These Brie, Cranberry & Pecan Crostini are the perfect appetizer for the holiday season. During the holidays we have friends and family over regularly for drinks and appetizers, and if I’m invited to a party or gathering I always offer to bring an appetizer. My friends always get the job of being the guinea pigs trying out new appetizer recipes and giving feedback. These Cranberry Crostini were an absolute hit with everyone and the tray disappeared within a matter of minutes. Everyone raved about the combination of creamy brie, tangy cranberries, and crunchy pecans on crispy toasted bread is just irresistible, and I love how it feels both indulgent and festive. If you are looking for an easy to make, flavor packed appetizer to serve during the holidays, I highly recommend giving these cranberry crostini a try.
Table of Contents
Why You Will Love This Cranberry Brie Crostini recipe:
- They are elegant but effortless; they look fancy, but they come together with simple ingredients and minimal prep.
- The warm brie, roasted balsamic cranberries, and crisp bread hit all the cozy seasonal notes.
- They look stunning on a platter next to other holiday appetizers with their jewel-toned cranberries and golden crostini.
- Ready in under 30 minutes, making them ideal when you need a last-minute appetizer for the holiday season.
- You can customize these according to your taste and preferences. See below for some suggestions.
Ingredients You Will Need:
- Fresh Cranberries: Tart, vibrant berries that roast down into a sweet-tart compote.
- Honey: Adds natural sweetness to balance the cranberries’ tang. You can also use maple syrup.
- Balsamic Reduction: The sweet and tangy flavors give depth and richness, enhancing the roasted fruit flavor and making it taste gourmet.
- Spices: The salt and black pepper enhance the flavors and add a subtle hint of warmth and spice.
- Fresh Thyme: I love to chop up fresh thyme for this recipe, but you can also use fresh rosemary if you prefer.
- Baguette: Sliced and toasted until crisp, it provides the perfect crunchy base for all the delicious toppings.
- Brie Cheese: I use a wheel of creamy brie cheese and cut it into slices. It’s creamy, buttery, and mild, and melts beautifully.
- Pecans: Toast your pecans for enhanced, nutty flavor and a delicious crunch on top.
Kitchen Tools You Will Need:
- Cutting Board
- Bread Knife
- Medium Mixing Bowl
- Baking Sheet
- Parchment Paper
How to Make This Cranberry Brie Crostini Recipe:
- Preheat the oven. In a bowl, stir together the cranberries, honey, balsamic vinegar, salt, pepper, and thyme. Transfer the mixture to a baking sheet and place it in the oven until the cranberries are tender and have popped.
- While the cranberries are cooking, arrange the slices of baguette on a baking sheet and place a slice of brie on top of each slice. Transfer to the oven and leave to toast until the cheese has melted.
- Once both the bread and cranberries are done, place a small spoonful of the cranberry mixture on each slice of bread. Drizzle balsamic reduction over each slice, sprinkle with chopped pecans, and garnish with the thyme. Serve warm.
How to Modify:
- Add orange zest or orange juice to the cranberries for a bright, citrusy twist.
- For some holiday warmth, add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cranberry mixture.
- Stir in diced jalapeño before roasting for a sweet–spicy version.
- Replace the brie with goat cheese for a tangier, creamier bite or use camembert for an earthier, ultra-creamy alternative.
Dietary Customizations:
- Gluten-Free: Try using a gluten-free baguette. Schar has a delicious loaf that you can’t even tell is gluten-free.
- Nut-Free: Omitting the pecans or replace them with toasted pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds.
- Low-Sugar: Reduce the sugar by decreasing the honey or using a no-sugar-added honey.
- Dairy-Free: Omit the brie, or use a dairy-free Brie or even a dairy-free cream cheese.
Serving Suggestions:
Whether they’re an appetizer for Thanksgiving Dinner, or any special occasion, this is the perfect appetizer to serve with a holiday appetizer board: Arrange the crostinis alongside Prosciutto, Pear and Gargonzola Bites, Spicy Tuna Wonton Cups, a delicious Fruit Platter, and so much more!
After your appetizers, bring out a Kale and Brussels Sprouts Salad with Creamy Lemon Dressing and finish with Braised Lamb Shanks, Nana’s Sausage Stuffing, and Scalloped Potatoes with Caramelized Fennel and Onions.
Common Questions
Yes! You can make the roasted balsamic cranberries up to 3 days in advance. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge and warm for a couple of minutes over medium heat in a small saucepan before assembling.
It’s best to assemble them right before serving so the bread stays crisp. You can toast the baguette slices ahead of time and store them in an airtight container for 24 hours.
While it is best enjoyed fresh, you can store the components separately. Keep the assembled crostinis in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day; the bread may soften, but it will still taste great. Store the roasted balsamic cranberries in the fridge for 3-4 days, and refrigerate the Brie according to package instructions.
Absolutely! Just use your favorite gluten-free baguette or even gluten-free French bread.
Goat cheese, camembert, or a mild blue cheese work beautifully with the sweet-tart cranberries.
Toast the slices just until golden brown, not deeply browned. When over-toasted, they can get tough after cooling.
More Appetizers You Will Love For the Holidays:
- Caramelized Onion and Brie Puff Pastry Bites
- Whipped Ricotta Dip with Hot Honey
- Crab and Shrimp Dip
- Turkey and Cranberry Meatballs
- Smashed Potato Blinis with Smoked Salmon
- Blue Cheese & Prosciutto Wrapped Pears
If you make this Cranberry Brie Crostini recipe, let me know in the comments section below. I would love to hear what you think or take a photo and tag me (@everylastbite_) on Instagram. I love seeing your photos!
Cranberry, Brie & Pecan Crostini
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh cranberries
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp pepper
- 2 tsp fresh thyme
- ½ baguette cut into 1-inch thick slices
- 1 wheel creamy brie cut into slices.
- 2 tbsp chopped toasted pecans
- 1-2 tbsp balsamic reduction for drizzling
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit
- In a bowl stir together the cranberries, honey, balsamic vinegar, salt, pepper and 1 tsp thyme. Transfer the mixture to a parchment paper lined baking sheet and place in the oven for 15-20 minutes until the cranberries are tender and have popped.
- While the cranberries are cooking arrange the slices of baguette on a baking sheet and place a slice of brie on top of each slice. Transfer the baking sheet to the oven and leave the bread to toast for 10 minutes until the cheese has melted.
- Once both the bread and cranberries are done place a small spoonful of the cranberry mixture on each slice of bread. Drizzle balsamic reduction over each slice, sprinkle with chopped pecans and finely add a few small thyme leaves for garnish. Serve warm.
Tried This Recipe?
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