This brie and cranberry crostini is a tasty treat! The creamy brie melts beautifully on crispy bread, topped with sweet and tangy cranberry sauce that will make your taste buds dance!
I love serving these at parties since they are super easy to make and look fancy! Just toast some bread, add the cheese, and a dollop of cranberry—voilà, instant crowd-pleaser!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Baguette or French Bread: These are perfect for getting that crunchy texture. If you can’t find them, try ciabatta or sourdough. They will hold up nicely with the toppings!
Brie Cheese: While brie is creamy and delicious, you can use camembert as a substitute if it’s easier to find. Just keep in mind that camembert has a slightly stronger flavor.
Cranberry Sauce: You can use store-bought cranberry sauce, but homemade is easy and allows you to control the sweetness. For a twist, try using raspberry or cherry preserves!
Fresh Rosemary: If you don’t have rosemary, thyme or sage can work too! They will give a lovely herbal note to your crostini.
Olive Oil: Use any neutral oil you like, but extra virgin olive oil adds a great flavor. If you want, you can skip the oil for a lighter version.
How Do I Get the Bread Perfectly Toasted?
Toasting the bread just right is key to sweet, flavorful crostini. This is how to do it:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) before arranging your bread slices.
- A brush of olive oil helps them crisp up nicely. You want them to be golden and crunchy!
- Keep an eye on the bread, as it can go from golden to burnt quickly. Check after 5-6 minutes, just to be safe.
Following these simple steps will ensure your crostini are the perfect base for brie and cranberry delight!
Brie And Cranberry Crostini
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 baguette or French bread loaf, sliced into 1/2-inch thick pieces
- 8 oz brie cheese, sliced or cut into small pieces
- 1 cup cranberry sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary leaves, chopped (plus extra sprigs for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Optional: Honey for drizzle
Time Estimate:
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 10 minutes of cooking. You’ll have delicious crostini ready to enjoy in about 25 minutes total!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure that your crostini bake evenly and get nice and crispy.
2. Prepare the Bread:
Slice your baguette or French bread into 1/2-inch thick pieces. Lay them flat on a baking sheet, and brush each slice lightly with olive oil. This will help them toast beautifully!
3. Toast the Bread:
Pop the baking sheet into the oven. Toast the bread for about 8-10 minutes, or until they turn a lovely golden brown and are crisp to the touch. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning!
4. Mix the Cranberry Sauce:
While the bread is toasting, take a bowl and mix the cranberry sauce with the chopped rosemary. This will add a wonderful herbal flavor to the tart cranberry sauce.
5. Assemble the Crostini:
Once the bread is toasted, take the baking sheet out of the oven. While the bread is still warm, place a slice or small piece of brie cheese on each piece of toasted bread. The warmth of the bread will help soften the cheese.
6. Add the Cranberry Topping:
With a spoon, add a generous dollop of the rosemary cranberry sauce on top of each brie-covered crostini. The combination of flavors is simply irresistible!
7. Garnish:
For that extra special touch, garnish each crostini with a small sprig of rosemary. This makes them look elegant and adds a nice aroma!
8. Drizzle with Honey (Optional):
If you enjoy a hint of sweetness, drizzle some honey over the top of your crostini. It pairs wonderfully with the brie and cranberry.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Now, it’s time to dig in! Serve these crostini immediately and enjoy the delightful flavors. They’re perfect as an appetizer for any gathering or special occasion.
This elegant and simple appetizer beautifully combines creamy brie, tart cranberry, and a hint of rosemary on crunchy toasted bread, making it an ideal treat for holiday parties or any gathering!
Can I Prepare the Crostini in Advance?
Yes! You can prepare the toasted bread and the rosemary cranberry mixture ahead of time. Store the toasted bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Just add the brie and cranberry topping before serving to keep everything fresh.
What Can I Use Instead of Brie?
If you can’t find brie, camembert is a great alternative! It has a similar texture and flavor. For a stronger cheese flavor, consider using goat cheese, which will impart a unique taste to your crostini.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Leftover crostini can be tricky due to the softening of the bread, but you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day. For the best texture, it’s advisable to reheat them in the oven to crisp the bread back up before enjoying.
Can I Use Different Types of Toppings?
Absolutely! Get creative with your toppings. For example, consider using fig jam instead of cranberry sauce, or add sliced apples and walnuts for a fresh twist. Just make sure your toppings complement the cheese!
