Save Last December, I watched my sister arrange these little toasts on a white platter, each one glistening with cranberry sauce under the kitchen light. She'd been nervous about hosting her first holiday party, but the moment guests started reaching for seconds, her shoulders relaxed. I borrowed the recipe that night and haven't looked back since. There's something about the contrast—the warm, creamy cheese against the cool, tart cranberries—that feels both festive and effortless.
I made these for a neighbor's open house one winter, and by the time I arrived, the platter was already half empty. Someone asked if I'd catered them. I laughed and admitted I'd toasted the bread that morning while my coffee brewed. The simplicity is the secret—it looks impressive, but you're really just layering a few good ingredients and letting the oven do the work.
Ingredients
- French baguette: Look for a narrow loaf with a crisp crust and airy crumb, it toasts evenly and holds the toppings without getting soggy.
- Olive oil: A light brush on both sides helps the bread turn golden and crisp without tasting greasy.
- Brie cheese: Choose a wheel that's soft to the touch but not runny, it should warm and soften in the oven without melting off the bread.
- Cranberry sauce: Homemade tastes brighter, but a good-quality jarred version works beautifully when you're short on time.
- Fresh rosemary or thyme: A small pinch of chopped herbs adds an earthy note that makes the whole bite feel more composed.
- Toasted pecans or walnuts: These bring a gentle crunch and a hint of sweetness that echoes the cranberries.
- Microgreens or arugula: A few fresh leaves on top add color and a peppery contrast that cuts through the richness.
Instructions
- Toast the Baguette:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F and arrange the baguette slices on a baking sheet. Brush both sides lightly with olive oil, then bake for 6 to 8 minutes, flipping halfway, until they're golden and crisp.
- Warm the Brie:
- Place a slice of Brie on each toasted round and return the baking sheet to the oven for 2 to 3 minutes. The cheese should soften and turn creamy but still hold its shape.
- Add the Cranberry Sauce:
- Spoon 1 to 2 teaspoons of cranberry sauce over the warm Brie on each crostini. The sauce will settle into the cheese and create a pretty contrast.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Sprinkle chopped rosemary or thyme over the top, then finish with toasted pecans and a few microgreens if you like. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Save One Christmas Eve, I set out a platter of these next to a bottle of sparkling wine, and my cousin—who usually skips appetizers—ate four in a row. She said the cranberries reminded her of the sauce her grandmother used to make, and suddenly everyone was swapping stories about holiday tables. It's funny how a small bite can open up a whole conversation.
Making Your Own Cranberry Sauce
If you have fifteen minutes, simmering fresh cranberries with a little sugar and orange juice is worth it. The berries pop and thicken into a glossy sauce that tastes brighter and less sweet than most jarred versions. I like to add a strip of orange zest while it cooks, then fish it out before spooning the sauce onto the crostini.
Cheese Alternatives
Camembert works just as well as Brie and has a slightly earthier flavor. Goat cheese is another option if you want something tangier, though it won't melt quite the same way. I've also used a soft herb-crusted cheese when I found it at the market, and the herbs doubled down on the rosemary in a way that felt very winter.
Serving and Pairing
These crostini look beautiful on a wooden board or a white platter, and they hold up well at room temperature for about an hour. I usually make them just before guests arrive and leave them out while people settle in.
- Sparkling wine or a dry rosé complements the cranberry sweetness without overwhelming the Brie.
- If you're serving a crowd, double the recipe and use two baking sheets to keep the process quick.
- Leftover cranberry sauce keeps in the fridge for a week and tastes wonderful stirred into yogurt or spread on morning toast.
Save Every time I make these, someone asks for the recipe, and I love that it's short enough to recite from memory. They're proof that a few good ingredients and a hot oven can turn into something people remember long after the party ends.
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of cheese works best for this dish?
Brie is ideal due to its creamy texture and mild flavor, but Camembert or goat cheese can be used as substitutes.
- → How should the baguette slices be prepared?
Slices should be brushed with olive oil and baked at 400°F until golden and crisp, about 6–8 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- → Can I make the cranberry sauce from scratch?
Yes, simmer fresh cranberries with sugar and orange juice until thickened for a homemade tangy sauce.
- → What garnishes complement this appetizer?
Chopped toasted pecans or walnuts add crunch, while fresh microgreens or arugula bring a bright, fresh finish.
- → Is it better to serve these warm or at room temperature?
They can be enjoyed either warm to soften the cheese slightly, or at room temperature to preserve texture and flavor balance.