🧀 Cranberry Apple Brie Crostini (FoodieMoms Original)

When you want a show-stopping appetizer that’s elegant, festive, and ridiculously easy to make — Cranberry Apple Brie Crostini delivers every time.

Crispy toasted baguette slices are layered with creamy brie, warm cranberry sauce, and thin apple slices, finished with a drizzle of honey and a sprinkle of rosemary. The combination of textures — crisp bread, gooey cheese, and tart-sweet fruit — is perfection.

This appetizer tastes like the holidays in one bite: buttery, tangy, sweet, and savory all at once. Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving, Christmas, or a cozy dinner party, this recipe is guaranteed to impress your guests with minimal effort and maximum flavor.


🍷 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Perfect for holidays or parties
  • Ready in under 20 minutes
  • Looks fancy but easy to make
  • Sweet, savory, and creamy in every bite
  • Pairs beautifully with wine or cocktails

FoodieMoms loves recipes that make entertaining effortless — and this one is a total crowd-pleaser that feels gourmet without being complicated.


🧺 Ingredients

  • 1 baguette, sliced into ½-inch rounds
  • 8 oz (225 g) brie cheese, sliced
  • 1 cup cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought)
  • 1 medium apple (Honeycrisp or Fuji), thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped (plus sprigs for garnish)
  • Pinch of flaky sea salt (optional)

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Preheat the oven.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Toast the baguette slices.
Brush each baguette slice lightly with olive oil on both sides. Place on the baking sheet and bake for 6–8 minutes until lightly golden and crisp.

3. Add the brie.
Top each toasted slice with a piece of brie cheese. Return to the oven for 3–4 minutes, just until the cheese begins to soften and melt slightly.

4. Add cranberry and apple.
Spoon about a teaspoon of cranberry sauce over each brie-topped crostini. Add one or two thin apple slices on top.

5. Drizzle and garnish.
Finish with a drizzle of honey, a sprinkle of chopped rosemary, and a pinch of flaky sea salt if desired.

6. Serve immediately.
Serve warm or at room temperature. Arrange beautifully on a platter with extra rosemary sprigs for that holiday touch.

Cranberry Apple Brie Crostini

A festive, sweet-savory appetizer with creamy brie, cranberry sauce, and crisp apple slices on golden toasted baguette rounds — perfect for holidays or parties.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 16 pieces
Course: Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine: American, Holiday
Calories: 150

Ingredients
  

  • 1 baguette sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
  • 8 oz brie cheese sliced
  • 1 cup cranberry sauce homemade or store-bought
  • 1 apple thinly sliced
  • 2 tbsp honey for drizzling
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp fresh rosemary finely chopped
  • flaky sea salt optional, for topping

Equipment

  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Small saucepan
  • Brush for olive oil

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Brush baguette slices with olive oil and bake for 6–8 minutes until golden.
  3. Top each slice with a piece of brie and bake 3–4 minutes until melted.
  4. Add a spoonful of cranberry sauce and a slice of apple.
  5. Drizzle with honey, sprinkle rosemary, and serve warm.

Notes

Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.

💡 FoodieMoms Tips

  1. Use a creamy, mild brie.
    Choose brie that melts easily — double-cream brie works best.
  2. Toast ahead of time.
    You can toast the baguette slices a few hours in advance. Just assemble and warm before serving.
  3. Homemade cranberry sauce = next level.
    If you have time, make your own cranberry sauce with fresh cranberries, orange zest, and a touch of cinnamon.
  4. Don’t overbake the brie.
    Warm it just until soft — you don’t want it to bubble or brown.
  5. Keep it seasonal.
    Swap the apple for pear or fig in winter, or fresh berries in summer.

🍯 Variations

  • Pear & Brie Crostini: Replace apples with thinly sliced pears and top with a walnut.
  • Prosciutto Twist: Add a slice of prosciutto before baking for a salty-sweet upgrade.
  • Fig Jam Version: Substitute cranberry sauce with fig jam for an earthy, sweet flavor.
  • Nut Crunch: Add toasted pecans or walnuts on top for a delightful crunch.
  • Spiced Honey Drizzle: Mix honey with a pinch of cinnamon or chili flakes for extra warmth or kick.

🥂 Serving Suggestions

  • Wine Pairing: Serve with Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, or sparkling Prosecco.
  • Holiday Boards: Arrange crostini on a charcuterie board with grapes, nuts, and olives.
  • Make It a Trio: Serve alongside other crostini like roasted mushroom or caprese versions for variety.
  • Perfect Starter: Pairs beautifully before a roasted turkey, beef tenderloin, or holiday ham.

🧠 Fun Facts

  • Crostini means “little toasts” in Italian — traditionally served as appetizers topped with cheese, meat, or spreads.
  • Brie originated in France’s Île-de-France region and is often called “The Queen of Cheeses.”
  • Cranberry & brie is a classic flavor pairing — creamy, tart, and festive, especially popular during the holidays.

🧊 Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

  • Make Ahead: Toast the baguette slices and store them in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
  • Assemble Before Serving: Add brie, cranberry, and apple right before heating and serving.
  • Reheat: Warm crostini in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5–6 minutes before serving.

❤️ Why This Crostini Is a FoodieMoms Favorite

  • Looks elegant and festive
  • Takes just 20 minutes from start to finish
  • Perfect blend of creamy, sweet, and tart
  • Works for any gathering — big or small
  • Easy to scale up for a party or down for a cozy evening

This Cranberry Apple Brie Crostini isn’t just an appetizer — it’s a conversation starter. The colors pop, the flavors balance beautifully, and the textures make every bite satisfying.

Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving, a bridal shower, or a wine night, this is one of those recipes that makes you look like a culinary pro — without breaking a sweat.


🔢 Nutrition (Per Serving Approx.)

  • Calories: 150
  • Protein: 5g
  • Fat: 8g
  • Carbs: 14g
  • Sugar: 7g
  • Sodium: 180mg
  • Calcium: 10% DV
  • Iron: 4% DV

Leave a Reply