These Brie and Cranberry Crostini are the perfect little bites for any gathering. Crispy bread topped with creamy Brie and sweet cranberry sauce is a match made in heaven!
They’re super easy to whip up, and everyone loves them! I often make extras just to snack on while cooking. Who can resist that gooey, cheesy goodness? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Baguette: A fresh baguette gives the best crisp and texture. If it’s hard to find, you can use ciabatta or any crusty bread you enjoy. Sourdough also works well for added flavor.
Brie Cheese: Brie is creamy and mild, perfect here. If you want to try something different, Camembert can be a close substitute, or even a sharp cheddar for a bolder taste.
Cranberry Sauce: Whether fresh or canned, choose whole berry cranberry sauce for that satisfying texture. You could use apple sauce or a mix of mixed berry jam if you’re in a pinch.
Fresh Thyme: Fresh thyme adds herbiness, but you can use dried thyme if that’s all you have—just use about a third of the amount. Other herbs like rosemary or sage can also bring nice flavors!
Honey: Honey adds sweetness to balance the tart cranberries. Maple syrup can serve as a great alternative if you prefer that flavor.
How Do I Successfully Toast the Baguette?
Toasting the baguette perfectly sets the stage for your crostini. Proper toasting gives that delightful crunch. Follow these simple steps:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Aim for a hot oven for even browning.
- Use a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup and good heat distribution.
- Brush both sides of the baguette slices with olive oil for added flavor and crunch.
- Keep an eye on them! Toast for 8-10 minutes, turning halfway, until they’re golden. If they brown too fast, lower the oven temperature.
Let them cool slightly before topping. They’ll be crispy and ready to hold the juicy Brie and cranberry sauce!
Brie And Cranberry Crostini
Ingredients:
- 1 baguette, sliced into 1/2-inch pieces
- 8 ounces Brie cheese, sliced
- 1 cup fresh or canned cranberry sauce (whole berry preferred)
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp finely chopped fresh thyme (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for toasting the bread)
- Optional: cracked black pepper for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 15 minutes to cook, totaling around 30 minutes from start to finish. Quick and easy, these delightful crostinis will be ready to impress your guests in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is the perfect temperature for toasting the bread and melting the cheese.
2. Prepare the Baguette:
Slice your baguette into 1/2-inch thick pieces. Lay them flat on a baking sheet in a single layer. Brush both sides of each slice with olive oil using a pastry brush or spoon. This will help them toast to a perfect golden brown!
3. Toast the Bread:
Put the baking sheet in the oven and toast the baguette slices for about 8-10 minutes. Make sure to flip them halfway through so they brown evenly. Once they’re crispy and golden, take them out and let them cool slightly on the countertop.
4. Mix the Cranberry Topping:
While the bread is toasting, grab a small bowl and combine the cranberry sauce, honey, and finely chopped fresh thyme. Stir everything together until well mixed. Let this delicious mixture sit for a moment so the flavors blend nicely.
5. Add the Brie:
After the baguette slices have cooled a bit, top each piece with a slice of Brie cheese. Don’t be shy—make it generous!
6. Melt the Brie:
Return the cheese-topped baguette slices to the oven and bake for an additional 3-5 minutes. You want the Brie to be soft and begin melting—just watch it closely!
7. Add Cranberry Mixture:
As soon as the Brie is melty, take the crostinis out of the oven. Spoon a generous amount of the cranberry mixture over each slice of melted Brie.
8. Garnish and Serve:
If you like, sprinkle some extra fresh thyme on top and a crack of black pepper for a bit of added flavor. Serve these crostinis warm, and watch everyone enjoy this delightful appetizer!
These crostinis balance the creamy richness of the Brie with the bright, tart sweetness of the cranberry sauce, making them a delightful bite-sized treat for holidays or any gathering.
Can I Make These Crostinis Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the baguette slices and the cranberry mixture ahead of time. Store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply toast the baguette and assemble the crostinis shortly before your guests arrive for the best texture and flavor.
Can I Substitute the Brie Cheese?
Absolutely! While Brie is delicious, you can substitute it with Camembert for a similar creamy texture. For a stronger flavor, sharp cheddar or goat cheese can also work well, though they will alter the taste profile a bit.
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Thyme?
No problem! You can use dried thyme instead. Just remember that dried herbs are more concentrated, so use about a third of the amount. Alternatively, rosemary or sage can provide a different but tasty twist!
How Do I Store Leftover Crostinis?
Unfortunately, these crostinis are best enjoyed fresh! However, if you have leftovers, store the toasted baguette slices in an airtight container at room temperature for a day. Ideally, reheat them briefly in the oven to retain some crispiness before enjoying again. The cranberry topping can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
