Description
Crisp baguette slices topped with creamy brie and jammy balsamic roasted cranberries, finished with a glossy glaze and fresh thyme. Elegant, festive, and irresistibly balanced with sweet, tart, and savory notes.
Ingredients
- Fresh cranberries: 2 cups, washed and dried
- Balsamic vinegar: 3 tablespoons
- Honey or maple syrup: 2 tablespoons
- French baguette: 1 loaf, sliced into 1/2 inch rounds
- Brie cheese: 8 ounces, sliced
- Olive oil: 2 tablespoons
- Sea salt: 1/4 teaspoon
- Fresh thyme: 1 to 2 teaspoons leaves, plus extra sprigs for garnish
- Balsamic glaze: 2 tablespoons, optional for drizzling
Instructions
- Preheat Your Equipment: Heat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place a second baking sheet aside for the bread.
- Combine Ingredients: In a bowl toss cranberries with balsamic vinegar, honey or maple syrup, and sea salt until coated. Spread evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
- Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: Arrange baguette slices on the second baking sheet and brush both sides lightly with olive oil.
- Assemble the Dish: Roast cranberries for 12 to 15 minutes until softened and just bursting. Toast baguette slices for 6 to 8 minutes until golden and crisp.
- Cook to Perfection: Top each toast with a slice of brie, then spoon warm roasted cranberries over the cheese.
- Finishing Touches: Drizzle lightly with balsamic glaze if using and scatter fresh thyme leaves on top.
- Serve and Enjoy: Transfer to a platter and serve warm for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Make-ahead: Roast cranberries up to 2 days in advance and refrigerate. Warm gently before assembling.
- Slicing tip: Slightly chill brie for clean slices, then let it sit at room temperature for creaminess.
- Extra crunch: Sprinkle chopped toasted pecans or pistachios on top just before serving.
- No glaze on hand: Simmer 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar over low heat until thick and syrupy, then cool.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 crostini
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 140 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
Keywords: cranberry brie crostini, holiday appetizer, balsamic roasted cranberries, easy party bites, festive finger food