Festive Crostini with Cranberry Compote & Brie
Looking for an easy holiday appetizer that wows? This festive crostini with cranberry compote and brie is totally scrumptious. Lovely for Christmas parties!
One of the best parts of the holiday season is indulging in all kinds of food deliciousness. If you’re putting your hand up saying, Yes, yeeees!, then today’s post is definitely for you. Not only will you see how easy it is to whip up these festive crostini with cranberry compote and brie, but you’ll also get the recipes for 9 other holiday appetizer ideas from some of my friends.
Cranberry Brie Crostini
During the Christmas season, I’m all about easy entertaining ideas. With so much to do, who has time for recipes that take hours upon hours to make with complicated ingredients?! Whether you’re hosting a small get-together or going all out with a larger party, this appetizer or canapé must be on your list.
Why? First off, it’s very Christmasy looking with the red and green. Secondly, it’s loaded with flavour. Plus, it can be made in less than 30 minutes from beginning to end using simple ingredients.
Make-Ahead Holiday Appetizer
Even better, you can prepare everything for your holiday crostini the day before so you’re not feeling frazzled right before your party or get-together. In fact, the cranberry brie topping will keep in the fridge for at least a few days, so even better.
As well, prepare the toasted baguette slices (aka homemade crostini) the day before or in the morning. Store in an airtight container on the counter until just before serving.
Holiday Crostini Bar
As an option, skip the assembly part and let guests make their own. Simply set up a little crostini bar with the mini toasts, brie cheese and a jar of the homemade cranberry compote.
I used my rustic wood board and cheese knife, but a large platter would work just as well. (Although, these boards are pretty fab, don’t you think? Maybe pick one up as an early Christmas gift to yourself!)
It makes it a whole lot more interactive and fun when it’s set up this way, don’t you think? Guests can customize their crostini to their liking.
I love the crunchiness of the toast along with the earthy, soft cheese and tartness of the cranberries. It’s a delicious flavour combination, for sure.
Crostini Recipe Revisions
Don’t have brie? Pair the crostini and cranberry with goat’s cheese instead. Or, if you’re more of a carnivore, a slice of prociutto along with the cheese and compote would be a nice addition.
Want to make this appetizer a bit healthier? Select a whole-grain or multi-grain baguette to make your crostini instead.
This cranberry compote can also be served with turkey and pork.
Cranberry Brie Topper Gift Idea
Another idea is making this cranberry compote as an edible holiday gift. You could simply gift a jar, or wrap up a wheel of brie cheese along with crostini on a wood serving board (or in a basket). Include a cheese knife and spoon so it’s all ready to go. Perfect for hostess gifts or the foodies in your life!
Ready to try this sweet and savoury toasty treat? I’ll definitely be making a bunch of these festive crostini over the holidays. So yummy!
Other Holiday Appetizer Recipes to Try
Festive Crostini with Cranberry Compote and Brie
Ingredients
- 1 French baguette
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 clove garlic, halved (optional)
- 2 cups cranberries, fresh or frozen (thaw if frozen)
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice, freshly squeezed
- ½ teaspooon lemon zest
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup honey
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- ½ teaspoon fresh thyme, finely chopped
- 1 small round (250-350 g) brie (double or triple creamed)
Instructions
- Heat oven to 425° F. Slice baguette into ½ inch rounds. Mix olive oil and butter, and lightly brush each side of bread. Place on a lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes until lightly browned, turning halfway through. Set aside to cool.
- Optional- for garlic crostini, rub the cut side of garlic over the top of each toast immediately after removing from oven.
- Meanwhile, in a medium-sized mixing bowl, add cranberries, balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, lemon zest, sugar, honey, rosemary and thyme. Stir until combined.
- Pour mixture into a shallow oven-proof dish, spread into a single layer, and bake for 15-20 minutes until cranberries burst open and liquid is syrupy (carefully shake pan back and forth halfway through to turn cranberries). Allow to cool.
- To assemble each crostino, add a thin slice of brie topped with a teaspoon or so of cranberry compote.
- Optional- garnish with a sprig of fresh thyme or rosemary for a festive look.
Notes
- Store crostini in an airtight container or bag up to one week at room temperature.
- Store compote in an airtight container up to two weeks in the refrigerator.
Leftover Cranberries?
Make these cranberry spice sconces or cranberry orange muffins. They’re both tasty ways to use up cranberries, fresh or frozen.
Be sure to pin this cranberry brie crostini recipe for later!
More Delicious Holiday Appetizers
Now, check out these delicious recipes from my blogger friends. Which recipe do you want to try first?
Goat Cheese Log by Markova Design
Cranberry Pecan Baked Brie by The DIY Mommy
Cheese Fondue Appetizer by A Pretty Life
Festive Crostini with Cranberry Compote & Brie by Satori Design for Living
Stuffed Mushrooms Life is a Party
Olive and Cream Cheese Dip by The Hunted and Gathered
Loaded BLT Dip by Kitchen Counter Chronicles
Cranberry Baked Brie by Clean & Scentsible
Ritz Pizza Crackers by Home Made Lovely
Whipped Goat Cheese and Cranberry Jalapeno Crostini by Motherhood in Stilettos
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Have a great day,
This cranberry and brie appetizer recipe was originally published November 2017 and updated with new details and photos November 2022.
This is such a beautiful appetizer Shauna! SO perfect for the holidays…and with the Brie…oh my!
Thank you! It is pretty festive looking, isn’t it? Love brie :)
Nothing better than cranberries and cheese! This one will be printed up and tried for sure!
Oh good! Let me know what you think :)