Cranberry and Brie Crostini Recipe for Easy Holiday Entertaining Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
