Introduction

Cranberry and Brie Crostini is a delightful appetizer combining creamy melted cheese with tangy cranberry sauce atop crispy baguette slices. Perfect for holiday gatherings or any casual get-together, this recipe is quick to prepare and sure to impress your guests.

The image shows seven pieces of toasted bread arranged closely on a white plate with a smooth texture. Each toast has three layers: the bottom layer is a golden-brown crispy bread slice with rough edges, the middle layer is a thick spread of white creamy cheese, and the top layer is a chunky, shiny deep red cranberry sauce piled high. Small, fresh green thyme sprigs decorate each piece, with a few loose sprigs scattered on the plate. The background features a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 medium baguette, sliced into ½-inch pieces (whole grain optional)
8 oz wheel of Brie cheese (Camembert can be used for a stronger flavor)
1 cup cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought, unsweetened preferred)
A few sprigs of fresh thyme (or rosemary as an aromatic alternative)
2 tbsp honey (maple syrup for a vegan option)
Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice the baguette into ½-inch thick pieces and arrange them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Optional: brush each slice lightly with olive oil for extra crispiness.
Step 2: Bake the baguette slices for 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy to create a sturdy base for the toppings.
Step 3: Slice the Brie into thin wedges. Once the bread is toasted, top each slice with a generous piece of Brie. Return to the oven for about 5 minutes until the cheese begins to melt but remains slightly firm.
Step 4: Remove the crostini from the oven and immediately add a spoonful of cranberry sauce on each slice. The warmth will gently soften the sauce and enhance its flavor.
Step 5: Drizzle honey over the crostini, then sprinkle with salt, pepper, and fresh thyme or rosemary for garnish. The sweet honey balances the tart cranberry perfectly.
Step 6: Serve the crostini warm on a platter or individual plates, and enjoy the delicious combination of flavors and textures.

Tips & Variations

Brush baguette slices with olive oil or melted butter before baking for extra richness and crispiness.
Use maple syrup instead of honey for a vegan-friendly option.
Swap Brie for Camembert if you prefer a more robust cheese flavor.
Add a small leaf of fresh sage under the cranberry sauce for an earthy touch.
Use whole grain or seeded baguette for added texture and nutrition.

Storage

Store leftover crostini in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat briefly in a warm oven (about 300°F or 150°C) to melt the cheese again without making the bread soggy. Crostini is best enjoyed fresh for optimal crunch.

How to Serve

Five slices of toasted bread are arranged on a white plate with a white marbled texture background. Each slice has one layer of soft, melted white cheese with slightly yellow edges, topped with a thick, glossy deep red berry jam with visible whole berries and seeds. Small green herb sprigs are placed on top of the jam on each slice for garnish, and some herbs are scattered on the plate. The bread has a crispy golden-brown crust with a dusting of white flour and a soft, airy inside texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare these crostini ahead of time?

You can toast the baguette slices and slice the Brie in advance, but it’s best to assemble and bake the cheese just before serving to keep the bread crispy and cheese perfectly melted.

What can I use if I don’t have fresh thyme?

Dried thyme works in a pinch, but use it sparingly as it is more concentrated. Alternatively, rosemary or sage can provide a lovely aromatic flavor as a fresh herb substitute.

Cranberry and Brie Crostini Recipe

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4.6 from 99 reviews

Cranberry and Brie Crostini is a quick and elegant appetizer featuring crispy toasted baguette slices topped with creamy melted Brie cheese, tangy cranberry sauce, and a drizzle of honey, garnished with fresh thyme or rosemary. Perfect for holiday parties and last-minute gatherings, this delightful bite offers a harmonious blend of sweet, tart, and savory flavors with a satisfying texture contrast.

Author: Daniel
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 16 crostini (serving 4-6 people as an appetizer) 1x
Category: Appetizer
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Bread

1 medium baguette, sliced into ½-inch pieces (whole grain baguette can be used for added texture)

Cheese

8 oz wheel of Brie cheese (Camembert can be used as an alternative for stronger flavor)

Toppings

1 cup cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought, preferably unsweetened)
2 tbsp honey (maple syrup can be used as a vegan alternative)
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
Fresh thyme sprigs for garnish (rosemary can be used for a more aromatic profile)

Instructions

Prepare the Baguette: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice the baguette into ½-inch thick pieces and arrange them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. For extra crispiness and flavor, lightly brush each slice with olive oil.
Bake the Baguette: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 5-7 minutes until the slices turn golden brown and are crispy, flipping them halfway through the baking time to ensure even toasting. This crispy base prevents sogginess when adding the toppings.
Melt the Brie: While the bread is baking, slice the Brie into thin wedges. Once the baguette slices are ready, top each piece with a generous slice of Brie. Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes until the Brie begins to melt but remains slightly firm.
Add Cranberry Sauce: Remove the crostini from the oven and immediately spoon a good amount of cranberry sauce onto each piece. The residual heat will gently warm the sauce, enhancing its flavors.
Drizzle with Honey and Garnish: Drizzle honey evenly over each crostini. Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste, then garnish with fresh thyme sprigs or rosemary for an aromatic touch.
Serve Warm: Arrange the crostini on a serving platter or individual plates and serve warm. Enjoy the creamy, sweet, and tangy flavors with your guests!

Notes

For a vegan version, substitute Brie cheese with a plant-based cheese alternative and use maple syrup instead of honey.
Using a whole grain baguette adds texture and nutritional benefits.
Prepare cranberry sauce ahead of time for quicker assembly.
Brushing bread slices with olive oil before toasting enhances crispiness and flavor but can be omitted for lower fat.
Serve immediately after adding toppings for the best textural contrast.
Try adding a sprinkle of chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for added crunch.

Keywords: cranberry crostini, brie appetizer, holiday appetizer, easy crostini recipe, baked brie, cranberry sauce, party snacks