Easy Cranberry Brie Crostini

I love making these cranberry brie crostini when I want something elegant yet effortless for entertaining. They’re the perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and crunchy, and they always disappear fast from the table. The combination of warm, melted brie, tart cranberry sauce, and citrusy zest feels festive and cozy at any time of year.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I like that this recipe looks gourmet but takes just minutes to prepare. The toasted baguette gives a satisfying crunch, while the creamy brie melts beautifully under the cranberry sauce. The orange zest adds a bright lift, and the walnuts bring texture and warmth. It’s one of those recipes I reach for during the holidays or any gathering because it’s foolproof and crowd-pleasing.

Ingredients

(Note: All ingredient amounts are listed in the recipe card below.)
1 baguette (I like to use whole grain or sourdough)
olive oil
1 wedge brie cheese
½ cup cranberry sauce
2 tbsp fresh orange zest
¼ cup walnuts, roughly chopped
coarse sea salt
fresh thyme (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F). Slice the baguette into 1–1.5 cm thick slices and arrange them on a baking sheet.
2. Lightly brush each slice with olive oil and sprinkle with a touch of coarse sea salt. Bake for 6–8 minutes, or until the bread is crisp and golden around the edges.
3. Cut the brie into thin slices and place one slice on each toasted baguette round. Return to the oven for 2–3 minutes, just until the brie begins to soften and melt slightly.
4. Spoon a small amount of cranberry sauce over the melted brie on each crostini.
5. Sprinkle fresh orange zest and chopped walnuts over the top for added brightness and crunch.
6. Finish with a few thyme leaves if you’re using them, then serve warm or at room temperature.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes about 20 crostini, depending on baguette size.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes

Variations

• I sometimes drizzle a little honey or balsamic glaze over the top for extra sweetness and depth.
• For a nut-free option, I skip the walnuts or replace them with toasted pumpkin seeds.
• You can swap the cranberry sauce for fig jam, raspberry preserves, or cherry compote for a different twist.
• To make it more savory, I occasionally add a touch of cracked black pepper or a sprinkle of rosemary instead of thyme.
• For a party platter, I like using different cheeses—brie, camembert, or even blue cheese—for variety.

Storage/Reheating

These crostini are best served fresh, but I can make the components ahead of time. The toasted baguette slices can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days. The cranberry sauce and zest can be prepared in advance and kept refrigerated. To serve later, I simply reheat the bread for a few minutes, add the brie and toppings, and warm briefly in the oven.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought cranberry sauce?

Yes! I often use leftover holiday cranberry sauce or even a good-quality jarred version. If it’s too thick, I loosen it slightly with a splash of orange juice.

What type of brie works best?

I like using a soft, mild brie that melts easily. Triple-cream brie is luxurious, but any creamy variety works beautifully.

Can I use another cheese instead of brie?

Absolutely—camembert, goat cheese, or even cream cheese make great substitutes depending on your taste.

How do I prevent the bread from getting soggy?

I make sure to toast the baguette slices until crisp before adding any toppings, and if serving later, I assemble them right before eating.

Can I serve these cold?

Yes, they’re delicious at room temperature. The brie won’t be as melty, but the flavor is still fantastic.

What wine pairs well with these crostini?

I like serving them with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light sparkling wine that balances the richness of the cheese.

Can I make them ahead for a party?

You can toast the bread and prepare the toppings ahead of time, then assemble and warm them just before serving—they’ll taste freshly made.

What can I use instead of orange zest?

A bit of lemon zest or even a drizzle of orange liqueur can give a similar bright note.

How do I toast the walnuts perfectly?

I spread them on a baking sheet and toast at 180°C (350°F) for about 5–7 minutes, shaking halfway through, until fragrant.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes! I replace the brie with a creamy vegan cheese alternative and use maple syrup instead of honey if I want sweetness.

Conclusion

I find these cranberry brie crostini to be one of the easiest yet most elegant appetizers to prepare. The contrast of creamy cheese, tart cranberry, and citrus zest makes every bite exciting. Whether for a cozy dinner, festive celebration, or casual gathering, they’re always a hit and add a touch of effortless sophistication to the table.

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