Cranberry and Brie Crostini for Easy Holiday Entertaining Recipe
This Cranberry and Brie Crostini recipe is an easy and elegant holiday appetizer that combines crispy toasted baguette slices topped with melted creamy Brie cheese, tangy cranberry sauce, and a drizzle of honey. Garnished with fresh thyme, it offers a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tart flavors that will impress guests with minimal effort.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 crostini 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Bread
- 1 medium baguette, sliced into 1/2-inch pieces (whole grain optional)
Cheese
- 8 oz wheel of Brie cheese, sliced into thin wedges
Toppings
- 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)
Optional
- Olive oil, for brushing baguette slices
Instructions
- Prepare the Baguette: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice the baguette into 1/2-inch thick pieces and arrange them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. For extra crispiness and flavor, lightly brush each slice with olive oil.
- Bake the Baguette: Bake the slices in the oven for 5-7 minutes until golden brown and crispy, flipping halfway through to ensure even toasting. This crispy base prevents sogginess under 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 and return to the oven for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese begins to melt but is not fully runny.
- Add Cranberry Sauce: Remove the crostini from the oven and immediately spoon a portion of cranberry sauce onto each piece. The warmth will gently enhance the sauce’s flavors.
- Drizzle with Honey and Garnish: Drizzle each crostini with honey, then sprinkle with salt and pepper. Finish by garnishing with fresh thyme or rosemary for a fragrant touch.
- Serve Warm: Arrange the crostini on a serving platter and serve warm to enjoy the creamy melted Brie paired with the tart cranberry sauce and sweet honey drizzle.
Notes
- Using whole grain baguette slices adds extra texture and nutritional value.
- Camembert cheese can be substituted for Brie to provide a stronger flavor profile.
- Choose unsweetened cranberry sauce or make your own to control sugar content.
- Maple syrup is a delicious vegan alternative to honey for drizzling.
- For a more aromatic garnish, rosemary can replace fresh thyme.
- Brush baguette slices with olive oil before baking to achieve a crispier crust.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the best texture and flavor combination.
Keywords: cranberry crostini, brie appetizer, holiday appetizer, easy crostini recipe, baked brie, festive appetizer
