before your guests arrive.
Variations
Want to make these your own? Try one of these festive twists:
- Swap Stilton for Gorgonzola or Dolcelatte for a milder flavour.
- Replace the apple with thin slices of fresh pear.
- Add a drizzle of hot honey for a sweet and spicy finish.
- Spoon over a little plum jam, cranberry sauce or fig chutney for extra festive flavour.
- Finish with chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch.
Top Tips
- Use freshly grated black pepper for the best flavour.
- Don't over-toast the crostini—they should stay crisp without becoming too hard.
- Pat the apple slices dry before assembling to prevent the crostini from becoming soggy.
- Assemble just before serving for maximum crunch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these crostini ahead of time?
Yes! Every component can be prepared in advance. Simply assemble everything shortly before serving.
I don't like blue cheese. What can I use instead?
Goat's cheese, whipped feta or Boursin all make excellent alternatives.
Which apples work best?
Granny Smith provides a lovely sharpness, while Braeburn offers a slightly sweeter flavour that still balances the richness of the cheese.
Can I make these vegetarian?
Absolutely. Simply leave off the prosciutto or replace it with toasted walnuts, pecans or candied nuts for added crunch.
Can I serve this as a dip?
Definitely! Place the blue cheese mixture into a serving bowl, sprinkle over the crispy prosciutto and serve alongside toasted crostini, crackers, breadsticks and fresh apple slices for an easy festive sharing platter.
Whether you're hosting Christmas drinks, putting together a festive buffet or looking for an elegant starter, these Festive Cheese Board Crostini are guaranteed to be one of the first things to disappear. Creamy, salty, crisp and fresh all at once, they capture everything people love about a Christmas cheese board in one delicious bite.
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