Name: Roasted Balsamic Cranberry and Brie Crostini Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 Tablespoons butter (melted); 2 Tablespoons olive oil; 1/2 French baguette (sliced thin); 12 ounces fresh cranberries; 2 Tablespoons balsamic vinegar; 1/2 cup sugar; 1 Tablespoon fresh rosemary; 4 ounces triple cream brie; Optional: fresh thyme, for garnish

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 26 reviews

There is something truly magical about the blend of sweet and tangy flavors with creamy, melted cheese that makes the Roasted Balsamic Cranberry and Brie Crostini Recipe an absolute showstopper for any festive gathering. These little bites offer a colorful and crispy base topped with luscious brie and beautifully roasted balsamic cranberries, creating a harmony of textures and tastes that feel both elegant and comforting. Whether you’re serving them at holiday parties or simply want to wow your friends, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s as delightful to make as it is to eat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A round bowl filled with many bright red cranberries, sprinkled with white granulated sugar and some dark brown spice powder, topped with chopped green herbs in the center, all placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe calls for simple but essential ingredients, each carefully chosen to bring out layers of flavor, texture, and eye-catching color. From the crisp baguette slices to the fragrant rosemary, every element plays a crucial role in creating these stunning crostini.

Butter (2 Tablespoons, melted): Adds richness and helps crisp the baguette slices to golden perfection.
Olive oil (2 Tablespoons): Works alongside the butter to achieve a perfect crispy crust and adds a fruity depth to the base.
French baguette (1/2, sliced thin): Your crunchy canvas for all the delicious toppings to come.
Fresh cranberries (12 ounces): The star ingredient that bursts with tartness and color after roasting.
Balsamic vinegar (2 Tablespoons): Gives the cranberry topping a deep, tangy-sweet complexity.
Sugar (1/2 cup): Balances the tartness of cranberries and vinegar with a touch of sweet caramelization.
Rosemary (1 Tablespoon): A fragrant herbal note that elevates the dish, making it unmistakably festive.
Triple cream brie (4 ounces): The luscious, creamy topping that melts perfectly over the crostini.

How to Make Roasted Balsamic Cranberry and Brie Crostini Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baguette Slices

Start by preheating your oven to 425 degrees, ensuring it’s nice and hot to give your crostini that perfect crunch. In a small bowl, mix melted butter and olive oil thoroughly. Brush this flavorful blend generously on both sides of your thin baguette slices. Lining them up on a baking sheet keeps things tidy and ready for roasting.

Step 2: Mix and Roast the Cranberries

In another bowl, combine fresh cranberries with balsamic vinegar, sugar, and rosemary. This mixture might get a bit sticky, so lining your rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper is a savvy move. Spread the cranberry mixture evenly, and pop them in the oven to roast for five minutes. You’ll use the same oven for your baguettes shortly.

Step 3: Roast Baguette Slices and Finish Cranberries

After the cranberries have roasted for five minutes, add the prepared baguette slices to the oven. Let everything roast together for six more minutes. Then remove the baguette slices, flip them for an even toast, and pop them back in for 4 to 6 minutes until they’re beautifully golden and crisp. At this point, the cranberries should be bursting open, releasing their juicy sweetness. Remove everything from the oven and prepare to bring it all together.

Step 4: Assemble the Crostini

Top each crispy baguette slice with a generous slice of creamy triple cream brie. Then spoon the warm roasted cranberry mixture on top, letting those vibrant colors shine. For a finishing touch, sprinkle some fresh thyme if you have it. Whether served warm or at room temperature, these crostini are a stunning appetizer that captures the essence of holiday cheer.

How to Serve Roasted Balsamic Cranberry and Brie Crostini Recipe

Four small toasted bread slices are placed on a wooden board in a loose row. Each slice has one layer of white creamy cheese spread evenly on top. On the cheese, there is a thick, chunky layer of dark red cranberry sauce with visible whole cranberries, giving a shiny and textured look. Each cranberry topping is decorated with a small green thyme sprig, adding a fresh touch. The wooden board contrasts with the white marbled surface beneath it. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh herbs like thyme or a sprig of rosemary add a beautiful burst of green and a fresh aroma that complements the bold flavors. A light drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt can also elevate your crostini with delicate sweetness or accentuated savory notes.

Side Dishes

This Roasted Balsamic Cranberry and Brie Crostini Recipe pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed with a tart vinaigrette or alongside bowls of hearty winter soups like butternut squash or roasted tomato for a fabulous holiday spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Try arranging your crostini on a long wooden board with fresh rosemary sprigs scattered between for an inviting rustic feel. Alternatively, serve them next to mini ramekins of extra roasted cranberries or chutney for guests to customize their bites. These ideas make your presentation both eye-catching and interactive.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you manage to save any leftovers (which can be tough), keep the components separate. Store the roasted cranberries in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and place the crostini slices in a zip lock bag at room temperature or in the fridge to maintain crispiness.

Freezing

The baguette slices can be frozen before assembling. Toast them lightly, cool completely, and store in a freezer-safe bag. Cranberries are best fresh or refrigerated, as freezing and reheating can alter their texture and flavor.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the crostini slices in a 350-degree oven until crisp again, and warm the roasted cranberries on the stove or microwave. Assemble just before serving to keep the brie from over-melting and maintain the perfect balance of textures.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cranberries for this recipe?

Fresh cranberries yield the best texture and flavor, but if you only have frozen, thaw them completely and drain excess liquid before roasting. This helps avoid sogginess and keeps the topping nicely concentrated.

Is there a substitute for balsamic vinegar?

If you don’t have balsamic vinegar on hand, a combination of red wine vinegar and a touch of honey can mimic the sweetness and acidity well in this recipe.

Can this recipe be made vegan?

Absolutely! Swap the butter for a vegan margarine and use a plant-based brie alternative to keep the rich, creamy texture without dairy.

How far in advance can I prepare the crostini?

You can roast the cranberries up to a day ahead and keep them refrigerated. Toast the baguette slices on the day you plan to serve for maximum crispiness, then assemble just before guests arrive.

What type of bread works best?

A thinly sliced French baguette is ideal for a crispy base that holds toppings well. You could also experiment with rustic sourdough or ciabatta slices, but adjust toasting time accordingly.

Final Thoughts

When you make the Roasted Balsamic Cranberry and Brie Crostini Recipe, you’re not just whipping up an appetizer; you’re creating little bites bursting with warmth, joy, and festive spirit. This dish is easy enough for a quick holiday treat but elegant enough to impress every guest. I can’t wait for you to experience the magic of roasting those cranberries with balsamic vinegar and pairing them with melted brie on crisp crostini. Trust me, this will become your new favorite holiday tradition!