Name: Cranberry and Brie Crostini for Easy Holiday Entertaining Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 medium baguette, sliced into 1/2-inch pieces (whole grain optional); 8 oz wheel of Brie cheese, sliced into thin wedges; 1 cup cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought, unsweetened recommended); 2 tbsp honey (or maple syrup as vegan alternative); Salt and pepper, to taste; A few sprigs of fresh thyme (or rosemary for garnish); Olive oil, for brushing baguette slices

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Introduction

Cranberry and Brie Crostini make for an elegant and easy appetizer that’s perfect for holiday entertaining. The combination of creamy Brie, tart cranberry sauce, and a touch of honey on crispy baguette slices creates a delightful flavor experience. Ready in just 25 minutes, this recipe is ideal for last-minute gatherings.

The image shows seven small toasted bread slices arranged on a white plate, each topped with a smooth, creamy white layer and a glossy, deep red berry compote with whole berries visible. On top of the compote, there is a small green herb sprig placed on each piece. Some extra green herb leaves are scattered on the plate. The toasted bread has a light golden-brown crust with a soft, porous texture on the edges. The white plate is placed on a white marbled texture surface. 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 substituted)
1 cup cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought; unsweetened recommended)
Few sprigs fresh thyme (or rosemary as an alternative)
2 tbsp honey (maple syrup is a vegan alternative)
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 place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. For extra crispiness, brush each slice lightly with olive oil.
Step 2: Bake the baguette slices for 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through until golden brown and crispy.
Step 3: While the bread bakes, slice the Brie into thin wedges. Once the baguette is toasted, top each slice with a piece of Brie. Return to the oven for about 5 minutes, until the cheese begins to melt but is not fully runny.
Step 4: Remove the crostini from the oven and spoon cranberry sauce over each piece. The warmth will enhance the flavors of the sauce.
Step 5: Drizzle honey on top, then sprinkle with salt, pepper, and fresh thyme or rosemary for garnish.
Step 6: Serve the crostini warm on a platter and enjoy the blend of creamy, tart, and sweet flavors.

Tips & Variations

Brush baguette slices with olive oil or melted butter before baking for extra flavor and crispiness.
Try substituting Brie with Camembert for a stronger, earthier taste.
Use homemade cranberry sauce with less sugar for a fresher, more natural flavor.
For a vegan option, replace Brie with a plant-based creamy cheese and drizzle with maple syrup instead of honey.

Storage

Store leftover crostini in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it may make the bread soggy.

How to Serve

A white plate holds five pieces of toasted bread, each slice topped with a smooth, creamy layer of melted brie cheese that is pale yellow and slightly glossy. On top of the cheese, there is a thick, chunky layer of dark red cranberry sauce with visible whole cranberries and seeds, which looks juicy and slightly sticky. Small green sprigs of fresh herbs, possibly thyme, are placed on the sauce on each piece. The bread is rustic with a golden brown crust and a light dusting of flour on the edges, and the plate sits on a white marbled surface. 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 slice the baguette and prepare the cranberry sauce in advance, but it’s best to assemble and bake the crostini just before serving to keep the bread crispy and the cheese perfectly melted.

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

Dried herbs like oregano or sage can work as substitutes, though fresh herbs provide a brighter flavor. You can also skip the garnish if needed; the crostini will still be delicious.