Name: Balsamic Roasted Cranberry and Brie Crostini
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons melted butter; 2 tablespoons olive oil; ½ French baguette, sliced thinly; 12 ounces fresh cranberries; 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar; ½ cup sugar; 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped; 4 ounces triple cream brie, sliced; Fresh thyme (optional, for garnish)

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These Balsamic Roasted Cranberry and Brie Crostini are my favorite holiday appetizer—elegant, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. The tart cranberries roasted with balsamic and rosemary create the perfect contrast to the creamy, melty brie. Paired with crisp, golden baguette slices, each bite feels festive and rich without being overly heavy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this crostini because it hits every note: sweet, tart, savory, creamy, and crispy. It looks beautiful on a platter and tastes even better. It’s ideal for holiday parties, but I also make it anytime I want an impressive appetizer with minimal effort. The brie melts gently into the toasted bread, and the warm cranberry topping brings it all together with a bold burst of flavor.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 tablespoons melted butter
2 tablespoons olive oil
½ French baguette, sliced thinly
12 ounces fresh cranberries
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
½ cup sugar
1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
4 ounces triple cream brie, sliced
Fresh thyme (optional, for garnish)

Directions

I preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
In a small bowl, I mix the melted butter and olive oil, then brush both sides of each baguette slice. I arrange them on a baking sheet.
In another bowl, I combine the cranberries, balsamic vinegar, sugar, and rosemary. I spread them in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
I roast the cranberries for 5 minutes first. Then I add the tray of baguette slices to the oven and roast for 6 minutes.
I flip the baguette slices and roast for another 4–6 minutes, until they’re golden and crispy.
Once everything is out of the oven, I place a slice of brie on each toasted baguette, then top with a spoonful of the balsamic roasted cranberries.
I garnish with fresh thyme if I have it, and serve the crostini warm or at room temperature.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 20–24 crostini, depending on how thin I slice the baguette. It takes me about 10 minutes to prep and 15 minutes to roast and assemble, so I have it ready in around 25 minutes.

Variations

I sometimes drizzle a bit of honey or maple syrup over the top for added sweetness.
For a more rustic flavor, I swap the brie for goat cheese or ricotta.
If I want a nutty crunch, I sprinkle toasted walnuts or pecans over the cranberries.

storage/reheating

These crostini are best served fresh, but if I have leftovers, I store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, I place them in the oven at 300°F for 5–7 minutes to warm through and re-crisp the bread.

FAQs

Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh?

Fresh cranberries are best for roasting, but if I only have dried, I rehydrate them in warm water or juice and simmer them with the balsamic and sugar until thickened.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, I roast the cranberries and toast the bread a few hours ahead. When I’m ready to serve, I just assemble and warm them briefly if needed.

What type of brie should I use?

I prefer a triple cream brie for its rich texture, but any soft, ripe brie will work well.

Can I serve this cold?

Yes, it still tastes great at room temperature, though I love it most when the cheese is slightly melty.

What’s the best wine to serve with this appetizer?

I usually pair it with a dry white like Sauvignon Blanc or a light red like Pinot Noir—they both complement the tart-sweet cranberries and creamy brie.

Conclusion

Balsamic Roasted Cranberry and Brie Crostini are a must-make for any gathering where I want something that looks beautiful, tastes amazing, and doesn’t take forever to prepare. With just a few simple ingredients and a little oven time, I end up with a festive appetizer that’s as elegant as it is delicious.