A festive and irresistible appetizer featuring creamy brie, tart cranberries, and crunchy walnuts on a crisp crostini. Perfect for holiday gatherings!
Ingredients
- 1 baguette, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
- 8 oz (225 g) brie cheese, sliced
- 1 cup cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 1/2 cup walnuts, toasted and roughly chopped
- 2 tbsp honey (optional, for drizzling)
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves (optional, for garnish)
- Olive oil, for brushing
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Set oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the crostini: Arrange baguette slices on a baking sheet. Lightly brush each slice with olive oil and toast in the oven for 6–8 minutes, until golden and crisp.
- Layer the toppings: Place a slice of brie on each toasted baguette slice. Return to the oven for 3–4 minutes, until the brie melts slightly.
- Add cranberries: Spoon a dollop of cranberry sauce over the melted brie.
- Finish with walnuts: Sprinkle toasted walnuts on top. Optionally, drizzle with honey and garnish with fresh thyme leaves for added flavor and a festive touch.
- Serve immediately: Arrange on a serving platter and enjoy while warm!
Notes
- To save time, you can opt for store-bought cranberry sauce, or alternatively, prepare it ahead of time to streamline the process.
- For a nutty variation, consider substituting walnuts with pecans or almonds, which also provide a delightful crunch.
- Additionally, this dish pairs beautifully with a sparkling drink like Prosecco or, for a cozier vibe, a warm mulled wine.
Helpful Tips for Cranberry Brie & Walnut Crostini
-
Choose the Right Bread: To ensure the best results, start with a fresh baguette, which works wonderfully for crostini due to its crisp crust and soft interior that toast beautifully. Alternatively, if you’re looking for a slightly tangy flavor, sourdough slices make an excellent option.
-
Pre-Toast the Nuts: To enhance their flavor and achieve a delicious crunch, be sure to toast the walnuts. Simply spread them on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes, or until fragrant. Moreover, keeping a close eye on them prevents burning and ensures perfect results.
-
Use High-Quality Brie: For the richest flavor and texture, choose creamy, high-quality brie. Additionally, opting for double- or triple-cream brie elevates the dish to another level of indulgence.
-
Make It Ahead: To save time when hosting, you can prepare the cranberry sauce and toast the baguette slices in advance. When it’s time to serve, simply assemble the crostini and warm them in the oven for a quick and effortless finish.
-
Customize the Flavor: For a citrusy twist, add a pinch of orange zest to the cranberry sauce. Alternatively, you can replace honey with balsamic glaze for a tangy drizzle. Furthermore, using fig jam or chutney instead of cranberry sauce offers a unique and flavorful variation.
-
Perfect Pairing: These crostini pair beautifully with a variety of drinks. For instance, sparkling wine, Prosecco, or a light red like Pinot Noir enhance the festive mood and complement the flavors perfectly.
-
Serving Warm: To enjoy the best texture and flavor, serve the crostini immediately after warming the brie. The warm brie becomes creamy and luscious, making it easier to eat and visually more appealing for guests.
-
Garnishing for Flair: Add a festive touch by garnishing with fresh thyme or rosemary sprigs for an aromatic boost. Additionally, for a pop of color, sprinkle a few pomegranate arils over the crostini to make them visually stunning.
-
Storage Tips: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. When ready to serve again, reheat the crostini briefly in the oven to revive their texture and bring back their crispness.
-
Crowd-Friendly Tip: For larger gatherings, you can double or even triple the recipe to accommodate your guests. Moreover, arranging the crostini on a festive wooden board adds an eye-catching presentation that’s sure to impress.
Substitutions and Variations
Substitutions:
Brie Cheese:
To achieve a similar creamy texture and flavor, you can opt for Camembert. Alternatively, goat cheese or cream cheese can be used if you’re looking for a tangier option. Moreover, for those following a vegan diet, a plant-based brie or creamy cashew cheese works wonderfully.
Cranberry Sauce:
Instead of cranberry sauce, you could use fig jam, apricot preserves, or even raspberry compote to add a sweet twist. Furthermore, pomegranate jelly or chutney would provide a unique and festive flavor to elevate the dish.
Walnuts:
If walnuts aren’t available, consider replacing them with pecans, almonds, or hazelnuts for a delightful variation in nutty profiles. Additionally, toasted sunflower or pumpkin seeds can serve as an excellent nut-free alternative.
Baguette:
While baguette slices are traditional, sourdough slices, ciabatta, or even crackers make great alternatives. On the other hand, for a gluten-free option, you can use gluten-free bread or rice crackers to maintain the crisp base.
Thyme:
For garnishing, you can switch thyme with rosemary, parsley, or even microgreens to suit your taste. Alternatively, if you prefer a simpler flavor profile, you may choose to omit the herbs altogether.
Variations:
-
Savory-Sweet Combo:
To create a delightful sweet and savory contrast, add a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top. Additionally, for those who enjoy a touch of heat, include a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to give it a subtle kick.
Holiday Flair:
For a festive look, consider adding pomegranate arils to provide a pop of color and tartness. Furthermore, for an elegant holiday presentation, sprinkle the crostini with edible gold dust to elevate its appearance.
Cheese Lover’s Version:
If you’re a fan of bold flavors, try mixing brie with gorgonzola or blue cheese for a stronger taste. Moreover, topping the crostini with shredded Parmesan before baking will give it a crispy, cheesy finish.
Nutritional Boost:
To increase the nutritional value, consider adding a sprinkle of chia or flaxseeds. Additionally, using multigrain or whole wheat bread instead of a baguette will provide extra fiber and a heartier base.
Dessert-Inspired:
Transform this recipe into a dessert crostini by sprinkling the toppings with a touch of cinnamon and sugar. Additionally, add a dollop of mascarpone along with cranberry sauce for a creamy and sweet finish.
Frequently Asked Questions for Cranberry, Brie & Walnut Crostini
1. Can I make the crostini ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the baguette slices by toasting them in advance and storing them in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Assemble the crostini just before serving to keep the texture fresh and the brie warm.
2. How do I keep the brie from sliding off the crostini?
Ensure the brie slices are slightly smaller than the baguette rounds and lay them flat on the toasted bread. The warmth from the oven will soften the cheese just enough to stick but not slide off.
3. Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Yes! Simply use gluten-free baguette slices or crackers as the base. Make sure any other packaged ingredients, like cranberry sauce, are also certified gluten-free.
4. What’s the best way to toast the walnuts?
Spread the walnuts on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes, or until fragrant. Be sure to watch closely, as nuts can burn quickly.
5. Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes, with substitutions! Use a plant-based brie or creamy nut cheese, a vegan-friendly cranberry sauce, and maple syrup instead of honey.
6. How do I store leftovers?
If there are any leftovers, store assembled crostini in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in a low-temperature oven until just warmed through. Note: The texture of the bread may soften slightly after refrigeration.
Print
Cranberry, Brie & Walnut Crostini – Perfect Holiday Appetizer
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 12–15 crostini 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A festive and irresistible appetizer featuring creamy brie, tart cranberries, and crunchy walnuts on a crisp crostini. Perfect for holiday gatherings!
Ingredients
- 1 baguette, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
- 8 oz (225 g) brie cheese, sliced
- 1 cup cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 1/2 cup walnuts, toasted and roughly chopped
- 2 tbsp honey (optional, for drizzling)
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves (optional, for garnish)
- Olive oil, for brushing
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Set oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the crostini: Arrange baguette slices on a baking sheet. Lightly brush each slice with olive oil and toast in the oven for 6–8 minutes, until golden and crisp.
- Layer the toppings: Place a slice of brie on each toasted baguette slice. Return to the oven for 3–4 minutes, until the brie melts slightly.
- Add cranberries: Spoon a dollop of cranberry sauce over the melted brie.
- Finish with walnuts: Sprinkle toasted walnuts on top. Optionally, drizzle with honey and garnish with fresh thyme leaves for added flavor and a festive touch.
- Serve immediately: Arrange on a serving platter and enjoy while warm!
Notes
- To save time, use store-bought cranberry sauce or make it ahead.
- Substitute walnuts with pecans or almonds for a nutty variation.
- Pair with a sparkling drink or mulled wine for the ultimate holiday experience.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Festive/Modern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 crostini
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 140 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
Keywords: Holiday appetizer, brie crostini, cranberry and brie, festive crostini