Tangy Cranberry Apple Brie Crostini Recipe for Fall Gatherings

Deliciously crisp cranberry apple brie crostini blend sweet and savory notes that dance across your palate with surprising elegance.

Crusty bread becomes a perfect canvas for creamy cheese and vibrant fruit combinations.

Seasonal ingredients spark magical moments at every gathering.

Winter appetizers often feel predictable, but this recipe breaks all expectations.

Soft brie melts into golden toasted bread, creating irresistible texture contrasts.

Mediterranean-inspired techniques transform simple ingredients into something extraordinary.

Each bite promises a delightful culinary adventure you won’t want to miss.

Cookie Pinwheels Flavor Matches

• Pair with Sparkling White Wine: Choose a crisp, light Prosecco or Champagne that cuts through the richness of the Brie and complements the tangy cranberry.
• Complement with Charcuterie Board: Add prosciutto, salami, or sopressata to create a balanced flavor profile that enhances the sweet and savory notes of the crostini.
• Match with Nutty Arugula Salad: Toss arugula with toasted walnuts and a light vinaigrette to provide a peppery, fresh contrast to the warm, creamy appetizer.
• Serve with Spiced Mulled Cider: Warm apple cider infused with cinnamon, cloves, and orange zest mirrors the apple and cranberry flavors while adding a cozy holiday touch.

Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball Twists

• Gluten-Free Option: Replace baguette with gluten-free bread or rice crackers, ensuring crispy texture while accommodating wheat-sensitive guests.
• Vegan Adaptation: Swap Brie with dairy-free cashew cheese or almond-based soft cheese, maintaining creamy consistency and rich flavor profile.
• Low-Sugar Version: Use sugar-free maple syrup or stevia instead of honey, reducing overall sugar content while preserving sweet cranberry topping.
• Nut-Free Alternative: Skip traditional garnishes and replace thyme with chopped parsley, creating safe option for individuals with nut allergies while keeping appetizer exciting and flavorful.

FAQs

• Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can toast the crostini and prepare the cranberry mixture in advance. Store the toasted baguette slices in an airtight container and refrigerate the cranberry mixture. Assemble and warm the crostini just before serving to maintain the best texture and flavor.

• What type of bread works best for crostini?

A French baguette is ideal for this recipe. Its firm texture and crisp crust create the perfect base. Ensure the baguette is fresh and slice it diagonally into thin, even pieces for the best results.

• How do I choose the right Brie for this recipe?

Select a soft, creamy Brie that melts easily. Avoid very aged or extra-firm Brie. Room temperature Brie will melt more smoothly and evenly on the crostini. Trim the rind if you prefer a smoother texture.

• Can I use frozen cranberries?

Yes, frozen cranberries work well. Thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking. They might release more liquid, so cook a bit longer to achieve the desired syrupy consistency.

Crostini That Piles on Brie, Apple, and Cranberry Delight

• Quick and Easy Prep: Whip up these delectable crostini in just a few simple steps, perfect for busy hosts who want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Festive Flavor Explosion: Combine the tangy cranberries, sweet apples, and creamy brie for a mouthwatering holiday appetizer that'll wow your guests with its vibrant taste profile.
• Elegant yet Simple Entertaining: Elevate your party spread with these sophisticated little bites that look like they came from a gourmet restaurant but are surprisingly straightforward to make.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Suitable for holiday gatherings, cocktail parties, or impromptu get-togethers, these crostini appeal to both sophisticated palates and those who love classic flavor combinations.

Pecan Cranberry Cheese Ball Ingredient Guide

• Baguette: Classic French bread for crostini base.
• Brie Cheese: Creamy and soft French cheese.
• Fresh Cranberries: Tart and festive seasonal fruit.
• Apple: Crisp and sweet complementary fruit.

• Olive Oil: Light coating for toasting bread.
• Honey or Maple Syrup: Sweet binding agent for cranberry mixture.
• Salt, Pepper: Basic seasoning for balanced flavor.
• Fresh Thyme or Rosemary: Optional aromatic herb garnish.

• Baking Sheet: Surface for toasting bread.
• Small Saucepan: Vessel for cooking cranberry mixture.

How to Assemble Cranberry Apple Brie Crostini

Step 1: Crisp Up the Bread

Warm your oven to 375°F. Slice a fresh baguette into thin pieces. Drizzle olive oil over each slice, ensuring they’re lightly coated. Arrange slices on a baking sheet and pop into the oven. Toast until edges turn golden and crisp, about 8-10 minutes.

Step 2: Create Cranberry Sauce

Grab a saucepan and toss in fresh cranberries. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Watch as cranberries start to burst and soften. Pour in honey, creating a glossy, sweet-tart sauce. Let the mixture simmer and thicken for 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 3: Melt the Cheese

Pull out the toasted bread slices. Place a generous slice of creamy Brie on each crostini. Return to the oven for 3-4 minutes, allowing the cheese to become wonderfully soft and slightly melted.

Step 4: Layer with Flavor

• Thinly sliced crisp apples
• Warm cranberry sauce
• A light sprinkle of salt
• A dash of black pepper

Step 5: Finishing Touches

Garnish with fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary. Serve immediately while the Brie remains warm and gooey. Watch your guests swoon over these delectable appetizers.

Crostini Tips That Balance Cranberry Apple and Brie

• Slice Bread Carefully: Use a sharp serrated knife to cut baguette into even, thin slices for consistent toasting and elegant presentation.
• Control Cheese Melting: Watch Brie closely during oven time to prevent burning; remove when just softened for perfect creamy texture.
• Balance Sweet and Tart: Adjust honey or maple syrup quantity based on cranberries' natural tartness to achieve ideal flavor harmony.
• Prep Ahead Smartly: Toast crostini and prepare cranberry mixture in advance, then assemble just before serving to maintain crisp bread and warm cheese.
• Choose Apple Wisely: Select crisp, slightly tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp that provide refreshing crunch and complement the rich Brie.

Chill Brie Crostini to Serve Again

• Store cooled crostini in an airtight container for up to 2 days, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Wrap individual crostini tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for maximum 1 month without toppings to maintain crispness.
• Thaw frozen crostini at room temperature, then warm in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes until cheese melts and bread regains crispness.
• Use a toaster oven or air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes to restore crunchiness and warm the Brie without making bread soggy.

Cranberry Apple Brie Crostini Recipe

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4.6 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Cranberry apple brie crostini brings festive elegance to holiday appetizers, blending sweet and tangy flavors. Crisp baguette slices topped with creamy brie, caramelized apples, and zesty cranberry sauce create an irresistible bite you’ll crave at every gathering.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cheese and Protein:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) brie cheese, cut into small pieces or wedges

Bread Base:

• 1 baguette, sliced into 1/2-inch thick slices
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Fruits and Optional Garnish:

• 1/2 cup fresh cranberries
• 1 apple (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), thinly sliced
• 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional, for sweetness)
• Fresh thyme or rosemary (optional, for garnish)

Seasoning:

• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Transform crisp baguette slices into golden crostini by preheating the oven to 375°F (190°C) and arranging them on a baking sheet, then delicately brush each slice with olive oil.
2. Allow crostini to bake until they develop a perfect amber crunch, approximately 8-10 minutes.
3. Create a vibrant cranberry compote by gently simmering fresh cranberries in a saucepan, watching them soften and burst with intense color.
4. Enhance the cranberry mixture with a drizzle of honey or maple syrup, stirring until the liquid transforms into a glossy, slightly thickened sauce.
5. Carefully place a creamy slice of Brie atop each toasted crostini, then return to the oven for a brief 3-4 minutes to encourage gentle melting.
6. Artfully arrange thin, crisp apple slices over the softened Brie, creating an elegant visual layer.
7. Generously spoon the warm cranberry compote across each crostini, allowing the deep crimson sauce to cascade over the cheese.
8. Elevate the flavor profile by sprinkling a delicate touch of salt and freshly cracked black pepper.
9. Optional: Garnish with fragrant fresh thyme or rosemary sprigs to add a final aromatic flourish.
10. Serve these sophisticated appetizers immediately, ensuring guests experience the luxurious combination of warm, melted cheese and tangy fruit compote.

Notes

• Experiment with different bread types like sourdough or whole wheat for varied textures and nutritional profiles.
• Select a soft, creamy Brie at room temperature to ensure smooth melting and optimal flavor distribution.
• Slice apples thinly and quickly toss in lemon juice to prevent browning and add a subtle tangy brightness.
• Replace honey with agave nectar or maple syrup for vegan-friendly options, maintaining the sweet and complex flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3.5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg