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

Scale

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)

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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