Cranberry and Brie Crostini

Cranberry and Brie Crostini is a delightful appetizer that perfectly balances sweet, tart, and creamy flavors with a satisfying crunch. This elegant bite starts with thin slices of crusty baguette, toasted to golden perfection for a crisp base.

A generous layer of creamy, mild brie cheese is melted slightly on top, offering a luscious, velvety texture that pairs beautifully with the bread.

The star of the dish is the cranberry topping—either fresh cranberry sauce or a sweet-tart cranberry relish—which adds a burst of fruity flavor and vibrant color.

The combination of the rich brie and tangy cranberries creates a flavor profile that is both festive and comforting, making it a perfect choice for holiday gatherings, cocktail parties, or any special occasion.

Why You’ll Love Cranberry and Brie Crostini

This Cranberry and Brie Crostini recipe is the perfect balance of sweet, savory, creamy, and crisp. With minimal prep and just a few ingredients, it’s an elegant appetizer that looks impressive but is incredibly easy to throw together. Whether you're hosting a holiday gathering, wine night, or brunch, these little bites deliver bold flavor and a festive flair in minutes!

Prep Time 10 mins

Cook Time 10 mins

Total Time 20 mins

Cooking Method: Baking

Cuisine: American

Courses: Breakfast, Desert

Difficulty: Beginner

Cooking Temp: 190 C

Servings: 15

Estimated Cost: 7

Calories: 120

Best Season: Suitable throughout the year, Winter, Fall

Description

Toasted baguette slices topped with creamy Brie cheese and tangy cranberry sauce, finished with a drizzle of honey—these crostini are a crowd-pleasing appetizer for any occasion.

A sprinkle of fresh rosemary or thyme enhances the aroma and adds a subtle herbal note that complements the cheese and fruit.

The result is a bite-sized treat that is as visually appealing as it is delicious.

Quick to prepare yet sophisticated in presentation, Cranberry and Brie Crostini will impress guests while allowing you to enjoy the festivities without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients

1 French baguette, sliced into ½-inch rounds

6 oz 6–8 Brie cheese, sliced
1/2 cup cranberry sauce (store-bought or homemade)
2 tbsp honey, for drizzling
1 tbsp olive oil (optional, for brushing baguette)
Fresh thyme or rosemary for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2
Arrange baguette slices on a baking sheet. Lightly brush with olive oil if desired.
3
Toast in the oven for 5–6 minutes until lightly crisp.
4
Top each toast with a slice of Brie cheese and a spoonful of cranberry sauce.
5
Return to oven for 2–3 minutes, just until the Brie begins to melt.
6
Remove, drizzle with honey, and sprinkle with fresh herbs if using.
7
Serve warm or at room temperature.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 15

Amount Per Serving
Calories 120kcal

% Daily Value *
Total Fat 6g10%
Total Carbohydrate 12g4%
Dietary Fiber 0.5g2%
Sugars 5g
Protein 4g8%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

Tips & Serving Tricks:

Make ahead: Toast baguette slices and prep toppings separately; assemble and heat just before serving.
Add texture: Sprinkle with chopped walnuts or pecans for a nutty crunch.
Flavored honey: Use rosemary- or chili-infused honey for a gourmet twist.
Swap sauce: Try fig jam or apricot preserves instead of cranberry for variety.
Pair it with: A glass of bubbly, rosé, or a crisp white wine for entertaining.

Variation and Storage:

Cranberry and Brie Crostini is highly versatile, and you can adapt it to suit your taste preferences, seasonal ingredients, or available pantry items.

Variations:

Different Cheese Options: Swap brie with camembert for a slightly earthier flavor, or use creamy goat cheese for a tangier bite. A mild blue cheese can also create a bolder, savory profile.
Fruit Alternatives: Replace cranberries with fig jam, apricot preserves, or pomegranate arils for a different fruity twist. These options pair equally well with brie’s creaminess.
Savory Additions: For a more complex flavor, add a thin layer of caramelized onions beneath the brie, or drizzle with balsamic reduction for a sweet-tangy glaze.
Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle toasted pecans, walnuts, or slivered almonds over the top to add texture and a nutty depth.
Herbal Touch: While rosemary is classic, thyme, sage, or even a light dusting of crushed dried lavender can provide an aromatic lift.

Storage:

Crostini is best enjoyed fresh, as the bread maintains its crispness and the cheese remains soft and warm. However, with careful preparation, you can make parts of it ahead:

Cranberry Sauce/Relish: Can be prepared up to 5 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat gently before assembling.
Baguette Slices: Toasted bread can be made up to 24 hours ahead. Once cooled, store in an airtight container at room temperature. If they lose crispness, re-toast briefly before topping.
Fully Assembled Crostini: Not ideal for long-term storage, as the bread will soften. If you must prepare in advance, assemble no more than 2 hours before serving and keep them in a cool place (not refrigerated, as the bread will become chewy).
Freezing: Not recommended for the assembled crostini, but you can freeze the cranberry sauce for up to 2 months.

For the best experience, assemble the crostini just before serving so each bite delivers that perfect crisp, creamy, and fruity harmony.

Conclution:

In conclusion, Cranberry and Brie Crostini is a perfect combination of flavors that offers both elegance and simplicity in every bite.

This appetizer brings together the creamy richness of Brie cheese, the tartness of cranberry, and the crunch of toasted baguette, creating a delightful bite-sized treat that’s both visually appealing and delicious.

The sweetness of the cranberry, often enhanced with a touch of orange zest or honey, pairs beautifully with the smooth, mild Brie, while the crostini base provides the ideal crispy contrast. It’s a balanced mix of sweet, savory, and tangy, making it a standout choice for holiday gatherings, parties, or even as a light snack.

What makes this recipe so fantastic is its versatility. You can use fresh or homemade cranberry sauce, or opt for store-bought for a quick option.

Additionally, you can customize the toppings—perhaps a drizzle of balsamic glaze for added depth, or some fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for an aromatic finish. The components come together easily, making it a great last-minute appetizer or an element of a charcuterie board.

Beyond being a flavor-packed treat, Cranberry and Brie Crostini is also visually striking. The vibrant red of the cranberry contrasts beautifully against the golden crostini and the creamy Brie, making it a dish that looks as impressive as it tastes.

Whether you’re hosting a holiday dinner or looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer for a casual gathering, this crostini will elevate the table with its sophisticated yet approachable appeal.

In the end, Cranberry and Brie Crostini is a wonderful example of how simple ingredients can come together to create something extraordinary.

It’s quick to assemble, easy to adapt, and guarantees that each bite will be full of rich flavor and texture, making it a must-try for any occasion.

Keywords: Cranberry brie crostini, Holiday appetizer, Easy crostini recipe, Brie and cranberry bites, Christmas party snacks