Crispy Crostini with Balsamic Roasted Cranberries and Creamy Brie Recipe
If you’re looking for the ultimate festive appetizer, Crispy Crostini with Balsamic Roasted Cranberries and Creamy Brie is about to become your new go-to. This recipe takes crisp, golden crostini and tops them with luscious, melty brie and a jewel-toned tumble of tart cranberries roasted in balsamic and maple. The result? A perfectly balanced bite that’s tangy, sweet, savory, and absolutely irresistible. Whether served at a holiday gathering or for a cozy night in, these crostini steal the show every single time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe has a starring role, from the crusty baguette to the glossy cranberries. You don’t need much, but every item brings essential flavor, texture, or color to your Crispy Crostini with Balsamic Roasted Cranberries and Creamy Brie.
- French baguette: The perfect base, offering crunch and chew in every bite.
- Olive oil: Brushed on the bread, it helps achieve that beautiful golden crispness.
- Fresh cranberries: Their tartness balances the rich brie and sweet maple syrup.
- Balsamic vinegar: Adds depth and a subtle tang that enhances the cranberries.
- Maple syrup or honey: Just enough sweetness to tame the cranberries’ bite.
- Fresh thyme leaves (or dried): Bright, herby notes that bring everything together.
- Salt: It sharpens all the flavors and keeps the cranberries from tasting flat.
- Brie cheese: Creamy, melty, and indulgent—an absolute must for this crostini.
- Fresh thyme or rosemary for garnish (optional): A finishing touch that adds freshness and a pop of color.
How to Make Crispy Crostini with Balsamic Roasted Cranberries and Creamy Brie
Step 1: Prep the Baguette
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice the baguette into 1/2-inch rounds, trying to keep them as even as possible so they toast up at the same rate. Lay the slices on a baking sheet, and lightly brush both sides with olive oil—this helps them crisp up and get that gorgeous golden color.
Step 2: Bake the Crostini
Pop the olive oil-brushed baguette slices into the oven. Bake for 6 to 8 minutes, flipping them halfway through so both sides get equally crisp and lightly golden. Remove from the oven and set aside; these will be your irresistible base for the toppings.
Step 3: Roast the Cranberries
In a separate baking dish, combine the fresh cranberries, balsamic vinegar, maple syrup (or honey), thyme, and salt. Toss everything together so the cranberries are well coated. Slide the dish into the oven and roast for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring once halfway. The cranberries will burst, soften, and create a syrupy, ruby-red sauce—this is where the magic happens!
Step 4: Assemble the Crostini
Now for the fun part! Top each crostini with a generous slice of creamy brie cheese. Spoon over a hearty helping of the warm balsamic-roasted cranberries and let that gorgeous sauce drape over the cheese and bread.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
If you’d like, finish each crostini with a sprinkle of fresh thyme or rosemary. Serve the Crispy Crostini with Balsamic Roasted Cranberries and Creamy Brie while they’re still warm, and watch them disappear in minutes!
How to Serve Crispy Crostini with Balsamic Roasted Cranberries and Creamy Brie
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh thyme or rosemary not only looks stunning but also adds a fragrant, herbal note that brightens each bite. A little zest of orange or a crack of black pepper can be fun twists, too. Just remember, less is more—let the flavors of the Crispy Crostini with Balsamic Roasted Cranberries and Creamy Brie shine!
Side Dishes
These crostini are lovely with a crisp green salad tossed in a citrus vinaigrette or a platter of roasted vegetables. If you’re serving them at a party, pair with sparkling wine or a dry rosé for a festive touch. Their sweet-savory profile also plays well alongside a cheese and charcuterie board.
Creative Ways to Present
Try arranging the crostini on a rustic wooden board for a cozy, communal feel, or line them up in neat rows on a white platter to highlight those vibrant cranberries. For an extra wow factor, serve them on mini plates with a drizzle of the cranberry syrup pooled underneath. However you present them, the Crispy Crostini with Balsamic Roasted Cranberries and Creamy Brie are destined for compliments.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, store assembled crostini in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. The bread won’t stay quite as crisp, but the flavors will still be delicious and the cranberry topping holds up beautifully.
Freezing
While it’s best to enjoy these fresh, you can freeze the un-topped crostini slices after toasting. Once completely cooled, store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to one month. Thaw and re-crisp in a warm oven before topping with brie and cranberries.
Reheating
If you’ve assembled the crostini ahead, a quick warm-up in a 300°F oven for 5 to 7 minutes will refresh the bread and gently melt the brie. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the bread soggy and the cheese rubbery.
FAQs
Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh?
Fresh cranberries really make this dish pop with their tartness and texture, but if you’re in a pinch, you can use dried cranberries. Just soak them in warm water for 10 minutes to plump them up, then proceed as directed, keeping in mind the flavor will be a bit sweeter and less tart.
Is there a substitute for brie cheese?
Absolutely! Goat cheese works beautifully, offering a tangier twist. Camembert is another creamy option, or you could even use a mild blue cheese if you like a bit of funk. The main idea is to pick something creamy and spreadable for the best mouthfeel.
Can I prepare any part of this recipe in advance?
Yes! You can toast the crostini and roast the cranberries up to a day ahead. Store the components separately, then assemble and warm everything just before serving for that just-made magic.
What if I don’t have maple syrup?
Honey is a great substitute for maple syrup and will give the cranberries a slightly different but equally delicious sweetness. Agave syrup could also work in a pinch.
How do I keep the crostini from getting soggy?
For the crispiest results, let the cranberry mixture cool just slightly before topping, and serve immediately. If making ahead, keep the components separate and assemble just before serving to preserve that crunch.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about sharing a platter of Crispy Crostini with Balsamic Roasted Cranberries and Creamy Brie with friends and family. The mix of flavors and textures is pure celebration on a plate. Give this recipe a try—you’ll find it just as irresistible, and you might even find yourself coming back to it long after the holidays!
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Crispy Crostini with Balsamic Roasted Cranberries and Creamy Brie Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 20 crostini 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Crispy Crostini with Balsamic Roasted Cranberries and Creamy Brie offer a delightful blend of tart and sweet flavors paired with a rich, creamy texture. Perfect as a festive appetizer, this easy-to-make recipe combines crunchy baguette slices with warm, balsamic-infused cranberries and melted brie cheese for an elegant and crowd-pleasing bite.
Ingredients
Bread and Oil
- 1 French baguette, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Balsamic Roasted Cranberries
- 1 (12 oz) bag fresh cranberries
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/4 teaspoon dried)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Topping
- 8 oz brie cheese, sliced
- Fresh thyme or rosemary for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Crostini: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the baguette slices on a baking sheet and brush both sides lightly with olive oil. Bake for 6–8 minutes, flipping the slices halfway through, until they are golden and crisp. Remove from the oven and set aside.
- Roast the Cranberries: In a separate baking dish, toss together the fresh cranberries, balsamic vinegar, maple syrup or honey, fresh thyme, and salt. Roast in the oven for 15–20 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the cranberries burst and the mixture thickens slightly, creating a syrupy consistency.
- Assemble the Crostini: Place a slice of brie cheese atop each crispy baguette slice. Spoon a generous amount of the warm balsamic roasted cranberries over the brie. Garnish with fresh thyme or rosemary sprigs if desired.
- Serve: Serve immediately while the brie is soft and the crostini are warm to enjoy the full combination of textures and flavors.
Notes
- You can assemble the crostini ahead of time and warm them in a 300°F oven for 5–7 minutes before serving to melt the cheese and reheat the toppings.
- Goat cheese can be used as a substitute for brie if preferred, offering a tangier flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 crostini
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 130 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
