Cranberry Brie Crostini

Winter gatherings call for flavors that feel both cozy and festive, and these cranberry brie crostini deliver exactly that. They’re a delightful blend of creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet, all nestled atop a crisp slice of toasted baguette. Every bite has a little crunch, a little gooey indulgence, and a pop of bright cranberry flavor that instantly makes your appetizer table feel extra special.

What I love most about this recipe is how approachable it is. You don’t need hours of prep or fancy techniques to pull together a holiday appetizer that looks impressive and tastes like it came from a gourmet kitchen. The combination of soft brie cheese, tart cranberries, and buttery toasted bread creates a simple yet sophisticated treat that’s perfect for both casual gatherings and elegant celebrations.

These brie crostini appetizers are versatile enough to appear on any holiday menu. Whether it’s Christmas, Thanksgiving, or a New Year’s get-together, they’re always a hit. You can make them ahead of time and just pop them in the oven right before guests arrive, giving you more time to enjoy the festivities rather than spending it stuck in the kitchen.

And let’s talk about presentation—there’s something magical about a platter of warm, golden crostini topped with melty brie and vibrant cranberry sauce. It’s festive, inviting, and just screams holiday cheer. For anyone craving a brie cheese appetizer that’s quick, elegant, and full of flavor, this recipe is a must-try.

Why You’ll Love It

• Effortless Elegance: These crostini look like they belong on a fancy holiday spread, but they’re surprisingly easy to make. Just a few ingredients and a little oven time, and you’ll have an appetizer that wows without the stress.
• Perfect Flavor Balance: The creamy, slightly nutty brie pairs beautifully with the tart, sweet cranberries. Each bite hits that perfect mix of savory and fruity that keeps everyone coming back for more.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Life gets busy during the holidays, and these crostini can be prepped ahead of time. Assemble them on a baking sheet, cover, and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake—stress-free entertaining at its best.
• Versatile for Any Holiday: Whether you’re planning Christmas brie appetizers, a Thanksgiving appetizer spread, or any holiday appetizer, these bite-sized treats fit right in. They also double as a cozy snack for a quiet winter night at home.
• Crowd-Pleaser for All Ages: Kids and adults alike love these little bites. Even picky eaters are drawn to the creamy brie and sweet cranberry topping, making it a safe choice for family gatherings or cocktail parties.

Ingredient List

For the Crostini:

• 1 baguette, sliced into ½-inch rounds
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Pinch of salt

For the Topping:

• 8 oz brie cheese, rind removed and sliced
• ½ cup cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought)
• 2 tablespoons chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
• Fresh thyme leaves, for garnish (optional)
• Honey, for drizzling (optional)

Ingredient Notes

• I always use a fresh, creamy brie for the best melt—it makes the whole appetizer feel indulgent.
• Don’t skip the cranberry sauce! It adds that bright, festive punch that balances the richness of the cheese.
• Olive oil on the baguette isn’t just for crisping; it gives a subtle flavor that brings everything together.
• Adding nuts is optional but adds a lovely crunch—pecans or walnuts both work beautifully.
• A little honey drizzle at the end makes it extra special, especially for holiday entertaining.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Baking sheet – For toasting the crostini evenly; I love using a rimmed sheet so nothing slips off.
• Parchment paper – Keeps the crostini from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
• Sharp knife – For slicing the baguette and brie neatly; a serrated knife works wonders.
• Small spoon or butter knife – For spreading cranberry sauce on each crostini.
• Oven mitts – Because hot trays are never fun without them!
• Serving platter – To present your crostini beautifully; I like a simple white platter so the colors pop.

Instructions

Step 1 — Preheat and Prep

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and position a rack in the middle.
• Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This keeps your crostini from sticking and makes cleanup easier.
• Slice your baguette into ½-inch rounds. Try to keep them even so they toast uniformly.

Pro Tip: If your baguette is slightly stale, it actually works better for crostini because it crisps up beautifully without getting soggy under the brie.

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Step 2 — Toast the Crostini

• Place the baguette slices on the prepared baking sheet.
• Brush lightly with olive oil and sprinkle with a pinch of salt.
• Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until golden and crisp. Flip halfway through for even browning.

Pro Tip: Keep a close eye in the last few minutes—they can go from golden to burnt quickly.

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Step 3 — Prepare the Topping

• While the crostini bake, slice your brie into small pieces that will fit neatly on each bread round.
• If using nuts, roughly chop them and set aside.
• Spoon cranberry sauce into a small bowl, ready for spreading.

Pro Tip: Room temperature brie spreads easier and melts more evenly, so let it sit out for a few minutes before baking.

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Step 4 — Assemble the Crostini

• Remove the toasted crostini from the oven and let cool for a minute.
• Place a slice of brie on each crostini.
• Top with a small spoonful of cranberry sauce. Add nuts if using.

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Step 5 — Melt the Brie

• Return the assembled crostini to the oven for 3–5 minutes, just until the brie softens and starts to melt.
• Keep a close eye—they should be gooey, not oozing everywhere.

Pro Tip: For an extra touch, drizzle a little honey over the top right after baking—it adds a lovely shine and subtle sweetness.

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Step 6 — Garnish and Serve

• Sprinkle with fresh thyme leaves for color and a hint of herbaceous flavor.
• Arrange on a serving platter and serve warm.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Slice Evenly: Keep your baguette slices uniform so each crostini toasts and melts evenly.
• Don’t Overload: Use just enough brie and cranberry sauce—too much can make the bread soggy.
• Room Temperature Brie: Let the brie sit out for a few minutes before baking for a smooth, gooey melt.
• Watch the Oven: Crostini can go from golden to burnt quickly, so keep an eye during the last few minutes of toasting.
• Serve Warm: These taste best right out of the oven when the brie is soft and melty.

Ingredient Substitutions and Variations

• Bread: Swap the baguette for ciabatta or a rustic sourdough for a slightly different texture.
• Cheese: Camembert works well if you want a similar creamy flavor with a little more tang.
• Cranberry Sauce: Use raspberry jam, fig spread, or pomegranate preserves for a fun twist.
• Nuts: Try almonds or hazelnuts instead of pecans or walnuts for a different crunch.
• Herbs: Rosemary or sage leaves can replace thyme for an alternate holiday aroma.

Serving Suggestions

• I love serving these cranberry brie crostini as a holiday appetizer alongside a charcuterie board—it makes the table feel extra festive.
• Pair them with a crisp glass of white wine for Christmas brie appetizers; the acidity cuts through the richness beautifully.
• Serve them as a Thanksgiving appetizer before the main meal; they’re small, flavorful bites that keep guests happy without spoiling dinner.
• They’re perfect for a casual winter gathering—arranged on a platter with fresh herbs, they instantly elevate any snack spread.
• For a cozy night in, I like to enjoy a few crostini with a cup of hot cider or tea—a simple way to feel festive at home.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

• Store: Keep any leftover crostini in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
• Reheat: Warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5–7 minutes to refresh the crispiness and melt the brie.
• Avoid microwaving if possible—it can make the bread soggy and the cheese separate.
• Assemble fresh: If you want to prep ahead, toast the bread and store toppings separately, then assemble and bake right before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these crostini ahead of time?

Absolutely! Toast the baguette slices ahead of time and store them in an airtight container. Keep the brie and cranberry sauce separate until just before baking for the best results.

Can I use store-bought cranberry sauce?

Yes! Store-bought cranberry sauce works perfectly, but homemade adds a little extra freshness and flavor if you have the time.

What’s the best way to melt the brie without it oozing everywhere?

Keep the oven temperature moderate (around 375°F/190°C) and bake just a few minutes until the brie is soft but not runny. Watching closely is key!

Can I substitute another cheese for brie?

Camembert is a great substitute for a similar creamy texture. Goat cheese can also work for a tangier twist, but the flavor will be slightly different.

How do I store leftovers?

Store leftover crostini in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven for 5–7 minutes to refresh the crispiness.

Can I make these nut-free?

Definitely! The nuts are optional and can be left out without changing the delicious flavor of the crostini.

Did you try this recipe? Let me know in the comments how it turned out!