Save to Pinterest My neighbor once brought these to a New Year's party, and I watched the tray empty in under ten minutes. The combination of warm, soft Brie and tart cranberry sauce on crunchy bread was irresistible. I asked for the recipe on the spot, scribbling notes on a napkin while balancing a glass of champagne. Since then, I've made them for every holiday gathering, and they disappear just as fast.
I made these for my sister's engagement party last winter, arranging them on a wooden board with sprigs of fresh rosemary tucked between the pieces. She pulled me aside later and said they were the highlight of the appetizer table. That moment reminded me how something simple, done well, can make an occasion feel special without any stress.
Ingredients
- French baguette: A day-old baguette actually works better here because it slices cleanly and toasts up extra crisp without burning.
- Olive oil: Brushing both sides gives you that golden, even crunch that holds up under the toppings.
- Brie cheese: Look for a wheel that feels soft when you press it gently, the riper it is, the creamier it melts.
- Cranberry sauce: Homemade tastes brighter and less sweet, but a good jarred sauce works beautifully when time is tight.
- Fresh rosemary or thyme: Just a pinch of herbs cuts through the richness and adds a woodsy, festive note.
- Toasted pecans or walnuts: These add a buttery crunch that makes each bite feel more complete.
- Microgreens or arugula: A small handful on top brings color and a peppery freshness that balances the sweetness.
Instructions
- Toast the baguette slices:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F and arrange the rounds on a baking sheet in a single layer. Brush both sides lightly with olive oil, then bake for 6 to 8 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they turn golden and crisp.
- Melt the Brie:
- Place a thin slice of Brie on each toasted round and return the tray to the oven for 2 to 3 minutes. You want the cheese soft and warm, not fully melted and runny.
- Add the cranberry sauce:
- Spoon about 1 to 2 teaspoons of cranberry sauce over each piece of Brie. The tartness will contrast beautifully with the creamy cheese.
- Garnish and serve:
- Sprinkle with chopped rosemary or thyme, then finish with toasted nuts and a few microgreens if you like. Serve them while still warm, or let them come to room temperature for a softer texture.
Save to Pinterest Last December, I set out a platter of these while wrapping gifts with my mom and aunt. We kept reaching for them between rolls of paper and tangles of ribbon, and somehow the conversation turned deeper, slower, more present. Food like this does that, it gives you a reason to pause and stay in the room a little longer.
Making Your Own Cranberry Sauce
If you have fifteen minutes, simmer a cup of fresh cranberries with a quarter cup of sugar and two tablespoons of orange juice until the berries burst and the mixture thickens. It cools quickly and tastes so much brighter than anything from a can. I like to make it the morning of a party and keep it in the fridge until I am ready to assemble.
Cheese Variations Worth Trying
Camembert works just as well as Brie and has a slightly earthier flavor that some people prefer. Goat cheese is another option, it stays firmer and adds a tangy sharpness that plays nicely with the cranberry. I have also used a soft blue cheese for guests who like something bolder, though it is not for everyone.
Serving and Pairing Ideas
These crostini pair beautifully with sparkling wine, dry rosé, or even a light pinot noir. I have served them on slate boards, vintage platters, and plain white dishes, and they always look elegant. If you are making them for a crowd, double the batch because they vanish faster than you expect.
- Arrange them on a board with clusters of fresh cranberries and herb sprigs for a festive look.
- If serving outdoors, assemble them just before guests arrive so the bread stays crisp.
- Leftover crostini can be stored separately and reassembled the next day, though the bread will soften slightly.
Save to Pinterest This recipe has become one of those quiet traditions I look forward to every year. It is simple, reliable, and always makes people smile.
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of cheese works best for this dish?
Brie cheese is recommended for its creamy texture and mild flavor, but Camembert or goat cheese can be used as alternatives.
- → Can I use store-bought cranberry sauce?
Yes, both homemade and store-bought cranberry sauces work well to add a tangy sweetness to the crostini.
- → How should the baguette be prepared?
Slices of French baguette are brushed with olive oil and baked until golden and crisp to provide a sturdy base.
- → Are there optional garnishes to enhance flavor?
Chopped fresh rosemary or thyme, toasted pecans or walnuts, and fresh microgreens or arugula can be added for extra flavor and texture.
- → What is the best way to serve these crostini?
They can be served warm shortly after baking or at room temperature, making them convenient for gatherings.