Tangy Balsamic Cranberry & Brie Crostini Recipe: A Festive Bite

These crispy crostini with balsamic roasted cranberries dance between tangy and sweet flavor profiles.

Crusty bread slices await their delectable transformation into an irresistible appetizer.

Seasonal cranberries caramelize beautifully when roasted with rich balsamic glaze.

Creamy brie melts softly across warm, golden-edged bread, creating delightful textural contrasts.

Each bite promises a perfect balance of crunch and silky smoothness.

Sophisticated yet simple, this elegant small plate will impress guests at any gathering.

Why Crispy Crostini With Cranberries And Brie Impress

• Whip Up Speedy Appetizers: This recipe delivers gourmet-style crostini that look impressive but come together super quickly with minimal kitchen skills needed.
• Elevate Simple Ingredients: Transforming basic baguette, cranberries, and brie into a sophisticated party snack that tastes incredibly complex and delicious.
• Versatile Party Pleaser: Perfect for holiday gatherings, casual get-togethers, or unexpected guests, these bite-sized treats work beautifully as an elegant starter or festive nibble.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients like herbs or cheese to match your taste preferences, making this recipe incredibly adaptable for different palates and occasions.

Ingredients For Crispy Crostini With Cranberries And Brie

• Baguette: A classic French bread perfect for creating crispy crostini slices.
• Brie Cheese: A soft and creamy French cheese that provides a rich, smooth texture.
• Fresh Cranberries: Tart berries that become sweet and juicy when roasted.

• Balsamic Vinegar, Sugar: Combine to create a sweet and tangy glaze for the cranberries.
• Rosemary, Thyme: Aromatic herbs that add depth and freshness to the dish.

• Butter, Olive Oil: Help create a golden, crispy texture for the baguette slices and provide rich flavor.

How To Make Crispy Crostini With Cranberries And Brie

Step 1: Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets

Position the oven rack to the middle position and heat to 425°F.

Line two baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup and non-stick cooking.

Step 2: Create Buttery Bread Coating

• Melted butter
• Olive oil

Carefully brush this mixture onto both sides of baguette slices, ensuring complete coverage.

Step 3: Prepare Balsamic Cranberry Mixture

• Fresh cranberries
• Balsamic vinegar
• Granulated sugar
• Finely chopped rosemary

Toss ingredients until cranberries are evenly coated with the balsamic mixture.

Step 4: Roast Cranberries

Spread cranberry mixture onto one prepared baking sheet.

Slide into the preheated oven and roast for 5 minutes until they begin to burst and release their juices.

Step 5: Toast Baguette Slices

After cranberries have roasted, add the baguette slices to the second baking sheet.

Place in the oven and toast for 6 minutes.

Step 6: Crisp and Flip Crostini

Carefully flip baguette slices to ensure even browning.

Return to the oven for an additional 4-6 minutes until golden and crispy.

Step 7: Assemble and Garnish

Remove both baking sheets from the oven.

Top each crostini with a slice of creamy brie.

Generously spoon roasted balsamic cranberries over the cheese.

Optional: Sprinkle with fresh thyme leaves for an extra burst of flavor.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer crostini to a serving platter.

Serve immediately while warm and crispy.

Perfect for appetizers or a delightful snack.

Tips For Crispy Crostini With Cranberries And Brie

• Brush baguette slices evenly with oil mixture to ensure consistent crispiness and avoid wet spots.
• Select ripe, plump cranberries and high-quality brie for maximum flavor and texture in your crostini.
• Watch baguette slices closely during roasting to achieve perfect golden-brown color without burning.
• Adjust balsamic and sugar quantities to create a harmonious sweet-tangy profile that complements the creamy brie.
• Enjoy crostini right after preparation to maintain crisp bread and warm, melted cheese texture.

Flavor Twists For Cranberry Brie Crostini

• Gluten-Free Crostini: Replace baguette with gluten-free bread or rice crackers for a celiac-friendly option.
• Vegan Cheese Alternative: Swap brie with dairy-free cashew cheese or almond-based spread for plant-based eaters.
• Low-Sugar Cranberry Variation: Use monk fruit sweetener instead of sugar and reduce balsamic vinegar quantity for a diabetic-friendly version.
• Herb-Infused Crostini: Experiment with different herbs like sage or oregano instead of rosemary to create unique flavor profiles.

Suggested Pairings For Cranberry Brie Crostini

• Party Platter Perfection: Arrange these crostini on a rustic wooden board for an elegant appetizer spread that'll wow guests at holiday gatherings or casual get-togethers.
• Wine Pairing Wonder: Serve alongside a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Noir to complement the tangy cranberries and creamy brie.
• Seasonal Celebration Bites: These make fantastic cocktail party nibbles during autumn and winter months, capturing the festive spirit with their rich, warm flavors and beautiful presentation.
• Brunch Brilliance: Add these crostini to a weekend brunch buffet for a sophisticated touch that elevates your morning spread from ordinary to extraordinary.

Proper Storage For Cranberry Brie Crostini

• Store leftover crostini in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Keep brie and cranberries separate to maintain crispness.
• Wrap individual crostini in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for maximum 1 month. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
• Crisp up in a toaster oven or regular oven at 350°F for 3-4 minutes until warm and crunchy.
• Gently reheat roasted cranberries in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen cranberries for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen cranberries. Just thaw and pat them dry before roasting to prevent excess moisture.

• What kind of brie works best for this crostini?

Choose a soft, creamy brie that melts easily. Ensure it’s at room temperature for better spreading on the crostini.

• Is there a substitute for balsamic vinegar?

You can replace balsamic vinegar with red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar, though the flavor profile will be slightly different.

• How do I know when the baguette slices are perfectly crispy?

Look for a golden-brown color and a crunchy texture. They should have a light, crisp sound when tapped.

Crispy Crostini with Balsamic Roasted Cranberries and Creamy Brie Recipe

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4.8 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Savory crispy crostini with balsamic roasted cranberries and creamy brie delivers an elegant Italian-inspired appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings. Delicate crunch meets tangy sweetness, creating an irresistible flavor combination that will impress guests at first bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) fresh cranberries
• 4 ounces (113 grams) triple cream brie
• 1/2 French baguette (sliced thinly)

Seasoning and Flavoring:

• 1/2 cup (100 grams) sugar
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary (chopped)

Cooking Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons melted butter

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C), positioning two racks for simultaneous roasting of baguette slices and cranberries.
2. Whisk melted butter and olive oil together, creating a fragrant coating mixture for the baguette.
3. Carefully brush each baguette slice thoroughly on both sides with the butter-oil blend, ensuring complete coverage.
4. Arrange baguette slices on a clean baking sheet, spacing them evenly for uniform toasting.
5. In a separate mixing bowl, toss cranberries with balsamic vinegar, sugar, and finely chopped rosemary until evenly coated.
6. Spread the cranberry mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, creating a single layer for even roasting.
7. Insert the cranberry tray into the preheated oven first, roasting for approximately 5 minutes until they begin to burst and caramelize.
8. After 5 minutes, slide the baguette tray onto the second oven rack and continue roasting both trays simultaneously.
9. Bake baguette slices for 6 minutes, then carefully flip each slice to ensure golden crispness on both sides.
10. Continue baking baguette slices for an additional 4-6 minutes until they transform into crispy, golden crostini.
11. Remove both trays from the oven, allowing a brief cooling moment to enhance flavors and textures.
12. Top each crostini with a luxurious slice of creamy brie, letting its richness melt slightly from the warm bread.
13. Generously spoon the roasted balsamic cranberries over the brie, creating a vibrant and tangy topping.
14. Optional: Garnish with delicate fresh thyme leaves for an aromatic finishing touch.

Notes

• Maximize crispiness by ensuring baguette slices are evenly brushed with butter and olive oil mixture, which helps achieve a golden, crunchy texture.
• Prevent balsamic cranberries from burning by using parchment paper and monitoring their roasting time closely, as they can quickly caramelize and turn bitter.
• Opt for fresh, high-quality brie to enhance the overall flavor profile and create a creamy, luxurious contrast with the tangy roasted cranberries.
• For gluten-free alternatives, swap baguette slices with gluten-free bread or use cucumber rounds as a light, refreshing base for the appetizer.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 294 kcal
• Sugar: 11 g
• Sodium: 97 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 28 mg