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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- Allow crostini to bake until they develop a perfect amber crunch, approximately 8-10 minutes.
- Create a vibrant cranberry compote by gently simmering fresh cranberries in a saucepan, watching them soften and burst with intense color.
- Enhance the cranberry mixture with a drizzle of honey or maple syrup, stirring until the liquid transforms into a glossy, slightly thickened sauce.
- 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.
- Artfully arrange thin, crisp apple slices over the softened Brie, creating an elegant visual layer.
- Generously spoon the warm cranberry compote across each crostini, allowing the deep crimson sauce to cascade over the cheese.
- Elevate the flavor profile by sprinkling a delicate touch of salt and freshly cracked black pepper.
- Optional: Garnish with fragrant fresh thyme or rosemary sprigs to add a final aromatic flourish.
- 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