Festive Holiday Cranberry Brie (Printable)

A vibrant mix of creamy Brie, tangy cranberries, and toasted baguette, perfect for festive appetizers.

# What You Need:

→ Crostini

01 - 1 French baguette, sliced into 16 thin rounds
02 - 2 tablespoons olive oil

→ Toppings

03 - 7 ounces Brie cheese, sliced
04 - 1 cup cranberry sauce
05 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary or thyme (optional)

→ Garnish

06 - 2 tablespoons chopped toasted pecans or walnuts
07 - Fresh microgreens or arugula

# Directions:

01 - Preheat oven to 400°F. Arrange baguette slices on a baking sheet and brush both sides lightly with olive oil.
02 - Bake for 6 to 8 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crisp. Remove and cool slightly.
03 - Place a slice of Brie on each toasted baguette round. Return to oven for 2 to 3 minutes until Brie softens but does not fully melt.
04 - Spoon 1 to 2 teaspoons of cranberry sauce onto each Brie-topped crostini.
05 - Sprinkle with chopped rosemary or thyme if desired.
06 - Finish with toasted pecans or walnuts and fresh microgreens or arugula. Serve warm or at room temperature.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • The contrast between warm melted Brie and cool tart cranberry sauce creates an unforgettable bite that feels both indulgent and refreshing.
  • It comes together in under half an hour, leaving you free to enjoy your guests instead of being stuck in the kitchen.
  • The presentation looks like you spent hours, but the process is so simple that even last minute party prep feels manageable.
02 -
  • If you overbake the Brie, it will turn rubbery instead of creamy, so watch it closely during those final minutes in the oven.
  • Brushing both sides of the baguette with oil prevents the bottom from staying soft and soggy, which I learned after serving limp crostini at my first attempt.
  • Let the toasted bread cool for a minute before adding the Brie, or the heat will melt it too fast and make assembly messy.
03 -
  • Use a serrated knife to slice the baguette evenly so every piece toasts at the same rate and looks uniform on the platter.
  • If your cranberry sauce is very sweet, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to brighten the flavor and balance the richness of the Brie.
  • For a deeper flavor, toss the nuts in a little honey and sea salt before toasting them, then sprinkle them over the finished crostini.
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