Cranberry and Brie Crostini

Name: Cranberry and Brie Crostini
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 24 crostini
Ingredients: 1 French baguette; Olive oil; 8 oz Brie cheese; 1 cup homemade or store-bought cranberry sauce; Fresh thyme for garnish

Highlighted under: Holiday & Festive Meals

Elevate your appetizer game with this simple yet elegant Cranberry and Brie Crostini. Crispy baguette slices are topped with creamy Brie cheese and a luscious homemade cranberry sauce, creating a delightful balance of savory and sweet flavors. Perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy evenings, these bites are sure to impress your guests and make any occasion extra special.

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2025-11-25T05:42:25.807Z

This Cranberry and Brie Crostini recipe is a delightful way to bring together the flavors of the holidays. With its easy preparation and stunning presentation, it will surely become a staple at your gatherings.

A Perfect Balance of Flavors

The combination of Brie cheese and cranberry sauce is truly a match made in culinary heaven. The rich, creamy texture of the Brie beautifully complements the tartness of the cranberries, resulting in a bite-sized delight that dances on the palate. When you take a bite of these crostini, you'll experience the savory notes from the cheese mingling with the sweetness of the sauce, creating a harmonious balance that’s incredibly satisfying.

This appetizer not only pleases the taste buds but also appeals to the visual senses. The vibrant red of the cranberry sauce against the pale Brie and golden-brown baguette slices creates an inviting and elegant presentation. Whether you're hosting a festive gathering or enjoying a quiet evening at home, these crostini are sure to catch the eye and evoke compliments from your guests.

The Ideal Appetizer for Any Occasion

Cranberry and Brie Crostini make for an ideal appetizer for various occasions, be it a holiday party, a summer barbecue, or an intimate dinner. Their simplicity allows for quick assembly while still delivering a sophisticated flair, making them a favorite for both hosts and guests alike. Plus, they can be prepared in advance and assembled just before serving, saving you time and stress.

These crostini pair wonderfully with a range of beverages, enhancing your entertaining experience. Whether you opt for a crisp white wine, a rich red, or even sparkling cider, the flavors from the crostini will complement your drink selections beautifully. Feel free to experiment with different wines and get creative with your pairings!

Ingredients

For the Crostini

1 French baguette
Olive oil

For the Topping

8 oz Brie cheese
1 cup homemade or store-bought cranberry sauce
Fresh thyme for garnish

Prepare all ingredients beforehand for a smooth cooking experience.

Instructions

Prepare the Baguette

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice the baguette into 1/2-inch slices and arrange them on a baking sheet. Brush each slice lightly with olive oil.

Toast the Crostini

Bake the baguette slices in the preheated oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until golden and crispy.

Assemble the Crostini

Remove the toasted baguette slices from the oven. Top each slice with a piece of Brie cheese and a spoonful of cranberry sauce.

Garnish and Serve

Finish with a sprinkle of fresh thyme. Serve immediately and enjoy!

These crostini are best served warm, but they can also be enjoyed at room temperature.

Tips for Perfect Crostini

To achieve the best results, ensure that your baguette slices are evenly cut. Uneven slices can lead to inconsistencies in cooking, with some pieces potentially being burnt while others remain undercooked. Aim for uniformity in thickness, ideally around half an inch, to ensure even toasting throughout.

If you're looking to add a personal touch, try infusing the olive oil with herbs or garlic before brushing it onto the baguette slices. This additional flavor can elevate your crostini to new heights and can easily be achieved by gently heating olive oil with fresh herbs or minced garlic for a few minutes.

Storage and Serving Suggestions

While crostini are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven, you can store leftover components separately in airtight containers. To keep your baguette slices crisp, store them at room temperature and assemble them just before serving. The cranberry sauce can be refrigerated for up to a week, while the Brie cheese should remain in its original packaging until you're ready to enjoy it.

For an even more decadent version, consider adding a drizzle of honey over the assembled crostini just before serving. This addition brings an extra layer of sweetness and complements both the Brie and cranberry sauce fabulously. Guests will be raving about the delightful surprise!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make the crostini in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the cranberry sauce and toast the baguette slices a few hours ahead. Assemble just before serving.