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.

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

Description

These Cranberry Brie Crostini are crisp, buttery baguette slices topped with creamy brie, glossy cranberry sauce, honey, and thyme. A 20-minute, make-ahead Thanksgiving appetizer that’s simple yet elegant — perfect for holiday entertaining and cozy gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

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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Instructions

Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Slice and Toast the Baguette
Arrange baguette slices on the baking sheet. Brush lightly with olive oil or butter, and sprinkle with a pinch of sea salt.
Toast for 7–9 minutes, until golden and crisp at the edges.
Add the Brie
Place one slice of brie on each toasted baguette. Return to the oven for 1–2 minutes, just until the brie softens and glistens — don’t overmelt it.
Top with Cranberry Sauce
Spoon about 1 teaspoon of cranberry sauce onto each warm crostini. If the sauce is thick, warm it slightly to make spreading easier.
Finish and Garnish
Drizzle lightly with honey, sprinkle with thyme leaves, and season with a touch of black pepper.
Serve immediately, or let cool slightly to enjoy at room temperature.
Make-Ahead Option
Toast the baguette slices up to 2 days ahead and store in an airtight container. Assemble and warm the crostini just before serving.

Notes

Flavor Boost: Stir a bit of orange zest into the cranberry sauce for a citrus twist.
Crunch Option: Sprinkle chopped pecans or pistachios before serving for texture.
Make-Ahead Tip: Keep components separate — toast and slice early, assemble fresh.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Appetizer
Method: Bake
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 crostini
Calories: 95 kcal
Sugar: 4 g
Sodium: 85 mg
Fat: 6 g
Carbohydrates: 7 g
Fiber: 0.5 g
Protein: 3 g
Cholesterol: 15 mg