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