Looking for an easy Holiday appetizer? This festive crostini with cranberry compote and brie is pretty to look at and equally as delicious! Perfect for Christmas parties!
One of the best parts of the Holiday Season is getting to enjoy all kinds of food deliciousness. Wouldn’t you agree?
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. A big shout out to Jo-Anna from A Pretty Life for rounding up our tasty recipes!
Festive Crostini with Cranberry Compote & Brie
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 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 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
Goat’s cheese would work well, too. 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 it a bit healthier? Select a whole-grain or multi-grain baguette to make your crostini instead.
Cranberry Brie Topper Gift Idea
Another idea is making this cranberry compote as a 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!
More Holiday Appetizer Recipes
Festive Crostini with Cranberry Compote and Brie
Looking for an easy Holiday appetizer? This festive crostini with cranberry compote and brie is pretty to look at and equally as delicious! Perfect for Christmas parties!
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
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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.
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Bake for 8-10 minutes until lightly browned, turning halfway through. Set aside to cool.
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Optional- for garlic crostini, rub the cut side of garlic over the top of each toast immediately after removing from oven.
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Meanwhile, in a medium-sized mixing bowl, add cranberries, balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, lemon zest, sugar, honey, rosemary and thyme. Stir until combined.
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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.
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To assemble each crostino, add a thin slice of brie topped with a teaspoon or so of cranberry compote.
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Optional- garnish with a sprig of fresh thyme or rosemary for a festive look.
Pin this cranberry brie crostini recipe for later!
more holiday appetizers to Try
Goat Cheese Log by Barbara of Hodge:Podge
Cranberry Pecan Baked Brie by Christina of The DIY Mommy
Cheese Fondue Appetizer by Jo-Anna of A Pretty Life
Festive Crostini with Cranberry Compote & Brie by Shauna of Satori Design for Living
Stuffed Mushrooms by Dannyelle of Life is a Party
Olive and Cream Cheese Dip by Beth Ann of The Hunted and Gathered
Loaded BLT Dip by Jen of Kitchen Counter Chronicles
Cranberry Baked Brie by Jenn of Clean & Scentsible
Ritz Pizza Crackers by Shannon of AKA Design
Whipped Goat Cheese and Cranberry Jalapeno Crostini by Kristeena of Motherhood in Stilettos
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Have a great day,
Jo-Anna says
This is such a beautiful appetizer Shauna! SO perfect for the holidays…and with the Brie…oh my!
Shauna Oberg says
Thank you! It is pretty festive looking, isn’t it? Love brie :)
Barbara says
Nothing better than cranberries and cheese! This one will be printed up and tried for sure!
Shauna Oberg says
Oh good! Let me know what you think :)