Cranberry and Brie Crostini Recipe for Easy Holiday Entertaining Recipe

Introduction

Cranberry and Brie Crostini is a simple yet elegant appetizer perfect for holiday entertaining. Its combination of creamy Brie, tangy cranberry sauce, and crispy baguette slices creates a delightful flavor and texture balance.

Ingredients

• 1 medium baguette, sliced into 1/2-inch pieces (whole grain optional)
• 8 oz wheel of Brie cheese
• 1 cup cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought, unsweetened preferred)
• Fresh thyme sprigs for garnish (or rosemary as an alternative)
• 2 tbsp honey (maple syrup can be used for a vegan option)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice the baguette into ½-inch thick pieces and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. For extra crispiness and flavor, brush each slice lightly with olive oil.
2. Step 2: Bake the baguette slices for 5-7 minutes until golden brown and crispy, flipping halfway through to ensure even toasting.
3. Step 3: While the bread bakes, slice the Brie into thin wedges. Once the baguette slices are ready, place a slice of Brie on each piece and return to the oven for another 5 minutes, or until the cheese begins to melt but is not completely runny.
4. Step 4: Remove the crostini from the oven and immediately top each piece with a spoonful of cranberry sauce. The heat will warm the sauce slightly, bringing out its flavors.
5. Step 5: Drizzle honey over the crostini and sprinkle with salt, pepper, and fresh thyme or rosemary.
6. Step 6: Serve the crostini warm on a platter or individual plates. Enjoy the blend of creamy, tart, and sweet flavors!

Tips & Variations

• Brush the baguette slices with olive oil or melted butter before baking to enhance crispiness and flavor.
• Substitute Brie with Camembert for a stronger cheese flavor.
• Use maple syrup instead of honey for a vegan-friendly option.
• Try adding a sprinkle of chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for added crunch.

Storage

Store leftover crostini components separately: keep toasted baguette slices in an airtight container for up to 2 days, and cranberry sauce refrigerated for up to a week. Brie should be refrigerated and consumed within its use-by date. Reheat assembled crostini briefly in a warm oven before serving, but avoid reheating honey to maintain its sweetness.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare these crostini ahead of time?

You can toast the baguette slices and prepare the cranberry sauce in advance. Assemble and melt the Brie just before serving to keep the bread crisp and the cheese fresh.

What if I don’t have fresh thyme or rosemary?

Dried herbs can be used sparingly, or you can omit them entirely. Fresh herbs add a bright aroma but the crostini will still be delicious without them.

Cranberry and Brie Crostini Recipe for Easy Holiday Entertaining Recipe

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4.7 from 132 reviews

Cranberry and Brie Crostini is an easy and elegant appetizer perfect for holiday entertaining. Crispy toasted baguette slices are topped with melty Brie cheese, tangy cranberry sauce, a drizzle of honey, and fragrant fresh herbs for a delicious bite that balances creamy, sweet, and tart flavors.

• Author: Felix
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 22 minutes
• Yield: 20 crostini pieces 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Bread

• 1 medium baguette, sliced into 1/2-inch pieces (whole grain optional for added texture)

Cheese

• 8 oz wheel of Brie cheese (Camembert can be used as an alternative)

Toppings

• 1 cup cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought, unsweetened preferred)
• 2 tbsp honey (maple syrup as a vegan substitute)
• Salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Fresh thyme sprigs for garnish (rosemary as an alternative)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Baguette: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice the baguette into 1/2-inch thick pieces and arrange them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Optionally, brush each slice lightly with olive oil to enhance crispiness and flavor.
2. Bake the Baguette: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake the baguette slices for 5-7 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Flip halfway through to ensure even toasting. This crispy base prevents sogginess when topped.
3. Melt the Brie: While the bread is baking, cut the Brie into thin wedges. Once the baguette slices are toasted, remove the baking sheet and top each slice with a generous wedge of Brie. Return to the oven for about 5 minutes until the Brie just begins to melt but remains slightly firm.
4. Add Cranberry Sauce: Remove the crostini from the oven and spoon a small amount of cranberry sauce over each slice. The warmth from the bread and melted Brie will gently warm the sauce, enhancing its flavor.
5. Drizzle with Honey and Garnish: Drizzle honey over the crostini and season with a pinch of salt and freshly ground pepper. Garnish each piece with a sprig of fresh thyme or rosemary for an aromatic finish.
6. Serve Warm: Arrange the crostini on a serving platter and serve immediately while warm to enjoy the perfect combination of melted cheese, sweet-tart cranberry, and crispy bread.

Notes

• For a vegan variation, substitute Brie with a plant-based cheese and use maple syrup instead of honey.
• To add extra flavor, brush baguette slices with garlic-infused olive oil before baking.
• Use homemade cranberry sauce to control sugar content and customize sweetness.
• Ensure Brie is sliced thinly to melt evenly without becoming too runny.
• Serve immediately for best texture; crostini can become soggy if left too long.

Keywords: cranberry crostini, brie appetizer, holiday appetizers, easy entertaining recipes, baked crostini, melted brie with cranberry