Name: White Cheddar Brussels Sprouts & Pistachio Crostini with Hot Honey Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound Brussels sprouts, washed, stems removed, and roughly chopped/shredded; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice; 1 teaspoon lemon zest; 1 teaspoon pure maple syrup or honey; 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; Lots of freshly ground black pepper; 1 loaf French baguette or Italian bread, cut diagonally into 1/2 inch slices; 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp white cheddar (plus more if desired); 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/3 cup chopped roasted shelled pistachios (toasted chopped hazelnuts can be substituted); 2 tablespoons honey; 1 teaspoon hot sauce (or substitute with a pinch or two of cayenne pepper)

Jump to Recipe· 4.7 from 94 reviews

If you’re looking for a show-stopping appetizer that’s full of bold flavors and beautiful textures, I have just the thing for you. This White Cheddar Brussels Sprouts & Pistachio Crostini with Hot Honey Recipe is absolutely fan-freaking-tastic. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to serve it at every party and family gathering because it’s that good—and surprisingly easy to make.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Flavor Explosion: The melty sharp white cheddar paired with roasted Brussels sprouts and a kick of hot honey makes every bite pop with contrasting tastes.
Perfect for Entertaining: These crostini come together quickly and look fancy, so they’re awesome for impressing guests without stress.
Crunch & Creaminess: Toasty bread and crunchy pistachios balance the gooey cheeses perfectly—it’s like a party in your mouth.
Versatile & Easy: You can swap out nuts or adjust the spice level for a customized bite everyone will enjoy.

The image shows a white round plate filled with twelve small toasted bread slices arranged in a circular pattern. Each slice has three layers: a bottom layer of golden-brown toasted bread, a thick middle layer of light green shredded topping, and a top layer of melted white cheese mixed with chopped green and brown nuts scattered on top. On the left side, there is a small white bowl with honey and a spoon, and near the top, there is a clear glass of light golden liquid. The plate is placed on a white marbled surface with some nuts and crumbs scattered around. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - White Cheddar Brussels Sprouts & Pistachio Crostini with Hot Honey, Brussels Sprouts Crostini, Hot Honey Appetizer, Pistachio Crostini, Easy Party Snacks

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this White Cheddar Brussels Sprouts & Pistachio Crostini with Hot Honey Recipe comes from simple, fresh ingredients that balance each other beautifully. When you shop, look for firm Brussels sprouts and a good quality sharp white cheddar for the best flavor kick.

Flat lay of fresh bright green shredded Brussels sprouts with their crisp texture, a wedge of sharp white cheddar cheese showing smooth, slightly crumbly edges, vibrant whole pistachios with rich green and purple hues, a small fresh lemon with bright yellow zest and a slice showing juicy inside, a jar of golden amber honey glistening in natural light, a small heap of deep red hot sauce, a cluster of pale creamy parmesan shavings with fine texture, and sprigs of fresh parsley adding lively green contrast, all beautifully arranged in a natural, slightly scattered composition, placed on white marbled surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - White Cheddar Brussels Sprouts & Pistachio Crostini with Hot Honey, Brussels Sprouts Crostini, Hot Honey Appetizer, Pistachio Crostini, Easy Party Snacks

Brussels sprouts: Fresh and firm sprouts work best; avoid any that look yellow or mushy.
Olive oil: Use your favorite extra-virgin olive oil for dressing and sautéing.
Lemon juice and zest: Freshly squeezed lemon brightens everything up perfectly.
Pure maple syrup or honey: Adds just a touch of sweetness to balance the tang and heat.
Dijon mustard: Brings a gentle, savory edge without overpowering the other flavors.
Garlic powder: A subtle savory undertone—ditch the fresh garlic here to keep it mellow.
Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential to bring all the ingredients into harmony.
French baguette or Italian bread: Cut diagonally for sturdy, crispy crostini that hold the toppings.
Sharp white cheddar cheese: Go for the sharpest you can find for that punch of tangy richness.
Parmesan cheese: A sprinkle adds salty depth and helps with browning.
Chopped roasted pistachios: Toasted for crunch and a nutty flavor; hazelnuts work well, too.
Honey and hot sauce: The hot honey drizzle is the secret star—sweet, spicy, and totally addictive.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love playing around with this recipe depending on what I have in my pantry and the occasion—feel free to tweak it to suit your style. After all, cooking is all about making it your own!

Nut swap: Once, I tried toasted hazelnuts instead of pistachios, and that deep, roasted flavor gave the crostini a fantastic twist. Walnuts or pecans could be great too.
Softer cheese option: If you’re not a huge sharp cheddar fan, swapping in fontina or gouda creates a creamier texture with a milder taste.
Adjusting heat: Not crazy about spice? You can reduce the hot sauce in the honey drizzle or skip it altogether for a sweeter finish.
Vegan tweaks: Use a plant-based cheese alternative and swap honey for pure maple syrup if you want to keep it vegan-friendly.

How to Make White Cheddar Brussels Sprouts & Pistachio Crostini with Hot Honey Recipe

Step 1: Toast the Bread to Perfection

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange your baguette slices diagonally on the sheet—this gives you those pretty, elongated crostini shapes that are perfect for piling on toppings. If you can’t fit all the slices, feel free to use two baking sheets to avoid overcrowding, which can cause uneven toasting. Toast these slices briefly in the oven to get a nice crust—about 5 minutes should do it. You want them crispy enough to hold the toppings but not so dry they’re hard to bite.

Step 2: Prepare the Brussels Sprouts

While the bread is toasting, get your Brussels sprouts ready. You can buy them pre-shredded if you’re short on time, but if you have a food processor with a slicing blade, that’s the way to go—it’s quick and even. Just pulse until thinly sliced. If not, a sharp knife works fine too; just slice them thin so they cook evenly. Don’t forget to remove the tough stems first.

Step 3: Whisk Up the Bright Dressing

To bring out the best in those Brussels sprouts, whisk together olive oil, fresh lemon juice and zest, maple syrup (or honey), Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and lots of freshly ground black pepper. Tangy with a hint of sweetness and spice, this dressing punches up simple sprouts into something extraordinary. I usually taste it before tossing to make sure I get the balance just right—it’s easy to add more lemon or mustard to suit your taste.

Step 4: Sauté Your Brussels Sprouts

Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in the shredded Brussels sprouts and sauté for a few minutes until they start to take on a golden, slightly crispy edge—this adds wonderful texture and flavor depth. Be careful not to overcook or burn them; I set a timer for around 5 minutes and stir occasionally. Once done, remove from heat and immediately toss with the dressing so the sprouts soak up every last drop of that zesty, savory mix.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake the Crostini

Now for the fun part! Spread the dressed Brussels sprouts evenly over your toasted bread slices. Next, sprinkle a generous handful of shredded sharp white cheddar on top, followed by a light dusting of grated Parmesan cheese. Finally, add the chopped roasted pistachios for crunch and an extra layer of nuttiness. Place the baking sheet back in the oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese has melted beautifully and the edges of your crostini turn a gorgeous golden brown.

Step 6: Drizzle the Magic Hot Honey

While the crostini bake, mix together the honey and hot sauce. A quick zap in the microwave for 10-15 seconds will warm this up so it’s easy to drizzle. This hot honey drizzle is what takes the recipe from delicious to unforgettable—it adds just the right amount of sweet heat that makes your taste buds dance. Once your crostini are out of the oven, drizzle generously over each slice and serve immediately, while everything is nice and warm.

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Pro Tips for Making White Cheddar Brussels Sprouts & Pistachio Crostini with Hot Honey Recipe

Shred Brussels Evenly: Using a food processor with a slicing blade means your Brussels cook evenly and get a perfect tender-crisp bite every time.
Don’t Skip Toasting the Bread: I learned the hard way that soggy bread ruins this dish—lightly toasting it first keeps the crostini crisp under the toppings.
Hot Honey Balance: Start with less hot sauce in your honey drizzle if you’re unsure; you can always add more for extra heat after tasting.
Even Cheese Distribution: Spread the cheese uniformly for melt consistency; clumps can lead to uneven baking and texture.

How to Serve White Cheddar Brussels Sprouts & Pistachio Crostini with Hot Honey Recipe

The image shows a white plate with eight pieces of toasted bread slices topped with a mix of melted light yellow cheese and chopped green pistachios. The toasts have a light golden-brown crust with a soft, porous inside. The cheese is melted unevenly, covering most of the surface of each piece, and is mixed with small pieces of pistachios scattered on top. The plate is placed on a white marbled surface with part of two clear glasses of liquid visible on the side. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - White Cheddar Brussels Sprouts & Pistachio Crostini with Hot Honey, Brussels Sprouts Crostini, Hot Honey Appetizer, Pistachio Crostini, Easy Party Snacks

Garnishes

I usually finish these crostini with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt and a few extra chopped pistachios for crunch and color. Sometimes I add a few sprigs of fresh thyme or microgreens just for a fresh, vibrant touch that also looks gorgeous on the platter.

Side Dishes

This recipe pairs beautifully with a simple green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette or a bowl of creamy soup like butternut squash or tomato bisque. For bigger meals, I like serving it alongside roasted chicken or grilled salmon for a delightful flavor contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday parties or special occasions, I arrange these crostini on a long wooden board with edible flowers scattered around. Layering with different nut options or adding a small bowl of extra hot honey on the side lets guests customize their bites, which always sparks fun conversation and makes the appetizer table pop.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (which is rare in my house!), store the crostini in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep the hot honey separate and drizzle it fresh when you reheat to avoid soggy bread.

Freezing

I generally don’t freeze these crostini because the texture suffers, but if you want to try, freeze the toasted baguette slices without toppings, then add everything fresh when ready to serve.

Reheating

To reheat, pop the crostini under a broiler or in a hot oven for a few minutes until the cheese is bubbly again. Avoid microwaving—it makes the bread chewy and the nuts lose their crunch.

FAQs

Can I use another cheese if I don’t have white cheddar?

Absolutely! While sharp white cheddar gives a great tangy contrast, you can substitute with Fontina, Gruyère, or even mozzarella for a creamier, milder flavor. Just keep in mind that using milder cheese might change the overall flavor profile slightly.
How spicy is the hot honey drizzle?

The hot honey has a mild to moderate heat level depending on how much hot sauce or cayenne you add. If you’re sensitive to spice, start with just a tiny bit of hot sauce and taste before drizzling. It’s designed to add a gentle warmth, not overpower the crostini.
Can I prepare the Brussels sprouts mixture ahead of time?

Yes! You can sauté and dress the Brussels sprouts a few hours before assembling, but I recommend assembling and baking the crostini right before serving to keep the bread crispy and the cheese melty.
Is this recipe suitable for a vegan diet?

This recipe as is isn’t vegan due to the cheese and honey. However, you can swap the cheese for a vegan alternative and use maple syrup instead of honey in the hot drizzle to make it vegan-friendly.

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this White Cheddar Brussels Sprouts & Pistachio Crostini with Hot Honey Recipe comes together to create something both comforting and exciting to eat. When I first made it, my family went crazy for the blend of crispy sprouts, gooey cheese, and that unexpected hot honey drizzle that wakes up your taste buds. I used to struggle finding appetizers that were easy but still felt special, and this one quickly became my go-to. So, do yourself a favor and try making it soon—you won’t regret having this tasty game-changer at your next gathering!