Cranberry Brie Crostini a Festive Bite of Bliss

Q: Can I make cranberry crostini ahead of time? I'm trying to be organised like Nigella!

While the *elements* can be prepped ahead of time, it's best to assemble and bake the cranberry crostini just before serving. You can toast the baguette slices in advance (a day or two) and store them in an airtight container. The cranberry sauce can also be made a few days ahead. However, assembled crostini will get soggy, so build them right before popping them in the oven.

Cranberry Crostini Recipe A Festive Bite of Bliss

By Lucas BennettSeptember 19, 2025

4.25 (8 Ratings)

Table of Contents

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook: Fancy a Festive Bite?

Ever wondered what Mary Berry would serve at her Christmas party? Bet you a quid it involves cheese and something fruity! Our cranberry crostini is just the ticket a scrumptious mix of creamy, tangy, and crunchy that’ll have everyone reaching for seconds! Seriously.

Brief Overview: A Touch of Class, Easy Peasy!

Crostini, meaning "little toasts" in Italian, are traditionally simple appetizers. This recipe is easy peasy. Prep takes about 20 minutes, cooking's 10, and it serves 12-16.

Trust me, even a novice baker can nail this!

Main Benefits: Good for the Soul (and Maybe Your Gut!)

Honestly, the biggest benefit? Pure joy! Okay, right then! Let's get cracking on those . But beyond that, the cranberries offer a boost of antioxidants.

Perfect for a Christmas party appetizer . What makes this holiday crostini special is how it elevates a simple snack into something utterly delicious.

Ingredients: Let's Gather Our Bits and Bobs

So, what do you need for this festive appetizer recipe ? Nothing too fancy, I promise!

One baguette
Olive oil
Salt and pepper
Brie cheese
Cranberry sauce
Pecans
Rosemary
Honey

How to Make Cranberry Crostini: step-by-step

Toast Those Baguettes: The Foundation of Flavour

First, slice your baguette. Then, brush with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and bake at 375° F ( 190° C) for 8- 10 minutes . Don't let 'em burn!

Brie lliant Addition: Melty Goodness

Top each toasted slice with brie and bake again for 2- 3 minutes . Watch it melt, brie and cranberry are great together.

Cranberry Magic: The Star of the Show

Remove from the oven and spoon on that gorgeous cranberry sauce!

Finishing Touches: A Sprinkle of Joy

Finally, sprinkle with pecans, garnish with rosemary, and drizzle with honey. Serve immediately and watch them disappear! You can make them with Cranberry crostini with pecans.

Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Crostini

Okay, here's where I spill the tea. Don't skip toasting the bread. It makes a world of difference. Remove the rind from the brie before slicing.

And homemade cranberry brie crostini are even better!

Ingredients & Equipment for the Best Cranberry Crostini

Alright, let's get cracking! We're diving into the cranberry crostini recipe. Think holiday crostini bliss. Oh my gosh, these are going to be amazing!

Main Ingredients

1 baguette, sliced into ½-inch thick rounds (about 250g / 9 oz )
2 tablespoons olive oil ( 30 ml )
Salt and pepper (to taste)
8 ounces brie cheese, rind removed, thinly sliced (around 225g )
1 cup cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought) (about 250g )
1/4 cup chopped pecans, toasted (about 30g ), optional
Fresh rosemary sprigs (optional)
Honey, for drizzling (optional)

For the cranberry sauce, whole berry cranberry sauce is the way to go. Honestly, the texture makes all the difference.

Quality brie matters too! Look for creamy, not too firm. These toasted baguette appetizers will taste so good!

Seasoning Notes

Essential spice combinations? Not really! Brie and cranberry is the star. A tiny bit of black pepper wakes everything up.

For flavour enhancers, honey is your friend if you like a touch of sweetness. Aromatics? Rosemary, definitely. Want a quick sub? Use orange zest if you don't have rosemary.

This festive appetizer recipe is so versatile.

Equipment Needed

Baking sheet
Parchment paper (optional, but helps with the washing up!)
Small saucepan (if you're feeling brave and making cranberry sauce)
Cutting board
Knife

Honestly, that's it! I've used a grill pan instead of a baking sheet before. Worked fine! Don't stress too much about fancy equipment for this crostini recipe easy .

These cranberry brie appetizers are perfect for any Christmas do.

**How to Make the Best Cranberry Crostini!**

Oh my gosh, you guys, I'm so excited to share this recipe! Honestly, making cranberry crostini is easier than putting on your favourite pair of slippers.

We're talking about a festive appetizer recipe that will wow everyone. Trust me, I've brought these to countless parties, and they are always the first thing to disappear.

It's all about the brie and cranberry combo a match made in heaven! Plus, they’re so simple; even my Nan, who usually sticks to tea and biscuits, could make them!

Prep Like a Pro

Essential mise en place is key here. Slice your baguette, prep your toppings and you are good to go. First, get that oven preheating to 375° F ( 190° C) .

Then, get your ingredients ready. Time saving tip? Use store-bought cranberry sauce if you're in a rush, but I'm telling you, homemade takes it to another level! It is best if it is a whole berry cranberry brie appetizer .

Okay, right then! Let's get cracking on getting all mise en place to make sure we are a pro!

step-by-step to Crostini Perfection

Slice a baguette into ½-inch rounds.
Brush those babies with olive oil. Season with salt and pepper.
Bake for 8- 10 minutes , until golden and crispy.
Top with sliced brie.
Bake again for 2- 3 minutes until brie is soft.
Spoon over that glorious cranberry sauce.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Bite

Don't skip toasting the baguette. Soggy crostini? No, thank you! Toasting them first prevents this. Want extra flavour? Toast your pecans! It gives them a nutty crunch, perfect for cranberry crostini with pecans .

Common mistake? Overbaking the brie. Watch it carefully we want soft, not melted into-a-puddle brie! I have messed this up so many times.

Also, if you're feeling fancy, a drizzle of honey before serving is amazing! Enjoy your holiday crostini .

Recipe Notes: Let's Talk Crostini, Shall We?

These cranberry crostini aren't just about following a recipe. They're about making something yummy and stress free. Honestly, the best part is how easy they are.

Even I can't mess this one up. And trust me, that's saying something.

Serving Like a Pro

Plating and Presentation Ideas: Okay, right then! Let's get cracking on those serving suggestions. Think rustic chic. Arrange your cranberry brie appetizer prettily on a wooden board.

A few sprigs of rosemary add a touch of festive flair. Or, serve them on a tiered cake stand for a touch of elegance.

Honestly, just make them look good enough to Instagram!

Complementary Sides or Beverages: These bad boys pair brilliantly with a crisp green salad. A light vinaigrette balances the richness.

And for drinks? Bubbles! Prosecco or Champagne works a treat. A light Pinot Noir also hits the spot. Festive appetizer recipe ? Sorted!

Storing Them Like a Boss

Refrigeration Guidelines: If you have leftovers (unlikely!), store the crostini in an airtight container in the fridge. But honestly, they're best eaten fresh. Nobody likes a soggy crostini.

Freezing Options (if applicable): Freezing isn't really recommended. The baguette can get a bit weird. Unless you are aiming at Crostini Recipe Easy , best make them fresh.

Reheating Instructions: If you must reheat, a quick blast in a low oven is best. Don't microwave! It will ruin the texture of the baguette. No one wants that.

Variations: Get Creative!

Dietary Adaptations: Fancy going dairy-free? Swap out the brie for a vegan cashew cream cheese. gluten-free? Use gluten-free baguette slices, easy peasy.

I tried one time a cashew cream, and honestly was a great move.

Seasonal Ingredient Swaps: For a less holiday centric vibe, use fig jam instead of cranberry sauce. It's very sophisticated, you know? Crostini toppings ideas are endless! And I love that.

Nutrition Made Easy

Simplified Nutrition Information: Each crostini clocks in around 150-180 calories . You're also looking at about 5-7g of protein and 8-10g of fat. The sugars come mainly from the cranberry sauce .

Key Health Benefits: The brie offers some calcium and protein. The cranberry crostini with pecans (if you use them) provide healthy fats and antioxidants.

Basically, they're delicious AND (sort of) good for you.

Right then, I reckon you're ready to make some homemade cranberry brie crostini ! Don’t be afraid to experiment and have fun with it. Happy cooking!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make cranberry crostini ahead of time? I'm trying to be organised like Nigella!

While the elements can be prepped ahead of time, it's best to assemble and bake the cranberry crostini just before serving. You can toast the baguette slices in advance (a day or two) and store them in an airtight container. The cranberry sauce can also be made a few days ahead.

However, assembled crostini will get soggy, so build them right before popping them in the oven.

What's the best way to store leftover cranberry crostini?

Honestly, these are best eaten fresh, but if you happen to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Keep in mind the baguette will soften. To reheat, a quick toast in a dry pan may help re-crisp the bread, but it's unlikely to be as good as day one!

I'm not a fan of brie. What else can I use on these cranberry crostini?

No worries, darling! You can absolutely substitute the brie. Goat cheese offers a tangy alternative that pairs wonderfully with cranberry. Cream cheese (even a flavoured one!) will give a slightly different flavour.

For a stronger flavour, try a blue cheese like Stilton, which is traditionally paired with cranberry flavours.

My cranberry sauce is a bit too tart. Any tips for balancing the flavour in these cranberry brie crostini?

A touch of sweetness can balance a tart cranberry sauce perfectly! A drizzle of honey or maple syrup over the crostini after baking can work wonders. You could also stir a bit of sugar or honey directly into the cranberry sauce.

Alternatively, adding something salty, like a sprinkle of sea salt, can enhance the overall flavour profile.

Can I use different nuts for topping the cranberry crostini? I have a nut allergy in my household.

Absolutely! If you have a nut allergy, skip the pecans or substitute them with something else. Toasted pumpkin seeds (pepitas) or sunflower seeds offer a similar crunch. You could also use a sprinkle of flaky sea salt or even some toasted breadcrumbs for a textural contrast.

Always be mindful of cross contamination if preparing for someone with a severe allergy, though.

What are the estimated calories in each cranberry crostini?

Each crostini is estimated to have about 150-180 calories. However, this is just an estimate and can vary. The actual calorie count will depend on the specific ingredients used (especially the sugar content of your cranberry sauce) and the portion sizes of the toppings on each crostini, so this is merely a guide!