If you love appetizers that feel fancy but are secretly easy, Crispy Crostini with Balsamic Roasted Cranberries and Creamy Brie is about to become your new entertaining obsession. This dish is a festive flavor parade: tart cranberries get juicy and sweet as they roast with balsamic and honey, creamy Brie melts just so, and crisp baguette slices give every bite satisfying crunch. Whether you’re hosting a holiday get-together or just want to treat yourself, these irresistible crostini look stunning on a platter and taste even better. Each ingredient comes together for a bite-sized magic trick—elegant, bold, and deliciously memorable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the reasons I keep going back to this recipe is the short, lovely list of ingredients. Just a handful of pantry and fridge staples layer on flavors and textures to make these crostini sing—no complicated shopping list required!
- French baguette: Slice into half-inch rounds for the perfect base; day-old bread works great for extra crunch.
- Olive oil: Brushing this on the baguette before baking helps achieve that golden, irresistible crispness.
- Fresh cranberries: These tart beauties mellow out and burst with flavor after roasting.
- Balsamic vinegar: Adds tangy depth to balance the cranberries’ bite and the honey’s sweetness.
- Honey or maple syrup: Either one will amplify the cranberries’ natural flavor with just the right amount of sweetness.
- Fresh thyme leaves (or dried): Fragrant herbs add a pop of earthy freshness every time.
- Pinch of salt: Just enough to bring all the flavors together harmoniously.
- Brie cheese: Creamy, buttery slices that turn completely luscious when they meet warm crostini.
- Chopped pistachios or walnuts (optional): Sprinkle on for fabulous color and a touch of extra crunch.
- Fresh thyme or rosemary sprigs (optional): Garnish for an aromatic and pretty finishing touch.
How to Make Crispy Crostini with Balsamic Roasted Cranberries and Creamy Brie
Step 1: Toast the Baguette Slices
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange your baguette slices on a baking sheet in a single layer, and give each one a light brush with olive oil. This step is all about achieving that signature crispy texture, so make sure they’re evenly coated. Bake for 8–10 minutes until the slices are golden and perfectly crisp, then set them aside to cool.
Step 2: Roast the Cranberries
In a small baking dish, toss together the fresh cranberries, balsamic vinegar, honey or maple syrup, thyme, and a pinch of salt. Stir well so every berry is coated. Slide the dish into the oven and roast for 15–20 minutes. You’re looking for the cranberries to soften, burst, and create a gorgeous, jammy topping. Let them cool slightly so they thicken just a bit.
Step 3: Build the Crostini
Now the fun part: assembly! Place a slice of creamy Brie on each toasted crostini. Next, spoon over the warm balsamic roasted cranberries, letting their syrupy juices mingle with the Brie. For extra decadence, you can return the tray to the oven for 2–3 minutes, just until the cheese gets melty and gooey. Finish each crostini with a sprinkle of chopped pistachios or walnuts, if you like, and a little garnish of fresh thyme or rosemary. Serve immediately while everything is at peak deliciousness.
How to Serve Crispy Crostini with Balsamic Roasted Cranberries and Creamy Brie
Garnishes
This recipe absolutely shines with final touches. Add a scattering of chopped green pistachios or walnuts for both color and crunch, then nestle sprigs of fresh thyme or rosemary here and there for a fragrant, festive look. Not only do these garnishes make your platter pop, but they set the tone for a special gathering.
Side Dishes
Crispy Crostini with Balsamic Roasted Cranberries and Creamy Brie is a standout appetizer, but it plays nicely with others! Serve alongside a sparkling salad of arugula and pears, a pretty board of roasted vegetables, or a mix of olives and marinated artichokes. A glass of bubbly or a crisp white wine takes things to that extra celebratory level.
Creative Ways to Present
Get a little playful with your plating! Arrange these crostini on a wooden board with bowls of extra roasted cranberries and additional cheese for guests who like to build their own. Mini serving plates lined with fresh greens, or even a wreath-shaped arrangement, make for show-stopping presentation at any holiday or dinner party.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, stash the cranberry topping and toasted crostini separately in airtight containers. The crostini can be kept at room temperature for up to two days, while the cranberry mixture goes into the fridge and stays delicious for about four days. Store Brie wrapped in wax paper or parchment inside a container so it doesn’t dry out.
Freezing
While the cranberry topping freezes beautifully (just make sure it’s in a freezer-safe container), the crostini are best baked fresh to stay crisp. You can freeze any leftover Brie, too, but its texture will change slightly—so use thawed Brie for baking applications, not cheese boards. This way, you can prep separate components ahead of big events without sacrificing flavor.
Reheating
To bring leftover crostini back to life, pop them in a hot oven (about 375°F) for a few minutes until they’re warmed and re-crisped. Reheat the cranberry topping gently in a saucepan or microwave. Assemble just before serving, and for ultra-oozy Brie, give the assembled crostini a quick two-minute stint in the oven. They’ll taste as good as the first go-round!
FAQs
Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen cranberries work just as well for Crispy Crostini with Balsamic Roasted Cranberries and Creamy Brie. There’s no need to thaw them; simply toss and roast as directed, and adjust the roasting time by a few extra minutes if needed.
Is there a good substitute for Brie cheese?
If you can’t find Brie or prefer a different cheese, opt for Camembert or a triple-cream soft cheese. Both provide that fantastic creaminess and mellow flavor that pairs perfectly with the tangy, roasted cranberries.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes! Swap the Brie for a favorite plant-based cheese—cashew-based soft “brie” styles are excellent—and use maple syrup instead of honey. The result is just as stunning and delicious for plant-based gatherings.
How do I prevent the crostini from getting soggy?
Be sure to let the roasted cranberries cool and thicken slightly so they’re less runny before topping the crostini. Serve the assembled crostini soon after putting them together for maximum crispness and texture.
How far in advance can I assemble the crostini?
The components can be made several hours ahead, but for the very best bite, assemble Crispy Crostini with Balsamic Roasted Cranberries and Creamy Brie right before serving. This way, the bread stays crisp and the cheese perfectly melty.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for that appetizer that wows every time, you’ll love making—and sharing—Crispy Crostini with Balsamic Roasted Cranberries and Creamy Brie. It’s simple, stunning, and packed with flavor in every nibble. Whether you’re celebrating the holidays or just a Tuesday night, give this recipe a spot on your table and watch it disappear!
