Cranberry and Brie Crostini Recipe
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
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)
- 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