Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs I layered the creamy brie on toasted French bread, the delightful aroma of melting cheese filled my kitchen, inviting a chorus of “What’s cooking?” from my family. These Cranberry Brie Crostini Holiday Appetizers strike the perfect note between sweet and savory, making them a standout choice for any festive gathering. With just 35 minutes of prep, they’re a simple yet stunning way to elevate your holiday entertaining game. Not only do these crostini impress guests with their gourmet flair, but they also bring together that comforting warmth we all crave during the holidays. So, are you ready to turn your kitchen into a holiday haven with this delightful treat? Why are Cranberry Brie Crostini a must-try? Unforgettable Flavor: The sweet-tart cranberry compote paired with creamy brie makes this appetizer a true delight. Your guests will be talking about it long after the meal is over! Quick Prep Time: With just 35 minutes from start to finish, these crostini allow you to whip up a stunning dish without spending hours in the kitchen. Versatile Pairing: Serve alongside your favorite holiday beverages — the flavors of sweet white wine or sparkling cider beautifully complement the richness of the brie. You can even pair these with other crowd-pleasers like Cranberry Turkey Grilled for a festive spread. Gourmet Appeal: Impress your guests with a dish that looks and tastes like it came from a fine dining restaurant. The delightful balance of flavors makes them a perfect centerpiece for any gathering. Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: Whether it’s a family gathering or a holiday party with friends, these crostini are sure to be a hit. They bring a comforting warmth that enhances the festive atmosphere! Cranberry Brie Crostini Ingredients For the Compote Dried Cranberries – Provides sweetness and tartness for the compote; substitute with fresh cranberries for a fresher taste. Balsamic Vinegar – Adds depth and tanginess to the compote; red wine vinegar can be used if necessary. Jellied Cranberry Sauce – Enhances sweetness and binds the compote; use homemade cranberry sauce for a fresh alternative. Sugar – Sweetens the compote; honey or maple syrup may work as substitutes. For the Crostini French Bread – Serves as the base, giving a crispy texture; ciabatta or baguette can be used instead. Melted Butter – Adds richness to the bread; olive oil can be used for a lighter option. Brie Cheese – Offers creaminess and a rich flavor; camembert is a good substitute if unavailable. With these Cranberry Brie Crostini Holiday Appetizer ingredients in hand, get ready to impress your guests with a stunningly delicious treat! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Cranberry Brie Crostini Holiday Appetizer Step 1: Prepare the Cranberry Compote In a small saucepan, combine dried cranberries, balsamic vinegar, jellied cranberry sauce, and sugar. Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir continuously as the mixture begins to bubble and thicken, which should take around 12 minutes. Look for a syrupy consistency before removing it from the heat, and set it aside to cool slightly while you prepare the crostini. Step 2: Toast the French Bread Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice the French bread into ½-inch thick pieces and arrange them on a baking sheet. Brush each slice generously with melted butter to enhance richness. Place the baking sheet in the oven and toast the bread for 1-2 minutes, until it turns lightly golden and crispy. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning, then remove once desired toastiness is achieved. Step 3: Assemble the Crostini Once the bread is toasted, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a moment. Place a slice of creamy brie cheese on each toasted bread piece, allowing the warmth to gently start melting the cheese. Next, generously spoon the prepared cranberry compote over each slice, layering it atop the cheese for a colorful and delicious presentation that embodies the flavors of the Cranberry Brie Crostini Holiday Appetizer. Step 4: Bake the Assembled Crostini Return the baking sheet with the assembled crostini to the oven. Bake for an additional 4-6 minutes, or until the brie is fully melted and bubbly. Keep a close watch on them, as the goal is to achieve a warm, gooey texture without overbaking. Once completed, remove the crostini from the oven, allowing them to cool slightly before serving. Step 5: Serve Immediately Transfer the warm Cranberry Brie Crostini Holiday Appetizers onto a serving platter. They are best enjoyed fresh and warm, providing a delightful contrast of crispy bread, melted cheese, and sweet-tart compote. Serve them alongside your favorite holiday beverages to enhance the festive experience and watch as your guests indulge in these mouthwatering bites! Expert Tips for Cranberry Brie Crostini Make-Ahead Compote: Prepare the cranberry compote a day in advance to save time. Just reheat briefly before assembling the crostini. Watch the Bread: Toast the French bread until golden but not too dark, as it’ll further crisp up in the oven with the toppings. Cheese Variations: If brie isn’t available, camembert is a great alternative which still offers that creamy texture in your Cranberry Brie Crostini Holiday Appetizer. Garnish for Flair: Consider garnishing with fresh herbs or chopped nuts after baking for an elegant touch and additional flavor. Serve Warm: These crostini are best served immediately while the cheese is still warm and gooey, making every bite melt in your mouth! Storage Tips for Cranberry Brie Crostini Holiday Appetizer Airtight Container: Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days to maintain freshness and prevent the flavors from fading. Reheating: When ready to enjoy again, reheat the crostini in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through and the brie softens, ensuring a delightful bite. Avoid Freezing: It’s best not to freeze the crostini, as the texture of the bread and melted cheese degrades significantly after thawing. Enjoy them fresh for the best culinary experience! Make Ahead Options These Cranberry Brie Crostini Holiday Appetizers are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the cranberry compote up to 3 days in advance; simply refrigerate it in an airtight container. The toasted bread can also be made ahead—store it in a sealed bag at room temperature for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to serve, assemble the crostini by placing a slice of brie atop the bread, spooning on the compote, and then bake the assembled crostini for just 4-6 minutes to achieve that gooey, delightful finish. This ensures you enjoy the crispy, warm crostini without the last-minute rush, making your hosting effortless and enjoyable! What to Serve with Cranberry Brie Crostini Holiday Appetizer As you prepare your luscious crostini, consider these delightful pairings that will elevate your festive spread into a sensational feast. Sweet White Wine: The crisp notes of a sweet white wine beautifully enhance the richness of the brie, balancing its creaminess with a fruity twist. Sparkling Cider: A bubbly glass of sparkling cider brings a refreshing effervescence, making it a perfect companion to these bite-sized treats. Mixed Green Salad: A vibrant salad with tangy vinaigrette adds freshness, balancing the rich flavors of the crostini while providing a satisfying crunch. Prosciutto-Wrapped Asparagus: The savory notes of prosciutto paired with tender asparagus create a delightful contrast, complementing the sweet-tart nature of the cranberry. Herbed Cheese Platter: An assortment of herbed cheeses provides a variety of textures and flavors that guests can enjoy alongside the crostini for a well-rounded spread. Maple Glazed Carrots: These sweet and tender carrots bring warmth to your gathering and pair wonderfully with the sweet cranberry compote. Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries: For a sweet indulgence, these chocolate-covered strawberries add a luscious finish, enhancing the holiday spirit with their festive colors. Cranberry Brie Crostini Variations & Substitutions Feel free to customize these Cranberry Brie Crostini to suit your tastes and dietary preferences; the possibilities are delicious! Nuts: Sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans on top for a delightful crunch and nutty richness. They’ll add texture that contrasts beautifully with the creamy brie. Cheese Swap: Try goat cheese instead of brie for a tangier flavor profile. The slight tartness combined with the sweetness of the cranberry brings a unique twist. Herb Infusion: Incorporate fresh rosemary or thyme into the fruit compote for an aromatic touch. This addition makes the dish feel even more festive and inviting. Spicy Kick: Add a dash of crushed red pepper flakes to the cranberry compote for a spicy contrast to the creamy brie. This subtle heat will surprise and delight your guests. Fruity Twist: Mix in sliced fresh apples or pears with the compote for an additional layer of sweetness and texture. They will enhance the holiday flavor and moistness of the crostini. Balsamic Reduction: Drizzle some balsamic glaze over the top of the crostini right before serving for a sophisticated finish. It adds another layer of flavor with a beautiful sheen. Bread Alternatives: Use ciabatta or baguette instead of French bread to change up the texture of your base. Each option brings its unique flavor that complements the brie beautifully. Explore these variations to create a personalized version of the delightful Cranberry Turkey Grilled or simply enjoy the classic crostini! You can’t go wrong with these tasty adjustments that enhance your holiday appetizer spread. Cranberry Brie Crostini Holiday Appetizer Recipe FAQs How do I choose ripe cranberries for my compote? Absolutely! When selecting cranberries, look for firm, plump berries that are deep red in color. Avoid any that are wrinkled or have dark spots, as these may indicate they are overripe or starting to spoil. If you’re using fresh cranberries, you’ll get a vibrant taste that enhances the overall flavor of your Cranberry Brie Crostini Holiday Appetizer! What is the best way to store leftover crostini? Very! Place any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To keep them fresh, ensure they’re sealed tightly to prevent air exposure. If you do have to refrigerate them, you may lose some of the crispness, so I recommend consuming them within a day for the best flavor and texture. Can I freeze the crostini for later? Not really! I highly advise against freezing these crostini, as the texture of the bread and melted cheese can become rubbery and unappetizing after thawing. It’s best to enjoy them fresh, and only prepare smaller batches if you’re concerned about leftovers. What should I do if my compote is too thick? If your cranberry compote ends up too thick, simply add a splash of water or additional balsamic vinegar to loosen it up. Heat the mixture gently while stirring until it reaches a smoother, syrupy consistency. This will help keep the flavors well-balanced, ensuring each bite of your Cranberry Brie Crostini Holiday Appetizer is delightful! Are there any dietary considerations to keep in mind? Absolutely! If serving to guests with dietary restrictions, keep in mind that brie cheese contains dairy, so consider offering a dairy-free cheese alternative for those with lactose intolerance or dairy allergies. Additionally, check your ingredient labels for any gluten in the bread if you’re accommodating gluten-free guests, and you can find a gluten-free baguette that works beautifully in this recipe. Can I make the cranberry compote in advance? Yes, indeed! Prepare your cranberry compote a day ahead to save time. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and reheat it gently before assembling the crostini. This way, you can focus on enjoying your festive gathering with minimal hassle! Cranberry Brie Crostini Holiday Appetizer: Festive & Easy Bites Cranberry Brie Crostini Holiday Appetizer offers a perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors, elevating your festive gatherings effortlessly. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 35 minutes minsCook Time 10 minutes minsTotal Time 45 minutes mins Servings: 12 crostiniCourse: SnacksCuisine: AmericanCalories: 150 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Compote1 cup Dried Cranberries Substitute with fresh cranberries for a fresher taste.1 tablespoon Balsamic Vinegar Red wine vinegar can be used if necessary.1 cup Jellied Cranberry Sauce Use homemade cranberry sauce for a fresh alternative.1 tablespoon Sugar Honey or maple syrup may work as substitutes.For the Crostini1 loaf French Bread Ciabatta or baguette can be used instead.4 tablespoons Melted Butter Olive oil can be used for a lighter option.8 ounces Brie Cheese Camembert is a good substitute if unavailable. Equipment saucepanbaking sheetOven Method Step-by-Step InstructionsIn a small saucepan, combine dried cranberries, balsamic vinegar, jellied cranberry sauce, and sugar over medium heat. Stir continuously until the mixture bubbles and thickens, about 12 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice the French bread into ½-inch thick pieces. Brush each slice with melted butter and toast in the oven for 1-2 minutes until golden and crispy.Place a slice of brie cheese on each toasted bread piece and spoon cranberry compote over the cheese, layering for a beautiful presentation.Return the assembled crostini to the oven and bake for another 4-6 minutes, or until the brie is melted and bubbly. Remove and let cool slightly.Serve the warm crostini on a platter, best enjoyed fresh with your favorite holiday beverages. Nutrition Serving: 1crostiniCalories: 150kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 3gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 150mgPotassium: 80mgFiber: 1gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 300IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 100mgIron: 0.5mg NotesMake ahead the compote a day prior and reheat briefly before assembling. Toast bread until golden to prevent over-crisping during baking. Serving warm is ideal for preserving gooey cheese texture. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
