20-Minute Cranberry Brie Crostini – Golden, Jammy & Irresistible

Name: Cranberry Brie Crostini
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 French baguette, sliced diagonally into ½-inch pieces; 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter; 8 ounces brie cheese, chilled and sliced; ¾ cup cranberry sauce (homemade or canned); 1 teaspoon orange zest (optional, for brightness); 2 teaspoons honey, for drizzling; 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves; Pinch of sea salt; Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

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There’s something magical about the first bite of a warm cranberry brie crostini — that moment when the creamy brie melts into golden toast and tangy cranberry sauce adds its jammy sparkle on top. It’s a bite that tastes like the holidays — cozy, balanced, and elegant without even trying.

If you’re searching for an easy cranberry brie appetizer that looks fancy but takes just 20 minutes, this one is a total win. It’s the kind of make-ahead recipe that saves your sanity on busy entertaining days — simple ingredients, quick prep, and big flavor that feels right at home on your Thanksgiving table or holiday grazing board.

Overhead view of cranberry brie crostini with thyme and honey on a wooden serving board. — Cranberry Brie Crostini on Wooden Board (Hero Image)

The contrast is what makes it special: buttery crisp baguette, rich brie, sweet-tart cranberry, a drizzle of honey, and fresh thyme to tie it all together. Serve them warm straight from the oven or slightly cooled at room temperature — either way, guests always go back for seconds (and thirds).

💡 If you’re building a full Thanksgiving spread, add these next to your Thanksgiving Dinner Charcuterie Board for a crowd-pleasing mix of sweet and savory bites.

Table of Contents

Why We Love This Recipe

Every good appetizer needs to hit that sweet spot between effortless and impressive, and these cranberry brie crostini absolutely deliver. Here’s why they’re one of my favorite make ahead Thanksgiving appetizers:

Elegant Yet Simple: You only need a few basic ingredients, but they bake up looking like they came from a high-end bistro.
20-Minute Wonder: From slicing the baguette to adding the last drizzle of honey, this comes together in under 20 minutes — perfect for busy holidays.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Toast your crostini and prep your toppings early. Just warm and assemble when it’s time to serve.
Perfect Flavor Balance: You get the crisp toast, buttery cheese, tart cranberries, and sweet honey all in one bite — cozy and sophisticated at the same time.
Versatile for Any Occasion: Serve them at cocktail parties, Friendsgiving gatherings, or even Christmas brunch. They fit everywhere.
Customizable: You can tweak the toppings — add pistachios for crunch, orange zest for brightness, or balsamic glaze for extra depth.

And because they’re small and portable, they’re easy to eat while chatting — no forks, no mess, no stress.

Ingredients & Why They Work

These baked brie crostini with cranberry sauce are built from just a handful of ingredients, each one chosen for flavor, texture, and ease. Here’s what you’ll need and why each part matters:

Ingredients for cranberry brie crostini including baguette, brie, cranberry sauce, honey, and thyme. — Ingredients for Cranberry Brie Crostini (Flat Lay)

1. Baguette (or Small Crusty Loaf)
The foundation of every crostini. Choose a classic French baguette with a firm crust and soft interior — it toasts beautifully without turning rock hard. Slice it diagonally into ½-inch pieces to give more surface for the brie and cranberry topping.

Tip: Slightly stale bread actually toasts better, giving you that perfect crisp bite without crumbling.

2. Brie Cheese
Creamy, mild, and irresistibly rich — brie melts just enough to coat the crostini without becoming runny. Slice it cold so it’s easier to handle, then let it warm gently on the toasted bread.

Use a double-cream brie for a smooth, buttery texture that contrasts beautifully with the tart cranberry sauce.

💡 If you love melty brie, you’ll also adore my Cranberry Brie Bites with Puff Pastry — same cozy flavor combo, different bite-size style.

3. Cranberry Sauce (Homemade or Canned)
This is what gives your crostini with brie and cranberry its bright, jewel-like color and tangy sweetness. You can use leftover homemade sauce or the jellied variety — both work great.

For extra depth, stir in a spoonful of orange zest and a drizzle of maple syrup. It transforms simple cranberry sauce into something glossy and gourmet.

4. Olive Oil or Melted Butter
Brushing the baguette slices before baking ensures a crisp, golden crust with flavor in every bite. Olive oil gives a light, fruity note; butter adds richness — choose your vibe.

5. Fresh Thyme Leaves
These delicate little leaves balance the sweetness with subtle earthiness. Sprinkle them after baking for a pop of color and aroma. Rosemary also works, but thyme keeps the profile bright and clean.

6. Honey (Optional, but Highly Recommended)
A thin drizzle of honey across the finished crostini adds shine and that touch of natural sweetness that rounds everything out. It also helps the thyme cling to the cranberry topping.

7. Pinch of Sea Salt & Black Pepper
Just a touch! Salt enhances the sweetness and ties all the flavors together, while pepper adds a faint warmth that makes the brie and cranberry shine.

Pro Tip: Use a baking sheet lined with parchment so the toasts crisp evenly without over-browning. You’ll want that golden edge with a soft interior — the ideal vehicle for gooey brie and jammy cranberries.

💡 Pair these with a warm seasonal drink or a sweet treat like my Apple Cider Blondies for a festive yet easy entertaining menu.

How to Make Cranberry Brie Crostini

This elegant little appetizer comes together in a few simple steps, yet it feels like something from a cozy wine bar. The goal is golden toast, soft brie, and glossy cranberry — nothing complicated, just perfect timing and texture.

Step 1: Slice and Toast the Baguette

Start with your baguette — fresh or day-old both work great. Using a sharp serrated knife, slice it diagonally into ½-inch pieces. The angle gives each slice more surface area for your toppings and helps create those beautiful golden edges.

Place your slices on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush lightly with olive oil (or melted butter for richer flavor) and sprinkle a pinch of sea salt.

Golden toasted baguette slices on a baking tray. — Toasting Crostini for Cranberry Brie Crostini

Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 7–9 minutes, until they’re just golden around the edges and lightly crisp. You want them firm enough to hold the toppings but still tender in the center.

💡 If you’ve ever made my Maple Pecan Cookie Bars, you’ll recognize that same golden color — it’s the perfect cue for flavor without dryness.

Step 2: Warm the Brie

While your crostini toast, slice your brie into thin pieces about ¼-inch thick. If the brie is too soft, chill it for 10–15 minutes before slicing — cold brie holds its shape better.

Brie cheese softening on toasted crostini inside oven. — Melting Brie for Cranberry Brie Crostini

Once the baguette slices are toasted, remove them from the oven and top each piece with a slice of brie. Return the tray to the oven for 1–2 minutes, just until the edges of the brie begin to soften.

You’re not aiming to melt it completely — the goal is a gentle warmth that makes the cheese creamy and spreadable.

Pro Tip: Don’t leave the brie in too long or it will melt off the bread. Keep a close eye on it — the moment it glistens, it’s ready.

Step 3: Add the Cranberry Sauce

Remove the crostini from the oven and immediately top each warm brie slice with 1 teaspoon of cranberry sauce. Spread it gently so it covers the cheese but doesn’t drip over the sides.

Spoon topping cranberry sauce on warm brie crostini. — Adding Cranberry Sauce to Brie Crostini

If your cranberry sauce feels too thick, warm it slightly in the microwave (10–15 seconds) to make it easier to spoon.

This layer adds both color and flavor contrast — tart, sweet, glossy, and festive. You can use either homemade or canned cranberry sauce; both pair beautifully with brie’s creaminess.

💡 If you’ve got extra cranberry sauce from your Thanksgiving meal, this is one of the easiest ways to turn leftovers into a crowd-pleasing bite.

Step 4: Finish with Thyme and Honey

Now for the best part — the finishing touch. Drizzle a light stream of honey across the crostini for a touch of shine and sweetness. Then, sprinkle fresh thyme leaves over the top.

Honey drizzle and thyme garnish over cranberry brie crostini. — Honey Drizzle Over Cranberry Brie Crostini

The honey balances the cranberry’s tartness and helps the thyme cling to the topping, while the herbs add that perfect holiday aroma.

If you’re serving for a special occasion, a pinch of orange zest over the top gives a bright, fragrant note that guests always notice.

Step 5: Serve Warm or Room Temperature

These baked brie crostini with cranberry sauce taste incredible straight out of the oven, but they’re just as good served at room temperature.

Arrange them on a wooden serving board or a large platter for easy grabbing. The sheen from the honey and the ruby color of the cranberry make them instantly festive.

You can even layer them onto a holiday appetizer board next to roasted nuts, grapes, or cured meats for a beautiful display.

💡 I love pairing these with a fall soup like my Sweet Potato and Butternut Squash Soup — the sweet-savory combo is perfection.

Optional Add-Ons

If you want to level up the flavor (or just play around with variations), try one or two of these:

Chopped Pistachios or Pecans: Add crunch and color.
Hot Honey or Chili Flakes: A tiny bit of heat contrasts beautifully with the creamy brie.
Balsamic Glaze: A drizzle gives tang and extra shine.
Prosciutto: For a salty twist, lay a small strip under the brie.
Cranberry-Orange Sauce: Stir orange zest or a spoonful of marmalade into your cranberry topping for an aromatic upgrade.

Timing Tips

Making ahead: Toast your baguette slices and store them in an airtight container for up to 24 hours.
Day of serving: Warm your brie and cranberry topping just before guests arrive.
Serving for a crowd: Double the batch and arrange in layers on a large tray with parchment between rows.

You can even transport these easily — they hold up beautifully for potlucks or family gatherings.

Make-Ahead & Storage for Cranberry Brie Crostini

These cranberry brie crostini are the perfect example of make ahead Thanksgiving appetizers done right — quick to prep, easy to assemble, and elegant enough for any holiday table. Whether you’re hosting a large dinner or heading to a potluck, these little toasts save time and look impressive with almost no effort.

Toast the Crostini in Advance

You can slice and toast the bread up to two days ahead. Once cooled, store the toasts in an airtight container at room temperature. When you’re ready to serve, pop them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 3–5 minutes to re-crisp.

Pre-toasting the bread ensures your crostini with brie and cranberry stay perfectly crunchy underneath all that creamy, jammy topping. It also means less last-minute oven juggling on Thanksgiving Day — just assemble, warm, and serve.

Prepping the Brie and Cranberry Topping

Slice your brie while it’s cold (it’s easier that way) and store it in the fridge between parchment layers. You can prepare your baked brie crostini with cranberry sauce in stages — toasting the bread and making the cranberry sauce in advance gives you a serious head start.

If using homemade sauce, refrigerate it in a sealed jar for up to three days. Reheat gently before spooning onto the crostini so it spreads easily over the warm brie.

How to Transport for Holiday Parties

These holiday party appetizers (easy and elegant) are made for sharing. To transport, layer assembled crostini in a flat container lined with parchment paper. Keep the honey and thyme separate until just before serving — that final drizzle gives them their glossy, bakery-fresh finish.

💡 If you’re creating a full spread, add these cranberry brie crostini next to my No-Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake Cups for a cozy mix of sweet and savory finger foods that travel beautifully.

Variations on Baked Brie Crostini with Cranberry Sauce

Once you’ve mastered the base recipe, these baked brie crostini with cranberry sauce can easily be customized. Each variation below keeps the buttery crunch of toasted baguette and creamy brie, but adds a unique twist to surprise your guests.

Close-up of cranberry brie crostini showing creamy cheese and cranberry topping. — Cranberry Brie Crostini Close-Up Texture

Cranberry Orange Crostini

Add orange zest or a splash of orange juice to your cranberry sauce for a fresh citrus aroma that complements the buttery brie. It’s a bright and festive flavor perfect for Thanksgiving brunch.

Prosciutto & Thyme Version

Layer thin prosciutto under the brie before baking. The saltiness balances the sweet cranberry topping — transforming simple cranberry brie crostini into an elegant party bite.

Maple Pecan Crunch

Top your crostini with chopped pecans and a drizzle of maple syrup before serving. The crunch adds texture while echoing flavors from your Maple Pecan Cookie Bars for a unified dessert-appetizer pairing.

Sweet-Heat Option

Use a touch of hot honey instead of plain honey. The gentle spice plays perfectly against the creamy cheese and fruity cranberry.

Balsamic Glaze Finish

A light drizzle of balsamic reduction before serving gives the crostini a professional finish — deep flavor, gorgeous shine, and just enough acidity to balance the sweetness.

💡 Mix and match a few variations on one platter. Guests will love choosing their favorite version of these make ahead Thanksgiving appetizers.

Serving & Pairing Ideas

These crostini with brie and cranberry are as versatile as they are delicious. You can serve them warm from the oven or at room temperature; either way, they bring elegance and color to any gathering.

Here’s how to make them stand out:

On a Holiday Board: Arrange your cranberry brie crostini on a wooden board with grapes, candied pecans, and rosemary sprigs.
With Soup: Serve a few crostini alongside warm High Protein Butternut Squash Soup for a cozy fall lunch.
At Parties: Offer them as pass-around bites or part of a grazing table with nuts, fruit, and cured meats.
For Gifting: Layer cooled cranberry brie crostini in parchment-lined boxes for a fun edible holiday gift (best enjoyed within 24 hours).

Their crisp edges, creamy centers, and jewel-toned cranberry topping instantly create that holiday glow — festive, warm, and irresistible.

FAQs About Cranberry Brie Crostini

Can I use canned cranberry sauce for these cranberry brie crostini?

Yes, canned sauce works beautifully! Stir or slightly warm it before topping to make spooning easier.

Can I make these cranberry brie crostini ahead of time?

Absolutely. Prep the components a day in advance, then assemble and warm right before guests arrive. They’re ideal make ahead Thanksgiving appetizers.

How can I keep the crostini crisp?

Toast the bread well and avoid adding cranberry sauce until just before serving. A layer of brie also prevents sogginess.

Can I substitute another cheese?

Brie is classic, but camembert, goat cheese, or even cream cheese blends work too.

Are these holiday party appetizers easy to double?

Definitely! Double all ingredients and bake on two trays. Rotate halfway through for even toasting.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

Warm in a 325°F oven for 4–5 minutes to restore crispness without drying out the brie.

Conclusion

These cranberry brie crostini aren’t just appetizers — they’re a bite-sized celebration of fall flavor. Buttery bread, creamy brie, tart cranberries, and sweet honey create the perfect combination for any festive occasion.

Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving, a holiday cocktail party, or a cozy night in, these holiday party appetizers (easy yet impressive) always disappear fast. They’re the kind of dish that looks elegant but secretly takes almost no time to make.

So this season, skip the stress and serve something simple, golden, and completely irresistible. Your guests will love every warm, jammy bite — and you’ll love how effortless it feels.