Description
This Crispy Crostini with Balsamic Roasted Cranberries and Creamy Brie is a delightful appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings. Featuring toasted baguette slices topped with softened Brie and sweet-tart roasted cranberries, this elegant recipe combines textures and flavors that are both rustic and refined.
Ingredients
Scale
Bread and Oil
- 1 French baguette, sliced into ½-inch rounds
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Roasted Cranberries
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- â…› teaspoon black pepper
Toppings
- 6 oz Brie cheese, sliced
- Fresh thyme leaves (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare crostini: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the baguette slices on a baking sheet and brush lightly with olive oil on both sides to ensure even crisping. Bake for 8–10 minutes, flipping the slices halfway through, until golden and crisp.
- Roast cranberries: While the crostini bake, combine fresh cranberries with balsamic vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), salt, and black pepper. Spread this mixture on a small baking sheet and roast in the oven for 10–12 minutes, or until the cranberries burst and the sauce becomes syrupy.
- Assemble and soften Brie: Remove the crostini from the oven and top each with a slice of Brie and a spoonful of the roasted cranberry mixture. Return the crostini to the oven for 2–3 minutes, just until the Brie softens but does not fully melt.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from the oven and garnish each crostini with fresh thyme leaves if desired. Serve warm for optimal flavor and texture.
Notes
- This appetizer is perfect for holiday gatherings and special occasions.
- For a quicker alternative, substitute the roasted cranberries with store-bought cranberry sauce mixed with a splash of balsamic vinegar.
- Fresh thyme garnish adds an aromatic touch but can be omitted if unavailable.
