Festive Crostini with Cranberry Compote & Brie

Festive crostini with cranberry compote and brie will definitely be a hit at your next holiday get together or dinner party. Pretty to look at and equally as delicious!

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!

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 little get-together or going all out with a big party, this appetizer or canapé must be on your list.

Why? First off, it’s very Christmasy looking with the red and green, and it tastes equally as good. Plus, it can be made in less than 30 minutes from beginning to end using simple ingredients.

Even better, you can prepare everything the day before so you’re not feeling frazzled right before your holiday party. In fact, the cranberry brie topping will keep in the fridge for at least a few days, so even better.

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!)

Makes it a whole lot more interactive and fun when it’s set up this way, don’t you think?

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.

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 baguette instead.

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!

Festive Crostini with Cranberry Compote & Brie

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Festive Crostini with Cranberry Compote and Brie

A delicious and festive appetizer recipe for your next holiday party!

Course Appetizer, Snack

Ingredients

• 1 French baguette
• 2 TB. olive oil
• 2 TB. melted butter
• 1 clove garlic, halved (optional)
• 2 cups cranberries, fresh or frozen (thaw if frozen)
• 2 TB. balsamic vinegar
• 1 tsp. lemon juice, freshly squeezed
• ½ tsp. lemon zest
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup honey
• 1 tsp. fresh rosemary, finely chopped
• ½ tsp. fresh thyme, finely chopped
• 1 small round (250-350 g) brie (double or triple creamed)

Instructions

1. 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.

2. Bake for 8-10 minutes until lightly browned, turning halfway through. Set aside to cool.

3. Optional- for garlic crostini, rub the cut side of garlic over the top of each toast immediately after removing from oven.

4. Meanwhile, in a medium-sized mixing bowl, add cranberries, balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, lemon zest, sugar, honey, rosemary and thyme. Stir until combined.

5. 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.

6. To assemble each crostino, add a thin slice of brie topped with a teaspoon or so of cranberry compote. 

7. Optional- garnish with a sprig of fresh thyme or rosemary for a festive look.

Pin this festive crostini recipe for later!

Ready for more holiday appetizer recipes?

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

Other popular holiday recipes:

• Festive Pomegranate Mojitos
• Mini Gingerbread Bundt Cakes
• Festive Homemade Marshmallows

Have a great day,