Description
These Crispy Crostini with Balsamic-Roasted Cranberries and Creamy Brie are the perfect holiday appetizer, combining toasted baguette rounds with sweet-tart roasted cranberries and smooth, melty brie cheese. Garnished with fresh herbs, this elegant yet easy-to-make bite is ideal for festive gatherings and wine nights.
Ingredients
Scale
Bread and Oil
- 1 baguette, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Cranberry Topping
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Cheese and Garnish
- 6 oz brie cheese, sliced
- Chopped fresh rosemary or thyme (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Bread: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the baguette slices on a baking sheet in a single layer. Lightly brush both sides of each slice with olive oil to ensure they crisp up and develop a golden color when toasted.
- Toast Baguette Slices: Place the baking sheet with the oiled baguette slices in the oven. Toast them for 7 to 8 minutes until they become golden and crispy, perfect for holding toppings without sogginess.
- Prepare Cranberries: While the baguette slices toast, place fresh cranberries in a small baking dish. Add balsamic vinegar, maple syrup or honey, salt, and black pepper. Toss to coat the cranberries evenly with this flavorful mixture.
- Roast Cranberries: Roast the cranberries in the oven alongside or after removing the baguette slices for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring once halfway through. The cranberries will burst and the mixture will thicken slightly, creating a luscious topping.
- Assemble Crostini: Remove both crostini and cranberries from the oven. Top each toasted baguette slice with a slice of creamy brie cheese, followed by a spoonful of the warm balsamic-roasted cranberry mixture.
- Optional Garnish and Serve: Garnish each crostini with freshly chopped rosemary or thyme if desired. Serve immediately while the brie remains soft and melty and the cranberries are warm.
Notes
- For extra richness, return the assembled crostini to the oven for 2–3 minutes to slightly melt the brie before serving.
- This appetizer works wonderfully for holiday celebrations or casual wine nights.
- You can substitute honey for maple syrup depending on preference or availability.
- Fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme add a lovely fragrant touch but can be omitted if unavailable.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Holiday-Inspired
