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Cranberry and Brie Crostini Recipe

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.

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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