Description
Crispy Crostini with Balsamic Roasted Cranberries and Creamy Brie is a delightful and elegant appetizer that combines crispy crostini with rich, creamy Brie and sweet, tangy balsamic roasted cranberries. This dish is perfect for holiday gatherings or as a sophisticated snack. The contrast of textures—from the crunch of the crostini to the smooth Brie and tender cranberries—creates a symphony of flavors that will have everyone coming back for more.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 baguette, sliced into 1/2-inch pieces
- Olive oil, for brushing
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 8 oz Brie cheese, sliced
- Fresh rosemary or thyme, for garnish
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Crostini:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush each slice of baguette with olive oil and arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the crostini are golden brown and crisp. - Make the Balsamic Roasted Cranberries:
In a mixing bowl, combine the cranberries, balsamic vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir to coat the cranberries evenly. Spread the cranberry mixture in a single layer on a lined baking sheet and roast in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the cranberries are soft and slightly caramelized. You’ll notice the cranberries begin to burst open as they roast. - Assemble the Crostini:
Place a slice of Brie on each piece of crostini. Spoon a generous amount of balsamic-roasted cranberries over the Brie. Return the crostini to the oven for 3-5 minutes, just long enough for the Brie to soften and slightly melt. - Finish & Serve:
Once the Brie has melted, remove the crostini from the oven. Garnish with fresh rosemary or thyme for an aromatic touch. Serve immediately while the crostini is warm and crispy, and enjoy the beautiful blend of sweet, tangy, and creamy flavors.
Notes
- Make Ahead: You can make the crostini and balsamic-roasted cranberries ahead of time. Simply store the crostini in an airtight container and reheat in the oven before assembling. The cranberries can be stored in the fridge and reheated slightly before serving.
- Alternative Cheeses: While Brie works wonderfully in this recipe, you can also use Camembert, goat cheese, or even a creamy blue cheese for a different flavor profile.
- Cranberries: If you’re using frozen cranberries, make sure to thaw them and drain any excess water before roasting.
- Add Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter touch, increase the amount of honey or maple syrup to taste when roasting the cranberries.
- Garnishing: Fresh rosemary or thyme adds a lovely aromatic finish, but you can also experiment with other herbs like basil or even a sprinkle of crushed pistachios for a bit of crunch.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Baking, Roasting
- Cuisine: American, French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 crostini
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 10mg