Festive Cranberry Brie Crostini

Festive Cranberry Crostini Recipe Christmas Cheer on a Bite

By Sally ThompsonSeptember 24, 2025

Table of Contents

Let's Talk Cranberry Crostini!

Ever find yourself scrambling for a festive appetizer that looks fancy but is secretly dead easy? Honestly, I used to panic.

Then I discovered the magic of cranberry crostini ! This cranberry brie appetizer is a game changer.

These little beauties are all about the sweet and tangy contrast. We're talking creamy brie and cranberry baguette slices, toasted to golden perfection. Think sophistication without the stress!

Why This Recipe Rocks

The inspiration for these Christmas crostini came from my Mum. She always had some sort of cranberry sauce appetizer at the ready.

It's got those cozy, holiday appetizer recipes vibes. Plus, brie? Come on. What could be better?

This recipe falls squarely into the easy party appetizers category. It’s fast, simple, and satisfying. This recipe makes about 12-16 crostini perfect for sharing (or not!).

The subtle elegance of a brie crostini recipe will impress!

Health Boost & Occasion

Cranberries are packed with antioxidants, so you can almost justify having seconds (or thirds!). These cranberry appetizer bites are ideal for any festive gathering, from Thanksgiving to a casual drinks party.

These baked brie crostini are special. It's the unexpected combination of textures and flavours that makes them so addictive. The toasted baguette, creamy brie, and sweet tart cranberry sauce… Seriously, try it and tell me I’m wrong!

Ingredients & Equipment for the Best Cranberry Crostini

Alright, lets talk shopping! You know, the part where we gather all the goodies to make these killer cranberry brie appetizer bites. Trust me, nothing complicated here.

Main Ingredients

One baguette, sliced into ½-inch thick rounds (approx. 12-16 slices) (1 baguette). Seriously, a fresh baguette is key. Quality matters for the best brie and cranberry baguette taste.
Two tablespoons olive oil ( 30 ml ). Nothing fancy, just good ol' olive oil.
Four ounces ( 115g ) brie cheese, rind removed, cut into small pieces. Seriously, quality brie makes a difference. Look for a smooth, creamy texture.
Half cup ( 120ml ) prepared cranberry sauce. store-bought or homemade, your call!.
Two tablespoons ( 30 ml ) chopped fresh rosemary (optional, for garnish). Adds a festive touch!.
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste. Seasoning basics!

Quality Brie is King : Honestly, splurge a little on good brie. It makes a huge difference in this brie crostini recipe .

You are looking for that melty, gooey texture that is irresistible. I swear the festive appetizer tastes 100x better.

Seasoning Notes: Flavor Town, Population: You!

Let’s not forget the flavor enhancers.

Essential spice combinations : Rosemary and pepper are your best friends with this Christmas crostini .
Flavor enhancers and aromatics : A touch of salt balances the sweetness of the cranberry.
Quick substitution options : If you're not a rosemary fan, thyme works too!.

Honestly, sometimes I add a tiny pinch of red pepper flakes for a kick. Don't tell anyone. Experiment and find your holiday appetizer recipes style.

Equipment Needed: Keepin' It Simple

Let’s keep it simple with equipment!.

Baking sheet. You probably have one already.
Small saucepan (if making cranberry sauce from scratch).
Chef's knife. For slicing that baguette like a pro.
Cutting board. Don't want to mess up your countertops!.

Common household alternatives : No fancy gadgets needed here. Foil on an oven rack works instead of a sheet. These easy party appetizers are about simplicity, not perfection.

Now, don't be intimidated by fancy recipes. This cranberry sauce appetizer is so easy. My first time making these cranberry appetizer bites , I thought I'd mess it up, but it was a breeze!.

Give these delicious baked brie crostini a try and you'll be hooked!.

Unleash Your Inner Chef: Cranberry Crostini Time!

Right then, let's get cracking on this cranberry crostini recipe! I swear, it's so easy. Even your Aunt Mildred could manage this holiday appetizer recipes , bless her cotton socks.

We're diving into easy party appetizers territory here. These festive appetizers are a surefire hit.

Prep Like a Pro

First, get everything ready. It's called mise en place , fancy, I know. Slice your baguette into about 1/2 inch rounds.

That's about 12-16 slices from a standard baguette. Next, cut the brie into smaller pieces after you remove the rind.

Honestly, the rind can be a bit much sometimes. Oh, and have your cranberry sauce ready. Canned or homemade, dealer's choice.

You will need 1 baguette , 30 ml olive oil , 115g brie cheese , 120ml prepared cranberry sauce , 30 ml chopped fresh rosemary for garnish and salt and pepper .

A little tip? Get the brie out of the fridge about 15 minutes early. It softens up nicely. This will improve the brie crostini recipe and your chances of getting it right.

No one wants rock hard cheese on their cranberry appetizer bites , you know? And remember: ovens are hot. Use oven gloves!

step-by-step to Crostini Heaven

Heat your oven to 375° F ( 190° C) . Get it nice and toasty.
Brush those baguette slices with olive oil. Don't be shy! Sprinkle a little salt and pepper too.
Pop them on a baking sheet and into the oven for 8- 10 minutes . Keep an eye on them like a hawk. You want golden, not charcoal.
Take them out and top each slice with a piece of brie. Yum!
Back in the oven for just 2- 3 minutes . Just until the brie gets all melty and delicious. You will feel like you are doing a baked brie crostini .
Take them out again, and add a spoonful of cranberry sauce appetizer to each. That tartness is key.
Sprinkle with fresh rosemary, if you're feeling fancy, and serve immediately.

Pro Tips for a Perfect Bite

Want to really nail this Christmas crostini ? Don't overbake the crostini! No one likes a burnt brie and cranberry baguette .

If you're feeling adventurous, a little orange zest in the cranberry sauce can be a game changer. It really elevates the festive appetizer .

Also, let the brie come to room temperature before spreading.

Recipe Notes For the Best Festive Appetizer

Right then, let's talk about making these cranberry crostini absolutely perfect! I want your holiday appetizer recipes to be the talk of the town.

Honestly, these are so easy to make and they taste divine. The cranberry brie appetizer is a surefire hit.

Serving Suggestions: Make 'Em Look Good!

Think about how you want to present your Christmas crostini . A rustic wooden board looks amazing. Get some fresh rosemary sprigs and scatter them around.

Honestly, even a simple white plate works wonders. For drinks, Prosecco is always a winner. A nice glass of chilled white wine is another fantastic shout.

These cranberry appetizer bites pair well with so many things.

Storage Tips: Keep 'Em Fresh, Mate!

These are best served fresh, you know? But if you've got leftovers, just pop them in the fridge. Use an airtight container, and they'll keep for a day or two.

Honestly, I don't recommend freezing them. They'll get a bit soggy. When reheating, a low oven ( 300° F ) for a few minutes should do the trick.

Don't microwave them, though. Trust me on this one.

Variations: Mix It Up a Bit!

Fancy a change? Try using goat cheese instead of brie. That brie crostini recipe is amazing as is, but goat cheese adds a tangy twist.

If you're watching your sugar intake, use a sugar-free cranberry sauce. For a festive twist, add some orange zest to the cranberry sauce.

You can easily adapt the brie and cranberry baguette to your needs.

Nutrition Basics: What You're Actually Eating

Each little cranberry sauce appetizer is around 80 calories . You are getting some protein from the brie 3g , a bit of fat 5g , and some carbs 8g .

It’s a nice little treat. Remember, that's just an estimate. The good news is that cranberry sauce is packed with antioxidants.

It's basically a health food... right? Wink, wink!

So, there you have it. A super easy recipe with a few cheeky tips and tricks. These baked brie crostini are a must try.

Get creative, have fun, and remember, cooking should be a laugh! You've got this!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make the cranberry crostini ahead of time? I'm juggling a lot like a circus act already!

You can definitely get a head start! Toast the baguette slices a day ahead and store them in an airtight container. Then, just before serving, top with brie, bake until melted, and add the cranberry sauce. This way, you're not stuck in the kitchen when everyone else is enjoying the party, you clever sausage!

My local shop doesn't have brie. What's a good substitute for the brie in this cranberry crostini recipe?

No brie? Don't fret! Camembert offers a similar creamy texture and mild flavour that works wonderfully. You could also try a soft goat cheese for a tangier twist that complements the cranberry. Just remember to remove the rind from either cheese before using, unless you're particularly fond of it!

The cranberry sauce seems a bit much for me, is there anything else I can add to my cranberry crostini to balance it out?

Absolutely, a little goes a long way. You could add a sprinkle of toasted pecans or walnuts for a nice nutty crunch and flavor that complements both the brie and cranberry. A drizzle of balsamic glaze after assembling the crostini will also add a touch of sweetness and acidity to cut through the richness of the brie.

It'll be posh enough to put on Instagram, I guarantee it!

How long will leftover cranberry crostini keep, and what's the best way to store them? I accidentally made enough to feed a small army!

Leftovers are great, assuming you don't mind slightly soggy crostini! Store any leftover cranberry crostini in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The bread will soften, so they're best enjoyed cold or reheated gently in the oven for a few minutes, but be careful the cheese doesn't melt completely.

Honestly, though, they're best fresh - just like a good cup of tea!

Can I use homemade cranberry sauce for the cranberry crostini recipe, or does it have to be store-bought?

Homemade cranberry sauce is absolutely brilliant in this recipe! In fact, it's often even better, as you can adjust the sweetness and tartness to your liking. If using homemade, just ensure it's cooled slightly before adding it to the crostini so it doesn't completely melt the brie.

Consider adding a splash of orange liqueur to your homemade cranberry sauce for that extra something!

What if I need to make a vegan version of these cranberry crostini?

No problem, becoming vegan is becoming more popular by the day. Simply substitute the brie with a good quality vegan brie style cheese. Also, ensure your baguette is vegan friendly (some may contain milk or eggs). These simple swaps will create a delicious appetizer that caters to everyone's dietary needs!